Swimming after illness

[jamontoastaddict]

Asking for friend always want to say that

Quite unwell but lots of illnesses ruled out and not alarming concerns health wise but feeling lots of lethargy and general loss of condition but normal daily function on most days but a few days in bed. ongoing diagnosis but feel the need to take some action for health. Former runner but didn't want to be in pavements anyway as had has a few falls.

Wants to go swimming 3 times a week to improve health . 2x 'lanes' and one aqua fit class.

How would you begin this? What would a suggested program be?

How fast do you normally swim? I would start in the slow lane and move over if you think it’s right. Some times I’m in the slow lane, middle or fast depending on how I’m feeling and who else is swimming at the same time. See how much you do in 30 mins. Be careful with swimming as the pool supports your limbs and keeps you cool it can often feel like you haven’t done much until you get out.

Or even do 20 mins if that feels right.

Depending on the leisure centre they might have someone who can advise, ours does. I would just be wary that if they fall regularly and have lethargy as to whether they might get in a bit of trouble in the water- would recommend taking it slow and staying shallow for the first few times. Start even once a week and see how it goes, no pressure. Get out of the water if needed don't feel the need to push on, and to listen to their body regarding recovery. It can be really challenging to go from being active to not being able to exercise, lots struggle with it so wishing lots of luck and support.

www.speedo.com/blog/swim-plan/best-30-minute-swim-workouts/

Have a look at these

Has long covid been ruled out?

I'd be a little wary of anything but very gentle exercise until it has been.

So listen to body, start of slowly and below max effort, and increase intensity by no more than 5% a week.

I assume they can already swim a stroke, comfortable out of depth?

20 lengths (500m) is a very standard distance. Good target to start with.

Lane swimming is usually organised into just 3 shared lanes: slow, medium, fast. They will soon know which is their speed. Slow lane swimmers are annoying & get in the way, Fast lane swimmers may run you down if you don't keep moving. Medium lane swimmers don't know how to deal with overtaking. change lanes after arrival if initial choice not good fit.

May need lock for lockers or can leave low value stuff in unlocked lockers.

Find app for their local pool, download, find the swim timetable on it, book, pay per visit. Probably about £5.50. Bring phone to show payment was made.

Although some apps don't work as advertised, but most do.

Also on App can probably book the swim class. Phone if in doubt.

sorry, should elaborate, in a shared lane you all circulate either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Overtaking is normal in slow or fast lane but medium lane people may feel affronted if you do it, they more likely to expect swimmers to only proceed in a 'queueing' style. Easiest way to overtake in middle lane is actually to turn around early so you're suddenly in front of the slow swimmer who was in front of you.

Slow lane gets bobbling, people who stop in random places just floating.

Wall hogging especially at shallow end is probably worst in fast lane.
Nobody but fast laners can handle splashing.

I can't swim without goggles but lots of people just keep their head out whole time so manage without goggles. Most people are doing breast stroke unless you're at a university area with lots of young sporty types, either early morning or late evening.

If you're in wrong lane lifeguard will ask you to move & this is not a big deal.

Thanks everyone this is all really great advice.

We know the pool well as it had lessons there and go to completions there. There is a training pool so can also use that to start with as it's shallower - pp made a good point about getting in trouble at the deep end.

There are three lanes and open bit but it adults swimming sessions so will
Just use the open bit.

Will suggest they aim for 250m 10 lengths or 20 -30 minute and build up from there.

They can also do some walking lengths which MIL loves and moans when the swimmers get in the way.