Sir Elton John sings praises of aqua fit as he ‘walks six miles a week’ in swimming pool

Sir Elton John has been singing the praises of aqua fit – and says walking in the pool is the ‘best thing he can do’.

The 73-year-old has revealed on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show with Sky on Virgin Radio how it has played a key part in helping him stay fit during lockdown.

Sir Elton – who has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and has had 69 top 40 singles, including 32 top tens and seven number ones in the UK alone – was speaking to Chris to promote his ‘comeback gig’, Dine and Disco 2021, hosted by Chris and Virgin Radio.

The concert, on Saturday 26 June, will be his first live performance after the coronavirus lockdowns and is raising money for the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Sir Elton, whose hits include Tiny Dancer, Your Song and Sacrifice, told Chris: “I have kept myself fairly busy and have used this time to do a lot of exercise and get really fit.

“I have a routine. I get up, have breakfast and go for a walk in the pool.”

Chris replied with: “A bit of aqua fit – I love that.”

Less stress on joints

“It’s for my legs, at my age,” said Sir Elton. “I used to have bad knees but walking in the pool is the best thing I can do.

“I walk sideways and do about six miles a week.”

Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson said she was thrilled to hear Sir Elton was regularly taking part in aquatic activity.

She said: “I’m a big fan of Sir Elton’s music and I’m delighted to hear he’s a big fan of using swimming pools to keep fit.

“He’s like millions of other people who realise the unique physical and mental benefits of being active in the water can bring.

“Water-based activity places less stress on the joints and makes exercise more comfortable and practical than on dry land.

“So many people rely on pools for their only form of exercise due to a range of physical conditions and we will continue to champion the benefits of aquatic activity – and thank Sir Elton for doing the same.”