A big part of my work is working with people who are trying to build up their endurance. A small portion of the people I've worked with has been physically handicap. Yes, believe it or not, I've worked with amputees, those who have been immune-compromised, and those with degenerative diseases on their bodies. Despite this, all of them have learned to swim. I'm writing this to let people know that people at various levels tend to find swimming therapeutic, fun, and gentle on the body. If you've done things like weightlifting or cross-fit, they tend to tear up your body. Swimming is luckily very light on your joints, but it still challenges your heart and muscles. I had a client say that she hadn't done laps in a pool in years. She was able to complete the simple yet challenging workout I gave her, but its because we started small. If you have physical challenges, try to find a modification that makes the movement more natural to do. I have clients who have been out of the gym for a while and want to get back in shape. In reality, swimming is a solo sport, so start simple and don't get caught up in how fast you are doing a lap. Speed is the last thing to come. Try to realize how something should feel, and make it look pretty before you add the speed. Last but not least, don't give up on yourself during a workout. There are always challenges during an exercise, but if you don't attempt the problem, how will you get stronger? Movements take practice, so continue to practice them before you give up. You create and do your workout, so start with short distances and then work your way up to longer stuff.