Afternoon All!! 

Can’t believe it’s the 2nd of February already!! 2015 is flying by!! 

For over a year now I have been going swimming every Monday at 7.30  with the help from a carer! I have tried so many  exercises but swimming seems to be the best fit! The cool water helps my POTs stay under control and being in the water makes it allot easier to move without putting weight/pressure on my joints! It took me a while to figure out what I can and can’t  do in the water!! But it’s definitely worth trying! Most pools are accessible but always call and check! If you are on DLA you can most probably get a free swimming membership for you and your carer…  Again ring up your pool and inquire! Don’t forget to ask if they have a hoist for those who can’t use the steps to get in and out the pool.. You can also ask for a tour of the facilities before you go for your first swim so you can make sure everything you need is provided! 

About 4 years ago I had hydrotherapy for my EDS at UCL hospital London… The physiotherapist taught me loads of excercises– mainly strengthening ones. My favourite thing to do is to use a pool noodle! It’s a must have for anyone with joint and muscle problems… 



I do an exercise  which you can do even on a really sore day!! If I didn’t have this excercise I would not be able to go swimming! 

There are so many ways to use a noodle and you can workout many different mucles with this simple accessory 

I love to use it for my core mucles! 20-30 minutes of this once or twice a week works wonders and really helps with stability and I found my balance starts getting bad when I stop doing this exercise 

Your local pool should provide noodles… If you are unsure ring them up and ask! If they don’t then ask the manager if they can provide some…. You can also buy them online or in stores like argos and the large super markets.. They tend to start selling them from March till the end of summer… I have always bought mine from my local poundland!! It’s cheap, efficient and I don’t have to feel bad when I leave them in a hotel when I’m on holiday 😄

Once you get that sorted it’s time to go in! Please do take someone in with you for support wether it’s physical or emotional! Also let the life guard know of any health issues that might effect your swim like POTs!  I would also advise you get the go ahead from your doctor before you start swimming!

I always swim in the the small pool which is normally the children’s pool! My swimming pool offeres women’s only sessions at 8am for an hour on Mondays and swim for all every day between 3pm and 4pm! It’s allot quieter at these hours and you can concentrate on your body in the Pool without the pressure from the more advanced swimmers…

Always keep a bottle of water next to the pool and any medication you may need like an asthma pump.. Also buy goggles if you are going to swim… 

Technique! 

When you first enter the water dip your head under the water to get  used to the temperature… Then start stretching! Do what ever stretches you would normally do! Don’t rush take your time! 

So your in the water with your noodle! I use two noodles as its more stable! Walk down the length of the pool till the water is above your waist but under your chin! I always go to where the water stops between my elbow and my shoulder.. You want to be able to touch the ground without tiptoeing and you want to stay next to the pool wall so you can hold it for support. Take your noodle/noodles and make a horseshoe shape then place it under your bum so your sitting on it while holding onto the side of the pool for balance.. You should look like this random cartoon lol 



 Once your sitting you will notice your basically floating with your legs dangling… Try and keep a straight  back and keep your balance by moving your legs…  Engage you CORE MUSCLES! Once you get the hang of it let go of the wall and do it without support! This will really help! Start of with 5 minutes or less and then build it up! I don’t really do over 40 mins!! The days I have a flare up and actually make it to the pool I will only do stretches and this exercise! It’s normal to feel tiered after! 

That’s it!! Let me know how it goes for you or if you have any other tips and tricks. Swimming helps me but it’s different for different people… So give it a try 😊

Peace and love xxx

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