The Amateur Swimming Association’s (ASA) Swimfit programme has been re-launched at Leisure Industry Week (LIW), being held at the NEC in Birmingham this week.

The web-based exercise programme – which provides more than 30 training sessions and allows members to log their progress in the pool and track distance swum and calories burnt – has been expanded by the introduction of a new poolside unit to provide swimmers with further fitness training support.

The new unit, produced in conjunction with Speedo, will carry programme cards and training equipment, including kickboards and hand paddles, which means Swimfit members will be able to take part in a variety of drills.

ASA commercial director Katie Brazier said the new poolside unit will allow more people to benefit from Swimfit.

“The re-launch is an enhancement of the current Swimfit programme and will provide us with a physical presence on the poolside," she said.

“As the government is putting more resources into building a healthier nation, it is important that we publicise the benefits of fitness swimming and make the Swimfit programme more accessible to the public.”

The ASA hopes to encourage leisure centres across the UK to enroll to the Swimfit programme and is offering special packages for centres to offer the scheme to their members. Details: www.britishswimming.org