Skip to main content

    Swim Workout Trackers

    Joint-friendly cardio. Best exercise for 60+.

    Apple Watch (built-in)

    $249+

    Tracks pool + open water swims, laps, strokes, calories. Auto-detects.

    Best overall.

    Garmin Swim 2

    $170

    Pool-only watch. 7-day battery. Simple, focused.

    Best swim-only.

    MySwimPro app

    FREE / $7/mo Pro

    Workouts of the day. Custom plans. Pool + open water.

    Best workout library.

    Speedo Pace Club

    FREE

    Track + share lap times. From Speedo.

    Best free.

    Garmin Connect / Apple Health

    FREE

    Free apps that pair with watches above.

    Best dashboards.

    Why swim for seniors

    • Zero impact on joints — best for arthritis.
    • Full-body cardio + strength.
    • Cool, comfortable in summer.
    • Helps balance (water resistance).
    • Reduces back pain.
    • Almost no injuries.

    Where to swim cheap

    • YMCA — senior membership $30-50/mo. Many free for SilverSneakers.
    • SilverSneakers / Renew Active — included with many Medicare Advantage. FREE Y/gym access.
    • Community pools — usually $3-5 per swim, $50-100/season pass.
    • Senior centers — many have indoor pools, low-cost.
    • Hotel pool — some hotels sell day passes ($10-25).

    Senior-friendly classes

    • Aqua aerobics — guided water exercise. Most YMCAs have.
    • Aqua zumba — fun + good cardio.
    • Arthritis Foundation Aquatics — gentlest, designed for arthritis.
    • Masters Swimming — for serious lap swimmers, all levels welcome.

    Best gear

    Speedo or TYR goggles ($15-25). Speedo Endurance suit ($30-50). Cheap kickboard ($15) +pull buoy ($10) — let you focus on legs OR arms. Total: $80 to outfit. Use 5 years easily.