Swim yourself fit

With around 22 per cent of the population taking a regular dip in their local pool, swimming is one of the UK's most popular sports.

If you are finding it hard to stay motivated as the weather changes however, Swimfit, a new initiative from the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), could be what you need.

Swimfit offers personalised training programmes for all levels of ability, an online calorie calculator and discounts and freebies for all levels of ability -including a free swimmimg cap and goggles and half-price admission to ASA events.

The programme will also give you advice on nutrition, how to avoid strains and how swimming can help you overcome injuries or to recover from a heart attack and reduce high blood pressure.

It can also advise on the best weight-loss exercise regimes.

And don't worry if you can't swim, Swimfit can also help you find adults' swimming lessons - even if you are afraid of water. So now you have no excuse.

Swimfit 01509 264 357 www.britishswimming.org/clubs