>>2048917Lap swimming doesn't have to be technically proficient or rigidly follow proper form. As long as you are going from one end of the pool to the other, and breathing, you are ok, imho. People get hung up on perfect strokes but really breathing is the important part.
The issue with canoeing and kayaking is generally that involves having to have money for a car, equipment, and specialized gear so the cost of entry is fairly high comparatively to swimming.
I lap swim at public pools (pre covid, they let you now but there's a reservation system and that's annoying and the locker rooms are closed and I don't want to come home in wet gear).
Public pools are free and all you need is a swimsuit.
But like in terms of easy fitness you can do until you are REALLY old and frail, I think lap swimming is tops, along with super gentle yoga/meditation stuff.
People get VERY competitive about fitness and that causes some people to just avoid it because some of those who are active can be very aggressive and perfectionist about it.
