Gabby Logan urges women to take up swimming

London -  British TV presenter Gabby Logan has revealed that the secret of her slim figure is swimming, and has urged women to banish their body hang-ups and take up the sport.

The former gymnast has been revealed as the face of Speedo and models their new Sculpture range, which is designed to nip in waists and flatten stomachs.

It seems the BBC reporter doesn’t need the extra help of the flattering swimsuit - given her enviable figure.

She swims at least twice a week, saying she loves the “tranquility” of the sport as well as the health benefits.

“Swimming is the perfect exercise if you want to feel healthy or to just relax – going for a swim always clears my mind and gives me some valuable ‘me time’ when I need it,” the Daily Mail quoted her as saying.

“I like the tranquility of swimming as I can’t be reached by phone or email,” she said.

As well as doing lengths in the pool, Logan also regularly takes her children, twins Reuben and Lois, seven, along with her.

As the daughter of Welsh international footballer and manager Terry Yorath, Logan grew up in a sporty environment, so she’s exercised from a young age.

But she said it’s never too late for people to get involved in sport - especially if they have been inspired by the London 2012 Olympics - and swimming is one of the easiest sports to take up.

“Swimming is so accessible. There are thousands of sports centres around the country so most people will have one within a few miles of their home so they are easy to get to.

“Go along and ask about adult swimming lessons if you don’t already know how to swim,” she said.

Despite the health and holistic benefits of swimming, research from Speedo found that it's insecurities about their bodies that’s stopping many women from taking up the sport. Over a third of the one thousand women they surveyed said “he way they look in swimwear” was the main reason they were put off. 

More than half (53 percent) said they had almost been reduced to tears while trying on swimwear while 48 percent admitted that they felt too self-conscious to take their children swimming.

Gabby, who is married to former Scotland rugby international Kenny Logan, said she understands these insecurities but she says it shouldn’t put women off swimming - as it can make you fitter and more toned.

“We have all felt the unease about getting into our swimwear, but we should be motivated by the sporting achievements from the last few months to get ourselves a little healthier and to take the plunge,” she said.