Forcing exercise?

Hi, I wouldn't force her. There are so many ways she can exercise and it's important she enjoys it. If you are concerned about her back, can you maybe ask the orthopaedic surgeon if there are other ways to exercise that might be suitable? I think forcing her to go is just going to make her hate it and want to go even less. If you take off the pressure, maybe she'll want to go with you again eventually. 

I think it is good though when parents set a good example in terms of exercising (which you are doing by going swimming yourself regularly)- I wish I had been encouraged a bit more growing up- I did do lots of horse riding, but I wasn't fit at all otherwise and that made me quite frustrated (and fit in even less) and even when I wanted to become more active, I just had no idea how to go about it. I wish my parents had set more of an example there. I discovered my passion for hiking at 17 actually. I would have fallen in love it it sooner probably, but I was badly bullied on a school walking trip and that put me off from joining DofE earlier. But despite more bullying on a subsequent trip, I really fell in love with hiking and it is one of the things I love the most (even considered a hiking related career before I became injured)- I then started running and fell in love with basically all outdoor activities (except anything that involves going into water- I can relate a lot to not wanting to swim for various reasons) - It's a great way to also relax and reduce anxiety. Sadly injuries have stopped me from doing the activities I love for 3 years now. 

There are so so many fun sports and ways to exercise and be active, so maybe your daughter will find another activity she likes. Maybe suggest some alternatives, it could be as simple as going for a walk together. But there are so so many options and many of them don't involve groups :). 

Just send her on a daily walk to the park. There is no better exercise than walking. If you'd not have her go alone, perhaps agree to a silent walk together. Autistic kids need to be afforded uninterrupted time in their head. If you practice walking together without expectation, it can often build an incredible bond. Both could listen to music, bring a flask, etc. 

NAS75635 said:

An orthopedic surgeon told me that she should swim during her teenage years because it is good for her back development.

Sounds like the orthopedic surgeon hasn't considered body image issues with teen and preteen girls. If your daughter is autistic she will already be stingingly aware that she doesn't fit in socially and anything else that makes her feel self concious is going to be anathema. And being in a pool is to be practically naked in public, not only is that awful with a bunch of people you barely if at all get on with it's extra embarrasing to have to do with your Dad there regardless of who the potential audience is.
Tight swimming suits, echoing location, and eye burning chlorine is a sensory nightmare too. TBH speaking as an autist with high sensory issues if I were your daughter I would wonder why you insist on torturing me and wonder what I ever did to deserve that kind of punishment as to be forced into a swimming pool.

If she has a healthy BMI exercise isn't even necessary, if exercise is needed you need to change the sport/activity to one she's more interested in and involves wearing actual clothing. Let her pick it.

There are many many sensory issues involved with swimming, the noise, lighting, being wet, having to get dry/dressed afterwards. It’s been a very long time since I went swimming but I exercise in other ways but I could physically swim if I wanted to or fell in. Was it a fairly random comment from the orthopaedic surgeon or does she have back problems? If she has no medical need to swim and she has already got badges for swimming a good distance I personally would try and find something else that she would enjoy more. Or see if there is a way to mitigate the parts of swimming she doesn’t like

In m opinion, 

Set a good example: Children often model the behavior of their parents, so make sure to prioritize your own physical activity and make it a family affair.

Find activities that your daughter enjoys: Instead of forcing your daughter to do a specific exercise or activity, find something that she enjoys, such as dancing, swimming, or playing a sport. due to this you can slowly convince her for swim.

Be flexible: Some days, your daughter may not feel like exercising. Be understanding and allow her to skip a day or choose a different activity.

Make it fun: Incorporate fun activities, games, and challenges to make exercise enjoyable for your daughter.

When my mother was asked what my routine preference was as a child, she said: “Whatever I said it was”..
The parenting gripes I hold against my parents I have, are issues of omission and stoppage, don’t include firm parenting decisions..

Did she say why she hates going? I used to hate swimming lessons as a kid because the big echoing room and my lack of co-cordination made me feel overwhelmed and frightened. My mum insisted that I had to go and lessons were compulsory at school until year 5, and I haven't been in a swimming pool voluntarily since then, so if possible I wouldn't force her to keep going.

Is there another type of exercise that she enjoys which could be used as an alternative?