Free Swimming in Ammanford

An over 50s group from Ammanford is walking and swimming its way to fitness.

The 'Walk and Swim' group meets weekly at Ammanford Leisure Centre and has gone from strength to strength since it was set up using a £10,000 grant from the Free Swimming Initiative Improvement Fund.

The sessions firstly see the young at heart group embarking on a two to three mile walk around the town.

After raising their body temperature on the walk, the group heads to the swimming pool to cool off with a swim.  Some also take the opportunity to do some aqua aerobics and take advantage of the benefits this gentle form of exercise has on their joints.

Olwen Davies,66, from Tycroes, is a regular of the group and joined after the loss of her husband.  "I wasn't able to swim before joining Walk and Swim but thanks to the help and support of other group members I now can and this has boosted my confidence.

The grandmother, who helps out with TycroesJunior Rugby club , also enjoys the social aspect offered by the group.  Olwen added, "In addition to the health and general well being benefits, we all get on well together and enjoy each other's company.  There is a great team spirit too so we all encourage each other.  I'd recommend it to anyone"

Jo Davies, manager of Ammanford Leisure Centre said: "The fact that the sessions are free means those taking part can stay fit and healthy without it costing them a penny.  As people get older it's important they try and stay active and swimming is a great way to do this, particularly as it is a sport which has low impact on the joints."

The age range of the group is wide with the oldest Bryn Gill being 73.  Bryn was one of the founder members of the group along with Ann Lewis.

Between 15 and 20 people regularly turn up for the sessions which have taken on a life of their own since their inception.  The group takes responsibility for planning the walks and for the effective use they make of their time in the pool.

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