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Olympics swimming tips from Hannah Miley

Swimming is a sport that can seem, on the face of it, difficult to incorporate into your everyday life.

Unlike sports like cycling, running and walking, swimming often means a trip to a local leisure club. That's not to mention time spent changing and showering either side of your swim. Factor all this in and, depending on how long you swim for, it can take you a good couple of hours to take the plunge.

And yet, swimming is an exercise that's really good for you. 

So we asked Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley, who hopes to compete in the 400m individual medley in London 2012, for her top swimming tips.

Swimming tips from Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley

"Swimming does require a lot of preparation," admits Miley. "It's certainly worth trying to set aside a day when you know you have lots of time free to just go and do it. Go and have a look at your local pool timetable and try to work out what times will suit you best.

"You need to set aside maybe a couple of hours, so you're not stressed and cramming it into your day."

Self-confessed water baby Miley regularly swims for between four and five hours in the pool - and manages to fit her studies for a degree in sports science around her swimming training.

But for those of us who don't have that time available for swimming during the day, what does Miley suggest?

Swimming: Olympic athlete Hannah Miley's tips

Miley advises trying a range of different activities in the pool before deciding what works for you. Remember: it doesn't have to be standard swimming.

"There are a lot more activities going on in swimming pools than ever before so work out what best suits you," says Miley. "There are lots of different things you can do in a pool, from aqua aerobics or lane swimming to just splashing around having a bit of fun!"

And if your life is busy and stressful, Miley suggests swimming may be just the tonic.

"Swimming is great to help you relax," she says. "It's just so floaty and free. If you can make some time for it, you will enjoy it."

Improve your swimming: Tips from Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley

Once you've got the hang of swimming, you can focus on getting better - and faster.

"Try to keep your swimming stroke smooth and long. Have a good feel for the water and try to get your body to flow through it," advises Miley.

If there's a swimming stroke you don't feel confident with, Miley suggests paying it particular focus.

"One stroke I wasn't very good at was breaststroke," she says. "It was my weakest stroke. So I really focused on it and watched lots of videos of people swimming to try to help me improve. There are loads of books out there on swimming. I'd suggest you talk to local swimmers or coaches and read up to help you improve."