Weight / Fat loss

+1. I'm a skinny get but I occasionally have some real competition in the fast lane from bigger guys. Underneath the fat some of them are very fit.

Dude, when was the last time you went to a public swimming pool. I can guarantee you'll find all types there. All types. And who gives a fuck what other people think anyway?

Swimming is great for joints, general fitness improvement (as it works everything, basically) and if you don't have much body fat it's a good way to look more toned (I'm lucky enough to get this effect, as I have what you call a 'borderline calorific intake').

BUT if you're looking to lose weight be careful with swimming. There's a lot of research which says it doesn't aid in losing weight, and a some which says swimmers put on weight. This was especially true for people swimming in colder water as it stimulated their appetites more. The research seems to suggest that swimming makes you hungry (and I can vouch for this, definitely) and you risk eating more calories than you have expanded.

I'd second swimming if you have a bad knee. Its lovely on the knees. And you get to have a sauna.
Speaking of which, dooks, you recommended a swimmer near old street yonks ago. I never followed it up at the time. What was it called again?

Ironmonger Row swimming baths. It is a great place for a dip. The Turkish Baths are closed atm for a refurb but the pool is lovely.

Isn't Ironmonger totally closed for the refurb? I've been avoiding it for ages because I thought they were doing the whole thing.