5 tips to get back into swimming after lockdown!

1. Accept that you won’t be at the same level as you were the last time you were in the water!

For the majority of us lockdown 3 has been exceedingly difficult, especially due to the cold, miserable weather. Motivation to move has been little to non for most, especially as our sport was removed several times throughout the year. Not being able to train in the water for long periods of time will have affected our speed and stamina and therefore, you shouldn’t expect to be at the same fitness level. But don’t panic, you will soon be back to your pre lockdown swim self!

2. Build up slowly!

Take your time and start off slow. If you try to start off with the same intensity, you will likely not be able to keep it up long term or worse, you might sustain an injury as your body isn’t used to being put under the same amount of stress. There are a plethora of ways to do this, including, but not limited to: the frequency of your sessions, the time you spend in the water, the distance you cover or your turnaround times.

3. Focus on technique!

Before lockdown you might have been working hard to perfect your technique and now you feel as though you will have to start from scratch. However, technique is something that you should never stop focusing on, even Olympic athletes continue to do drills and sets to maintain correct form. Make focusing on technique a long-term habit!

4. Remember to enjoy it.

If like me, you have been itching to get back into the water, the time is finally here … make the most of it! It is easy to get disheartened when you aren’t as good at something as you have previously been and get caught up in it. However, the important thing is that you are back doing what you love, so why not focus on that instead!

5. Push your limits and get out of your comfort zone!

One thing I think we can all take from lockdown is it has been far from comfortable and it has taught us just how resilient we are. I think going forwards we should apply this lesson to our training and use it as motivation to level up your swimming from before the pandemic hit.