Disclaimer: We know we have always said you should NEVER swim alone, but … there are times we know when you just want to get away from it all and enjoy a solitary swim. What we do recommend is, if you’re swimming alone, just make certain you have a family or friend nearby who can come and check on you periodically to make certain you’re safe. Swimming solitary will give you more peace of mind when you know there is someone who knows you’re in the water, swimming laps and enjoying the solitude.
You know there are times when you are ready for a big pool party, but there are still other times when you just want the solace and serenity of a solitary swim. Whether you’re in the pool to “work up a sweat” (you won’t sweat in a pool workout!), to get your heart pumping or to simply relax and enjoy the feel of the water as you slice through it in a solitary swim session getting in shape in a pool is an ideal workout.
We get it, even if you’re swimming laps for exercise and not simply floating in the pool in silence, you may not always want to be surrounded by a crowd while you’re in the water, right?
Being in a swimming pool and using it for your regular workout space is enjoyable, but you may need to motivate yourself to get into the routine. We have a few ways to get you moving and help you enjoy a solitary swim session, whether you’re working out or relaxing after a long day at work.
The Joys Of Solitary Swimming
How to make your solitary swimming routine rewarding
Know your “why.” Why do you want to get into a swim routine? Is it to lose weight? Feel healthier? Simply feel better about yourself? Does swimming and a swim workout help relax you after a long day? Do you use swimming as a way to jumpstart your day? If you know “why” you want a solitary swimming routine, you will be more likely and motivated to stick with it.
What is your ultimate swim goal? To lose X number of pounds. To be committed to better health than you’ve been? Having a goal will keep you invested in your swim routine.
Get in a routine. It takes 21 days to form a habit and if you want to get in the habit of swimming you need to set your mind to doing it every day for 21 days. By the end of that time, experts say, you will have the habit ingrained into your daily life and routine and you will feel compelled to stick with it.
You may also want a routine for your swim workout. For example you could know that you want to swim X number of laps, then do some in-pool lunges, you may then grab pool-friendly weights and work with them. You might end the swim workout by using the kickboard and strengthening your legs. It isn’t necessary to get into a set routine for the workout, but it might be beneficial to work various parts of your body so you get a full body workout.
Get right to it. It’s easy to set up excuses to not swim: the water is too cold, the water is too hot, I don’t have time, etc. We urge you to tell yourself, “I am going to get my workout in,” walk up to the pool and jump right in. Don’t hesitate. Hesitation is a form of procrastination and will make it easier for you to talk yourself out of that swim.
Make it enjoyable. Just because you’re swimming solo doesn’t mean you have to swim in silence. Some people enjoy listening to music when they workout and find they swim faster when they have an uptempo soundtrack playing. Still others enjoy the solitude of a solitary swim and enjoy the sound of the water against their skin and the sides of teh pool. Know what gets you moving and add that to your pool workout.
Get in a good mindset. Self-talk is everything. If you dread swimming solo and drag yourself to the pool, you will not have an enjoyable workout. If, however, you know your why and tell youself, “I cannot wait to get into the pool today!” You will look forward to the workout and you will enjoy it while you’re in the midst of it.
Give yourself grace. When you’re just starting out a workout routine in the swimming pool you may find you can’t complete more than two laps. That’s okay. You are making strides and you have committed to a solitary swim routine. In no time you will work your way up to three laps, then four then ten. Don’t tell yourself that you’re going to swim 25 laps the first time out, especially if you’ve been living a sedentary lifestyle. Give yourself the grace to build your stamina. Look at it this way, you ARE making strides toward better health one lap at a time!
If you swam two laps yesterday, challenge yourself to swim three today. Build up slowly to the number of laps you’ve set for your goal. If you have set aside 10 minutes to swim today, add five minutes and make it 15 tomorrow. Work your way up, push yourself and you will see results of your solitary swim routine.
Remember, you chose a pool workout for a reason. A swimming pool workout was your choice. Why? Because you love water? Because you have a pool in your backyard? Because you know a swimming workout is a great way to get in shape without worry of injury or stress on your bones and joints. Remind yourself of the goals you’ve set and the number of days you have stuck with your new habit and you will be able to keep yourself moving toward your goal.
Rewards matter. You don’t have to wait until you have acheived your goal of “swim 25 laps” to reward yourself for a workout well done. When you swim four laps, up from your original two laps, tell your friends on social media. Treat yourself to a healthy snack. Buy yourself a new swim suit or a new piece of pool workout equipment. Small gains lead to big wins!
Again, we don’t encourage people to swim alone, but we know that sometimes a solitary swim is the only way you will get your workout in. When you swim alone, let someone know you’re swimming and how long you shoudl be. Let them know when you’re out of the pool so they know you’re all right.
If at all possible, enjoy a solitary swim workout when there is some one close enough to help you out if you run into trouble.