Swimming Pools in Brussels

The benefits of swimming on your health

Whatever age you are, swimming is a sport that will have a positive influence on both your physical and mental wellbeing. The health benefits of regular swimming – that is to say a session of 30 minutes and three times a week, at least – are huge and important. It includes a lower blood pressure, the relief of chronic pain, less anxiety, but also a better mood in general and an easiness to sleep. Finally, it will also help you build strong and toned muscles or lose weight if that's your goal. That explains why it recommended as soon as you're a child (babies from the age of 6 months can swim) and until your old days.

Regarding the kind of swimming practice you have, you can burn up to 435 calories in only thirty minutes. This is a quick calculation based on an individual whose weight would be around 60kg and who would use the butterfly stroke during at least half an hour. Of course, there are many other factors to consider such as the age, the usual workout (people with more muscle burn more calories than the others), the stroke, and so on. For example, crawl burn more calories than breaststroke or backstroke. It is then a high intensity workout with all the benefits of cardio exercises without endangering your joints. Still, do not forget to stretch after each session.

Other practices

You really like the feeling of being in the water? If going back and forth of the pool is not the type of exercise you like, you may want to try other kinds of sports that still imply swimming. Check out the lessons given at your local swimming pool. It may include competitions such as water polo or synchronised swimming (this last one is very demanding). More often, people choose to participate in easy-to-follow lessons such as aquagym classes and its multiple variations : with additional weights, with a bike and even dancing (in the case, of aquazumba). For those fitness activities, there is a schedule so that it doesn't disturb swimmers in their own practice. Visit the centres to subscribe for a membership or for a number of classes (usually 10)

Pools in Brussels and its surroundings

Find other great places where you can train in the city in the list below.

NEW ARCHIMEDE - Ixelles: This private pool welcomes beginners as well as confirmed swimmers. They hold special classes such as the "baby swimmers" for children of 3 months or aquagym classess open for elderly people and pregnant women. During the holidays, young people can follow intense training sessions. Avenue d'Italie 5 Tel: 0473 86 92 98.

ESPADON - Brussels: In this swimming pool you can relax or train for competitions. Swimming is the most complete sport activity. It tones your muscles and is a excellent cardiovascular fitness activity. You can also take lessons given by a professional coach. Rue des Champs 71, 1040 Brussels. Tel: 02 640 38 38.