Yoga & Swimming
Time to dip your toes into the water, both in the pool and on the mat
There’s something about summer that makes us want to move differently. Indoor gym sessions suddenly feel less appealing when the sun is shining, instead we’re drawn to movement that feels lighter, freer and a little more joyful. Enter the ultimate warm-weather wellness pairing: swimming and yoga.
Nothing beats a swim in the summer: from paddling pools in the garden to wild adventures in the sea for the brave and hardy, it’s a great way to cool down, feel alive and stay fit. Be sure you are ready for the challenge with a little stretch time on the yoga mat.
At first glance, the two don’t seem especially connected. One happens in water, the other on a mat. One gets your heart racing, the other slows everything down. But together? They’re surprisingly perfect partners, especially in the summer months.
Swimming is one of those rare workouts that feels both energising and calming at the same time. Whether you’re gliding through an outdoor pool, diving into the sea, or squeezing in a few lengths before work, water has a way of instantly cooling the body and clearing the mind. It’s also a full-body workout without the pounding impact of running or HIIT classes in the gym. Your shoulders, core, back, and legs all get stronger while your joints get a break.
The catch? Swimming can leave the body tight in very specific places. Shoulders creep up towards the ears, hips stiffen, and necks start complaining after one too many enthusiastic front-crawl sessions. That’s where yoga quietly works its magic.
“A good yoga flow can undo everything swimming tightens. Gentle twists release the spine, hip openers create more freedom in your kick, and chest-opening poses help counteract all that forward motion in the water.”
A good yoga flow can undo everything swimming tightens. Gentle twists release the spine, hip openers create more freedom in your kick, and chest-opening poses help counteract all that forward motion in the water. Even 10 minutes of stretching after a swim can make your body feel noticeably looser and lighter.
And then there’s the breath. Both yoga and swimming revolve around learning how to breathe well. In swimming, your breath becomes rhythmic and controlled; in yoga, it becomes deeper and more conscious. The more comfortable you become with steady breathing on the mat, the calmer and more efficient you often feel in the water too. Suddenly, you’re not fighting for breath halfway through a length, you’re moving with it.
In the summertime, it’s the perfect combination. There’s also something wonderfully nostalgic about it all. Morning swims followed by a few stretches in the sunshine. Bare feet on the grass after a dip in the sea. That delicious post-swim tiredness softened by a slow savasana. It taps into the kind of summer we all want more of: less frantic, more connected.
You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy the benefits, either. A gentle yoga class and a relaxed swim can be just as transformative as an intense training schedule. The beauty of both is that they meet you where you are.
So this summer, instead of pushing harder, try pairing movement with mindfulness. Roll out your mat after your next swim and notice how naturally the two fit together. Your shoulders, your nervous system and probably your mood will thank you for it.
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
