Whether you prefer the tranquillity of a calm lake or the invigorating rush of waves in the ocean, swimming provides a refreshing escape from the stresses of daily life. Reuters
Whether you prefer the tranquillity of a calm lake or the invigorating rush of waves in the ocean, swimming provides a refreshing escape from the stresses of daily life. Reuters
Whether you prefer the tranquillity of a calm lake or the invigorating rush of waves in the ocean, swimming provides a refreshing escape from the stresses of daily life. Reuters
Whether you prefer the tranquillity of a calm lake or the invigorating rush of waves in the ocean, swimming provides a refreshing escape from the stresses of daily life. Reuters

Take the plunge: Ten reasons why swimming should be your new hobby in 2023


Marwa Hassan
  • English
  • Arabic

Are you looking to improve your health and fitness routine in 2023?

Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon President, Duncan Goodhew MBE, has got you covered.

As an ambassador for swimming, Goodhew has made it his mission to promote the mental and physical rewards that come with practising his favourite sport.

He shared his top ten reasons why swimming should be your new hobby in 2023.

1- Swimming is for everyone

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a complete beginner, swimming is a sport that can be enjoyed by all. With a range of activities available, from intense training to simply splashing around in the water, there’s something for everyone when it comes to swimming.

2- It’s free! (or inexpensive)

Unlike other sports that require expensive equipment or gym memberships, swimming is a relatively inexpensive form of exercise. And if you’re lucky enough to live near a safe swimming spot like a sea, lake, or river, you can indulge in a free dip whenever you like.

3- Swimming helps your mind switch off from the outside world

In the water, you can feel weightless and supported, allowing you to relax and turn off your land/gravity-based response system. Being submerged in water can be an opportunity to either mull over your worries or simply focus on your body moving, providing a mental health benefit.

4- Swimming improves your physical fitness

Swimming is a full-body workout that builds muscular strength, improves mobility, endurance, flexibility, and even has cardiovascular benefits.

Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon President Duncan Goodhew shares 10 reasons why swimming is good for you. PA
Olympic gold medallist and Swimathon President Duncan Goodhew shares 10 reasons why swimming is good for you. PA

5- Swimming is a low-impact sport

Unlike high-impact sports like running, swimming is a low-impact activity that is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. It can also aid in rehabilitation after an injury or operation.

6- Swimming could save your life

Swimming is not just a fun hobby, but it is also a vital life skill. Knowing how to swim and how to stay afloat could be life-saving in a dangerous situation.

7- Endorphins, endorphins, endorphins

Swimming releases endorphins, hormones that make us feel good and reduce stress. This can lead to feelings of happiness and positivity, making it a great stress-busting activity.

8- It’s a social thing

With the rise of outdoor swimming groups, swimming is becoming a more social activity. Joining a swimming group or frequenting a pool or lido could help you meet new like-minded people and make friends.

9- It’s a stress buster

Swimming provides ‘me time’ in the water and can improve overall physical and mental resilience. According to research from Swim England, adults who swim are over 4% happier than non-swimmers and this more than doubles for outdoor swimmers.

10- Swimming helps us sleep

Swimming is a great way to burn energy and increase tiredness, leading to improved sleeping patterns and better-quality sleep.

Not only is swimming an accessible and affordable sport, but it also provides mental and physical health benefits, social opportunities, and a vital life skill. So take the plunge and make swimming a part of your 2023 routine.

Cryopreservation: A timeline
  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
  2. Ovarian tissue surgically removed
  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
MATCH INFO

Iceland 0 England 1 (Sterling pen 90 1)

Man of the match Kari Arnason (Iceland)

RESULTS

6.30pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,200m

Winner Canvassed, Par Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)

7.05pm Meydan Cup – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,810m

Winner Dubai Future, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor

7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Mouheeb, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard

8.15pm Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

9.50pm Meydan Classic – Conditions (TB) $$50,000 (T) 1,400m

Winner Topper Bill, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

9.25pm Dubai Sprint – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,200m

Winner Man Of Promise, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

RESULTS

Women:

55kg brown-black belt: Amal Amjahid (BEL) bt Amanda Monteiro (BRA) via choke
62kg brown-black belt: Bianca Basilio (BRA) bt Ffion Davies (GBR) via referee’s decision (0-0, 2-2 adv)
70kg brown-black belt: Ana Carolina Vieira (BRA) bt Jessica Swanson (USA), 9-0
90kg brown-black belt: Angelica Galvao (USA) bt Marta Szarecka (POL) 8-2

Men:

62kg black belt: Joao Miyao (BRA) bt Wan Ki-chae (KOR), 7-2
69kg black belt: Paulo Miyao (BRA) bt Gianni Grippo (USA), 2-2 (1-0 adv)
77kg black belt: Espen Mathiesen (NOR) bt Jake Mackenzie (CAN)
85kg black belt: Isaque Braz (BRA) bt Faisal Al Ketbi (UAE), 2-0
94kg black belt: Felipe Pena (BRA) bt Adam Wardzinski (POL), 4-0
110kg black belt final: Erberth Santos (BRA) bt Lucio Rodrigues (GBR) via rear naked choke

The Buckingham Murders

Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu

Director: Hansal Mehta

Rating: 4 / 5

RESULT

West Brom 2 Liverpool 2
West Brom: Livermore (79'), Rondón (88' ) 
Liverpool: Ings (4'), Salah (72') 

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO

Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain

Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude

Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE

Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally

Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C600rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C500-4%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.9L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh119%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

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Updated: April 01, 2023, 4:20 PM