Hints and Tips
You may find these Hints and Tips useful to ensure that you get the most out of your time in the pool.
Take A Mate
Take a mate. You will feel more motivated to go if you arrange to attend with a friend as you won't want to let them down!
Practice Breathing
Before swimming, sit at the side of the pool and practice your breathing. Having smooth, regulated breathing will help you to achieve your potential as a swimmer.
Regular Breathing
Regular breathing helps you to keep going for longer. You should always breathe out while your face is in the water.
Variation
Vary what you do in the pool. Look for other sessions such as Aquafit that will help supplement your swimming.
Strokes
Using different strokes uses different muscles so you get a better all round work out.
Workout Intensities
Gradually increasing the intensity and length of your workouts will ensure that you dont push yourself too far.
Qualified Coached Sessions
Looking out for qualified coached sessions will help when you want to improve your technique.
Session Times
You should always check the session times at your local pool.
Bus Route
You should always check if the pool is on a regular bus route.
Poolside Signs
Familiarize yourself with the signs on poolside. If it says fast lane, make sure you are swimming at the same speed as others in the lane!
Disability Access
You should always check if the pool has access for all disabilities.
Loyalty Schemes
You should always check if the pool offers any loyalty schemes or special offers.
Change For A Locker
Have some loose change for the lockers; 20p, 50p and £1 coins are typical for locker usage (this is returned so consider keeping locker money in your swim bag at all times).
Showering Before Swimming
You should always shower before using the pool. Perfumes and deodrants can cause the water to cloud.
Kit Care
After each swim you should wash your kit thoroughly with water to get off any chlorine. Your kit is a key element for swimming and caring for it will save you money.
Choosing The Right Kit
When purchasing clothing, remember that you should keep a balance between looks and functionality. If it looks great but isn't practical, it's not going to help you (however if it looks horrible you won't wear it!).
Get A Bag For Your Gear
Having a bag or box to keep your swimming kit in after swimming is a much better solution than chucking it in a carrier bag. It's not a must but it is a good idea.
Wear A Swimming Cap
Regular swimming can damage your hair and scalp and on occasions can make it flake. Wearing a swimming cap will help to avoid this problem.
Water Bottle
Take a water bottle with you, even though you're in water you still sweat and become dehydrated so remember to take on fluids.
Anti Fog Goggles
An essential bit of kit when swimming is your goggles, but these can mist up so it may be worth investing in some anti fog ones.
Goggles
Goggles are a bit like swimwear, go for the ones that fit your eye socket and not necessarily the ones that look the best. Fit & comfort is far more important.
Help With Injuries
If you have mild injuries that are preventing you from doing an impact sport, then see if you are able to stay fit through swimming. Many injuries that would cause a problem with training where there will be stress placed on the joint is not so much of an issue when swimming because it is such a low impact sport. If you are in any doubt about your injury, consult your coach or a physician.
Eating Beforehand
Make sure you've eaten at least an hour before going in the pool.
Healthy Snacks For After Your Swim
The temptation is to hit the vending machine (with your locker money!), thus undoing all the good work you've just done in the pool. So pack some healthy snacks for aferwards, bananas, cereal bars etc.
Eating After Exercise
Try to eat within 20 minutes of a big workout and replace all of those lost fluids too.
