Swimming

[u/Altruistic_Sail_1991]

Im looking to get back into swimming for exercise after not doing it for over a decade. I was always a decent swimmer as a kid/teen but im worried about what to expect after so long. I have access to a pool at my local YMCA but I’m worried about looking silly and getting in people’s way. Should I use goggles? What is the general swimming etiquette? Will people judge me if I’m struggling with endurance since it’s been so long?

Thanks!

[u/jamieschmidt]

Look for your YMCA pool schedule. Go when lap swim is open. Typically faster swimmers are in the first few lanes and slower/walkers in the end lanes. If you watch and observe, you should be able to tell which are the fast lanes.

No one will judge you. I wear goggles so I can see the lines under the water to make sure I stay in my lane.

If the lap lanes are full, you might have to share a lane. Look for signs on the walls, they will explain what to do when you have to share a lane. Make sure you let someone know that you want to share a lane, and make sure you’re sharing with someone that matches your speed.

[u/tipsy_here]

Hey OP! Lap swimmer here. I would highly encourage you to take a tour of the facility to get the vibe of the pool area before you dip in the water. Maybe familiarize yourself with the locker room as well.

Yes, you should keep googles, bathing suit, slippers, cap and a towel with you. Take a quick rinse before you enter the water and BEFORE you put on your cap.

Also, nobody is judging you there. In fact, nobody would identify you when you are out of the water and fully clothed (that’s how I get my exercise. I look like an egg and I’m pretty sure I look very different when I’m clothed on dryland).

Swim at whatever pace is comfortable for you! Nobody cares what you are doing. Everybody is there to have a good time and busy not drowning! Cheers!

[u/wateryoudoingthere → u/tipsy_here]

Agreed! I’ll also add to be mindful of other people when you’re swimming…

Busy facilities have circle swimming (swimming like driving, always on the right), while quiet lap swimming facilities usually have people split the lane in half and each swimmer sticks to their side.

If you circle swim, make sure you’re going in the appropriate speed lane. Keep an eye on other swimmers to stay out of each other’s way—if someone behind you is faster than you, wait at the wall when you reach it to let them pass. It’s not usual to stop in the middle of the lane unless something is wrong.

If you split a lane, try to also join someone close to your speed. If the pool gets busy a 3rd might join and you’ll have to circle swim. But even if not, it’s ideal for a beginner to avoid sharing with a competitive level swimmer if there’s other options (at least until you’re comfortable enough in the water to really stay out of the way…the faster you’re going, the more painful a collision is).

And the only supply that’s missing from the above list is a water bottle, you’ll def want to keep one at the lane with you. Many pools have kickboards etc that you can use too! As you work on developing endurance, I personally recommend using flippers. 100% worth the investment, and they’ll help with your form a surprising amount!! Make sure they’re snug, too loose and you can hurt your ankle/feet (and never use them for a breaststroke kick)

Edit: typo

[u/RetiredBSN]

I've been in that situation a number of times, and nobody hassles or judges you. If the pool is crowded, most people are willing to share lanes (max 2/lane). Goggles are helpful if you can't keep your eyes open because of pool chemicals, and I always wore them for lap swimming. Most of the time I was sharing a lane, the other person was faster, so we just stayed on one side or the other, and did not go down one side and back the other. We shared with both swimmers and walkers, and it usually worked out well.

[u/torhysornottorhys → u/RetiredBSN]

2/lane is wild to me, at my pool it's 5 and at others it's even higher. OP make sure you ask the person at the desk

[u/Retired-in-2023]

You’ll be fine. Proper lap swim etiquette depends on the facility. Some label lanes by speed (at one gym even though they were labeled if a lane was empty didn’t matter unless someone came. In that case we sometimes shifted around. In other pools, whenever it was only 2?we split the lane. Some places are more fussy and they want people in the proper speed lane all the time. Everyone is friendly and needs to follow the pool rules so it’s no big deal if people get asked to move sometimes at the guard’s request, otherwise on the honor system.

My pool’s rules are some lanes are reserved and others drop in. For reserved, you don’t have to share drop in lanes, sharing is expected however most times I go I never have to share.

I you will struggle most likely with endurance and your technique when you first start. It’s expected. Swimming is very technical and muscle memory will get you back on track. Take whatever breaks you need but if sharing, stay out of other swimmers in your lane. Stop at st the end and stay on your side out of the way (hug the wall in corner or the lane marker) because even when sharing, at the end people tend to go more in the center for touch or flip turns.

Goggles are a must! At least for me. I need to see in and out of the pool (I have Rx goggles) and it keeps the chlorinated water out of your eyes.

[u/plantmatta]

if you use tiktok, there are a ton of swimmers who have made content about this and I found it really helpful when I was considering starting swimming

[u/Lumpy_Inevitable3844]

Love swimming at the Y! If yours is like mine, we have an activities pool, and a separate lap pool which is colder than the activity pool. I like both, it just depends on my mood, and usually the colder pool is less crowded. Along with goggles, I recommend ear plugs. Don't worry about feeling awkward! Everyone is just there to enjoy the water. Once you get in you will love it and relax. Hope you have fun!

[u/calamityseahorse]

Hey! I'm also a swimmer who's been getting back into it after a long break! I'm from a different country and it seems our gym etiquette is a little different, but I wanted to let you know that I'm sure no one will judge you! I'm always just happy that other people are enjoying this wonderful sport with me.

I can comment on what it will feel like to swim for the first time after a while. The strokes and technique are likely so ingrained on your muscle memory that it'll be perfectly comfortable. Fitness is another story. The first session back feels weird. It often takes me a while to feel like I've hit my stride and settled back into it. The first while can be a struggle. But I always find the second session is the toughest. You made big strides in the first session, so you expect the same again. But now you're in the regaining fitness phase. It's a slog. But push through, because it's a mental game! Once you're in for your third swim, it's smooth sailing and everything feels great!

These things that I mentioned are all to do with your perception of your fitness. In reality, you're gaining at a steady level. Just know that it might take some time for your mind to recalibrate.

I hope you have a wonderful time!

[u/torhysornottorhys]

You'll be fine. Don't be harsh on yourself, you will probably be bad at it and feel tired fast because you haven't been doing it. That's normal, nobody will judge you but yourself. We've all been there!

Yes, wear goggles. Make sure you have appropriate swimwear (no cotton T shirts, I feel people try that a lot), goggles, and a towel.

Check your pools rules but you'll likely be expected to circle swim which is just going up one side of the lane and down the other. No big deal! Don't be afraid to ask the people who work there "dumb" questions, they'd rather you were safe and comfortable.

Wash off your body, face and hair with clean water before you get in. Don't stand in the middle of the wall for a break, stand in the corner by the lane line, in case someone wants to flip turn. If you're unsure about how to use the lane just ask.

/r/swimming has a lot of useful advice for beginners if you use the search bar.

[u/ExcitingVegetable315]

Wear goggles. Expect little. Tread water for about fifteen and if can do more. Go slow. Depends on how old you are. Swimming uses a lot. Begins slowly and you will have fewer Injuries.