Swim away the summer heat!

Whether you are looking to swim yourself fit or simply escape the scortching summer heat, nothing can beat swimming and and a refreshing dip in the cool water

How many of us have splashed cool water on our faces when we’ve needed some soothing refreshment? It is something that comes to us naturally. We, human beings know that water makes us feel better. So, if you are looking out for an activity which can make you feel fresh and at the same time helps you in burning out those gained calories, then swimming is the ultimate option for you.

Whether you are looking to swim yourself fit or simply escape the summer heat, nothing beats a refreshing dip in the open air. Swimming is not just a fun activity which acts as a great stress buster but it is also a perfect fitness outlet which keeps your body fit. And, that’s what is so amazing about a regular swim routine. Unlike the backbreaking activity often involved in other aerobic exercising, swimming feels good.

This is often why people who swim for fitness are less likely to quit working out than those who join a gym. And luckily, Hyderabad has loads of options for front-crawlers and pool-posers alike, with open-air facilities in every corner of the city. From the newly launched king sized swimming pool of Taj Krishna to Park Hyatt’s stunning panoramic outdoor pool to a 27m long pool of Praxis. Here is something that will suit any budget.

Taj Krishna

Taking a dip into the pool is a great way to bust that daily stress, while it is also an excellent workout for all the muscles. So, this summer rejuvenate the body and revive the senses with Taj Krishna. The newly renovated outdoor pool is not only remarkably large but is also equipped with the latest Ozone Technology making it a natural & environment friendly option. The Pool has dramatically scaled proportions, luxurious deck chairs, impeccable unobtrusive service and reveals a storybook experience.

Location: Road No 1, Banjara Hills

Memebership fee: Rs 1 lakh (Single), R 1.5 lakh + 12.36 % tax (Couple) per year

Timings: 6 am to 9 pm

Nizam Club

The Nizam Club was established on September 26, 1884. The club location is considered as heart of the Hyderabad city, which is exactly opposite to Legislative Assembly Hall. Surrounded in 4 acres land, it has two full size swimming pools, one is separate for under 14 age.

Location: Assembly Road, Adarsh Nagar

Membership fee: Rs 2000 (Children), Rs 3000 (Ladies)+ Rs 1000 (Trainer) per month

Timings: 7 am to 9:30 am, 4 pm to 5 pm

Closed on: Tuesday

Pioneer Swimming Academy

They have kickboards to help beginners, and an active lifeguard on duty as well.

Location: Near Shyline Garden, Yapral

Memebership fee: Rs 1200 + Rs 500 (Trainer) per month

Timings: 6 am to 9 am, 4 pm to 8 pm

Closed on: Monday

Oyster Swimming Pool

The lifeguards are well trained, and offers a variety of aquatic programs at Oyster swimming pool. They help a beginner or intermediate swimmer develop a smooth, easy stroke that can be sustained for half an hour or more. These classes are led by trained instructors,

Location: Behind the Pizza Hut (Road No. 12 Circle), Banjara Hills

Memebership fee: Rs 2,500 per month

Timings: For ladies- 6 am to 7am, 2 pm to 3 pm

For general- 7am to 12 noon, 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Indoor Swimming Pool

It’s a 25m long swimming pool at Lower Tank Bund and is maintained to professional swimming standards. Keep your privacy issues at bay with separate timings exclusively for women and a female coach is available too. And once you're done with your work out, recharge with some snacks at the in-house restaurant.

Location: Opp. Vaartha News Paper Building, Lower Tank Bund

Timings: For ladies- 11 am to 12 noon. 2 pm to 4 pm

For general- 6 am to 11 am, 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Praxis Fitness Hub

This hub get your kids along but don't worry about them falling into the deep end of this 27m long pool, with a shallow kids' pool attached to the adults' pool. They also use a special granule water cleansing system instead of harmful chlorine, with the water going through a 24x7 water filtration process.

Location: Opp Honda Activa Showroom, Dr GS Melkote Park, Narayanaguda

Memebership fee: Rs 1800 per month

Timings: For ladies- 10 am to 11 am, 4 pm to 5 pm

For general- 6 am to 10 am, 5 pm to 10 pm

Closed on: Tuesday

Things to remember

• Warm-up- Never get in the water without a bit of warming up. A quick shower and some stretching will do the trick. Just like with any other exercise, you want to begin your swim session with relaxed muscles to prevent injury.
• Control Breathing- Stress causes our bodies to release adrenaline which sometimes results in rapid breathing. The breathing techniques you will learn in swimming will help your body learn to produce the adrenaline needed for a workout without the panicked breathing that impedes your progress and clear thinking.
• Relax Mind- Stress begins in our minds. The pressures of even the most peaceful lives can be weighty at times between work, family and other responsibilities. Working out in general eases stress which is why so many people do work out. But, remember the splash of cool refreshing water on your face? That’s the difference between other work outs and swimming. Being in the water is therapeutic for body and mind. It’s relaxing.
• Cooling Down- Just like our bodies need a warm up before rushing into the peak of a cardio workout, they need a good cool down as well for all the same reasons. From your peak swim rate, slow your laps down and start to do your strokes with less intensity.

Benefits of Swimming

Aerobic Benefits

Swimming is an aerobic form of exercise, meaning that it involves all the major muscle groups of the body and improves cardiovascular health. It helps in increasing the blood circulation and can also increase lung capacity. As any form of aerobic exercise, swimming expends energy and burns calories.

Adult Benefits

As any adult can attest, getting older means understanding gravity better. Swimming means being able to exercise free from the heaviness that seems to accompany age. Jumping in the pool relieves aching ankles or overburdened joints. Because swimming is a non-weight bearing exercise, it is ideal for heavier people. The water supports them and helps keep them from overheating while they exercise.

Physical Benefits

Swimming helps in improving the flexibility and strength. It builds up endurance and increases the muscular flexibility. The heart muscles becomes stronger, rehabilitates muscles and improves the physique.

Social Benefits

It is not just the health benefits swimming is all about but also about fun. A place where you can meet a lot of people and enjoy- even when working hard.

Psychological Benefits

It helps in developing a positive attitude and also, contributes to a feeling of well-being. It teaches an individual to have patience and releases stress and tension.