Swimming may or may not be appropriate. Swimming, generally, is pretty poor lower-body exercise. Most swimmers have very well-developed upper-body strength, t

Swimming may or may not be appropriate. Swimming, generally, is pretty poor lower-body exercise. Most swimmers have very well-developed upper-body strength, though favouring back and torso generally. Legs get comparatively little workout, though for competitive swimmers starts (diving off the blocks) and turns (kicking off the wall) are periodic explosive strength. Swimming can and does lead to joint problems in many cases, notably shoulders (for most strokes) and knees (breastroke or "frog" kick). The human anatomy isn't really designed for dragging itself through water, and repetitive stress injuries can emerge. The leverage effect of even a small effort exerted at the hand or foot transferred to the elbow/knee or shoulder/hip can be stunningly large. There is the option of "aquasize" or "water walking", which can be useful as rehabilitative exercise or for the morbidly obese. This is water-assisted movement, though, not swimming per se. Mind: so long as you're mindful of limitations, and swimming is both convenient and useful, it's a great exercise and a useful training tool, or goal. But it's possible to hurt yourself in all kinds of ways. A useful rule of thumb is that mild soreness in muscle after exercise is generally OK. Pain in joints or connective tissue is not, and is a strong signal to back off, with total rest for days or weeks often required. (Source: long-time competitive and recreational swimmer, some-time fitness fanatic.)