Swimming to work in the city of London

     Yesterday, I had a chance to visit the centre of world’s business in London’s Canary Wharf. It is full of high buildings, busy businessman, expensive shops and restaurants. But whole complex is interwoven by many canals, which in past used to be one of the busiest docks in the world. Now, they offer niche to reveal and get some fresh air during the lunch breaks. But occasionally, you could see a swimmer crawling through the water. After a while he would climb up the ladder, change his neoprene into a suit and disappear in the darkness of the commercial buildings. An image to be seen only in James Bond movies, but for him it was nothing more than getting out of the bus or tube. For fitness specialists an interesting way how to fit exercise into a busy business day.

      Watching the Olympic triathlon in Hyde Park, someone realized that the same could be done in Thames. Swimming is an effective physical activity – a thing many people simply can’t incorporate into their lifestyles. Most of the day is spent at work and the rest is occupied by travelling. And then it hit the nail. Swimming to work is a short-cut. The idea was further developed by the people from the Y/N studios. Part of the Regent’s canal between Little Venice to Limehouse basin was turned into the LidoLine, a wet commuter network. Before, the canal was used as a freight route for local industry. Now, it gives the Londoners another eco-friendly travel alternative, except of the Boris Bikes. Moreover, it is also beneficial for their health.

    ASA study learned that that it can extend the life expectancy. It is a form of physical exercise that engages all the muscles, but it does not overexpose your joints, because the water supports your body. Also, it was proved with improving the vital capacity of lungs and improves blood circulation, which, however, is valid for any cardiovascular activity. But swimming is unique in boosting the immunity, because of the winterization. Mainly during the cold months, leading up to the ice-hockey season.

     In order to keep the water clean the city authorities will use a filtration system already pioneered in New York’s Hudson River. Actually, these days many New Yorkers are forced to swim even against their will. Basins will be placed into the river. They will provide for cleanliness and also distract he boats. You can get changed into the suit in changing areas with lockers, located at the stations along the river. Also sunbathing decks will be available in summer. In winter the whole route will be changed into an ice-rink. Once I read that the employees at google play in-line hockey. I am curious whether someone will come up with an idea to play ice-hockey. Maybe some business associates from Canada.

     For many swimming to work might sound as a completely crazy idea. Mainly in a city like London. But it is the peculiarity of big cities that offer possibilities that would be considered unusual elsewhere. Moreover this one is environmental friendly and health conscious. At the end of the day, or predecessors were forced to learn to swim in order to overcome natural obstacles while hunting – which was their job. I would like to follow their footsteps. I will definitely try the canal in summer. In winter I would prefer hockey, but I have not seen a stick in any sport shop yet.