Swimming
The full-body option with zero impact.
Zero impact, whole body
Swimming loads the whole body while the water carries your joints, which makes it the LISS pick for anyone managing aches that walking or cycling still aggravate. The breathing rhythm is its own training effect.
Keeping it steady
Technique decides how steady a swim really is. If your stroke falls apart, effort spikes and the session turns into intervals by accident. Slow down, mix strokes, and rest at the wall as long as you need to keep the pace conversational.
Technique first
A calmer stroke keeps the effort honest and the session steady.
Time over distance
Count minutes at an easy effort, not laps at any cost.
Built-in breathwork
The breathing pattern is half the benefit.