Indoor heated pool workouts: Why it's a great way to stay fit and boost your mood during winter

Zain Johnson, standing in for CapeTalk and 702's Africa Melane, speaks to fitness and wellness coach, Liezel van der Westhuizen. 

Listen below:

Winter might be a time where your workout schedule dwindles because colder weather means more time in bed or indoors.

But if you're committed to sticking to your exercise routine, here's why Van der Westhuizen recommends indoor swimming or some aqua aerobics in a heated pool (nope, they're not just for summertime):

• Swimming in warm water can soothe achy joints, especially in colder weather
• Keeps you active indoors
• Water supports the body, which means it can improve flexibility
• Reduces injury risk
• Boosts heart circulation and heart health
• If you're keen to do aqua aerobics, no swimming skills are needed and it's ideal for anyone wanting to get into a fitness routine or recovering from injury

Van der Westhuizen suggests adding indoor workouts to your routine about once or twice a week.

"It's a nice one just to feel comforted in winter when you're too tired to go outside and train."

- Liezel van der Westhuizen, Fitness and Wellness Coach

"It's great for mental health too because you've got to focus on the exercise in front of you and it's giving you that moment to just be present in something... you also learn to laugh at yourself, have a moment away from your phone and be fully present."

- Liezel van der Westhuizen, Fitness and Wellness Coach

If you plan to try indoor swimming, check with your doctor for the go-ahead first.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.