Dive Back In: 7 Tips for How to Get Back Into Swimming – FORM

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Dive Back In: 7 Tips for How to Get Back Into Swimming

July 24, 2024 | 3 min read BRIAN JOHNS - Head of Coaching Science at FORM

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If you're looking to rekindle your love for swimming after a hiatus, well, good news, getting back into the pool or open water can be a refreshing and rewarding experience.

Here are 7 tips to help you ease back into swimming and make your return to the water as enjoyable as possible.

1. Take It Slow

It's tempting to jump right back into where you left off, but your body may not be ready for it. Start with shorter swim sessions and gradually increase your time and intensity. This approach helps prevent injuries and allows your muscles to readjust to the demands of swimming.

2. Consistency Is Key

To regain your swimming prowess, consistency is crucial. Aim to swim regularly, at least once a week initially, and gradually build up to more frequent sessions as your fitness improves. Consistency not only boosts your physical endurance and technique but also helps to reestablish your connection with the water.

3. Follow a Training Plan

Once you've established a regular swimming routine, consider following a structured training plan. These plans can be tailored to your skill level and goals, whether you want to improve endurance, refine technique, or prepare for a specific swimming event. For swimmers of all abilities, on our FORM goggles, you can follow a variety of training plans and workouts designed by our swimming experts to guide your progress effectively.

4. Embrace Training Aids

Enhance your swimming experience by incorporating training aids like fins, kickboards, or pull buoys. These tools can help improve your technique, increase resistance, and target specific parts of your stroke and muscle groups.

Training aids not only help strengthen you as a swimmer, but they’re also fun! It can be boring doing the same strokes over and over, whereas using equipment in your swim workouts adds variability.

For instance, using a pull buoy creates extra buoyancy for your hips, to bring your body position in line so you are more streamlined. This can help you to focus on the rest of your stroke, build core strength, slow down your stroke – and a whole host of other useful things to improve your overall swimming.

5. Find a Swim Buddy

Swimming with a friend not only makes it more enjoyable but also provides mutual motivation and support. If possible, team up with a friend who shares your interest in getting back into swimming - maybe they’re training for the same event! You can encourage each other to stick to your swim schedule, practice drills together, and exchange helpful tips or film each other's technique.

6. Set Realistic Goals

Setting achievable goals can keep you motivated and focused on your swimming journey. Whether it's completing a certain distance without stopping, improving your stroke technique, or participating in a local swim meet, having clear objectives gives your swimming sessions purpose and direction.

7. Get Professional Guidance

If you feel unsure about your technique or want to refine your skills, consider taking swimming lessons or seeking advice from a certified swim coach. Professional guidance can help you correct any bad habits, learn new drills, and accelerate your progress in the water.

In addition, you can check out our innovative in-goggle HeadCoach™ features that assess your swim technique and deliver in-goggle digital swim coaching, helping you improve without needing a coach on deck.

Time to Get Swimming

We’ve found that returning to swimming after a break is about rediscovering the joy of being in the water and reconnecting with a healthy lifestyle. By taking gradual steps, staying consistent, and exploring different training methods, you can make your comeback to swimming both enjoyable and fulfilling.

Whether you're aiming to improve fitness, compete in races, or simply unwind by spending more time swimming in the pool or open water, embrace the process and celebrate each milestone along the way. Happy swimming!

BRIAN JOHNS

Head of Coaching Science at FORM

3-Time Olympic Swimmer

Brian Johns is a former competitive swimmer, 3 times Olympian and former world record holder. After swimming, Brian coached the Canadian National and Junior National teams for 10 years.

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