SWIM FIT: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

We’re introducing Swim Fit for the first time on Sunday mornings at 11am.

Lots of you come along to the pool and do your own thing, either on your own or with friends. That’s great, but it’s easy to get stuck in a routine: same lengths, same way, every week.

That’s where Swim Fit comes in. You’ll get a bit of extra structure and build your fitness over the six weeks. You’ll also pick up new drills and ways of swimming to take into your own swims.

We’ve changed the name from Masters Swimming to Swim Fit because we don’t want anyone thinking it’s only for ex-Olympians. It’s an inclusive session for swimmers of all standards and abilities. Maybe you swim regularly, are training for a triathlon, are getting back into swimming after a break, or just want to improve your fitness. Whatever your reason, you’re very welcome. Our experienced Level 2 coach will be ready for everyone.

We’ve put together a few FAQs to help you feel more confident about coming along. So, let’s dive in!

Q: Do I need to be a good swimmer?

A: Not at all! You don’t need to be fast or technically perfect. We’ll have five lanes for different abilities and fitness levels, so there’s a lane for everyone.

The session lasts an hour. We won’t push you too hard, but it would be great if you can swim for around 45 minutes, with breaks, so you can join in with the drills.

Q: What if I haven’t swum in years?

A: Don’t worry! Come along each week and you’ll build your fitness over the six weeks. You don’t need to arrive already fit and ready to go.

Start where you are and work at your own pace. You’ll be surprised how quickly you improve.

Q: Do I need to know all the strokes?

A: Absolutely not! If you don’t swim butterfly, or it’s a bit rusty, that’s fine. You can swim another stroke, and the drills will allow for that.

We don’t have flags at the pool to mark the end of the lane, so we won’t be doing backstroke. We’ll mainly focus on front crawl and breaststroke, with a bit of butterfly for anyone happy to give it a go.

Q: Do I need to bring any swimming equipment?

A: If you have your own, please bring it along. A pull buoy, kickboard or fins can be useful. If you don’t have any, don’t worry. It’s not essential and you can still take part.

Q: What happens when I turn up?

A: You won’t be thrown in at the deep end! A coach and a coach assistant will be there to have a chat, run through some drills and get a feel for everyone’s ability. Then we’ll work out which lane suits you best.

Q: Do I have to follow a training programme?

A: In a way, yes, and that’s the whole point! A professional coach will lead the sessions with specific drills to give you more structure and an extra push.

Instead of drifting through your usual 30, 40 or 50 lengths, you’ll have a plan to follow. You might be surprised how much further you swim when you’re focused on each stage rather than counting lengths.

It will be more structured than your usual swim, but still enjoyable and achievable.

Q: Is it competitive? Will everyone be watching me?

A: No! The only person you’re competing with is yourself. If you want to set targets and challenge yourself, that’s fantastic, but nobody else will be watching.

Everyone will be focused on their own swimming, and this is a friendly bunch in a community pool. Come along, have a go, and see what you can achieve.

https://bookings.cirenopenair.org.uk/book/swim-fit/107