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Original poster

Swimming alone

43 replies

Pumpkittenspice · 23/12/2024 00:37

I’ve booked a place at a local swimming pool. I haven’t been swimming since I was a child, and I’m so nervous about it! I have anxiety disorder FYI.

I have everything I need (I think!) swimsuit, goggles, towel, hair tie and a change of clothes…

I’m more nervous about doing it alone than anything else. Has anyone got any words of advice for me please?

OP posts:
ShortyShorts · 23/12/2024 00:41

Honestly, you may feel as though everyone's looking at you but that's just because you're in an unfamiliar situation.

The truth is, everyone else will just be concentrating on themselves.

Have a great time and remember you won't feel self-conscious once you're used to it.

It's just a case of throwing yourself in at the deep end.

Pun completely 100% intended 😁😁

Romeiswheretheheartis · 23/12/2024 00:46

I go swimming on my own, and the vast majority of other swimmers are people on their own too. Honestly, swimming is very much a solo activity. You'll be absolutely fine.

username299 · 23/12/2024 00:46

Are you going to have a shower afterwards? If so you will need stuff to wash. Have you got a swimming hat?

You'll be absolutely fine. You'll be a little nervous and then you'll get in the water and will be focusing on swimming.

ShouldIEvenBother · 23/12/2024 00:47

You'll love it. Honestly.

Remember shampoo for afterwards! And a padlock/ equivalent for the locker unless it's one of those where the key is attached to a wristband.

Once you get in the water you'll be so glad you went OP. I go swimming alone, and every time I go there are other folks also swimming solo. After a while you see familiar faces and people nod and say hello. That's my experience anyway.

Enjoy!

clary · 23/12/2024 00:53

Ah best of luck OP. I agree with others, swimming is pretty much a solo activity. I swim often and some other swimmers say hello but that's all. Nobody is looking at you as they are focusing on their own swim.

Couple of tips:
Swimming hat is a godsend unless you have very short hair – it keeps your hair out of your face and stops it tangling. Buy one at the pool if need be, a fiver maybe.
Make sure you pick the right lane for your stroke speed (I was forced into the fast lane today as there were so many slow swimmers in the medium lane). Be prepared to change if need be or stop at the end of the length to let anyone faster go past.

I love swimming, especially at the start of the day, it makes me feel better all day.

SugarPlumpFairyCakes · 23/12/2024 01:14

The first time is always the worst.

Keep going.

It will get easier and easier.

EmptyBowl · 23/12/2024 01:20

I think literally everyone should swims at the pool attached to my gym swims alone. People get to know one another’s faces over time, but it not really a social occasion. You won’t stand out in the slightest.

SoftPillowAllNight · 23/12/2024 01:24

I carry spare goggles as I can't swim without them. They are prone to breaking/leaking so best to have backup!

Also flipflips for the showers!

sleepwouldbenice · 23/12/2024 01:26

Just to echo. Most people are on their own
No worries

SnowFrogJelly · 23/12/2024 01:29

Pumpkittenspice · 23/12/2024 00:37

I’ve booked a place at a local swimming pool. I haven’t been swimming since I was a child, and I’m so nervous about it! I have anxiety disorder FYI.

I have everything I need (I think!) swimsuit, goggles, towel, hair tie and a change of clothes…

I’m more nervous about doing it alone than anything else. Has anyone got any words of advice for me please?

I regularly go on my own

You'll be fine

Original poster
Pumpkittenspice · 23/12/2024 01:52

username299 · 23/12/2024 00:46

Are you going to have a shower afterwards? If so you will need stuff to wash. Have you got a swimming hat?

You'll be absolutely fine. You'll be a little nervous and then you'll get in the water and will be focusing on swimming.

Thank you for the reminder! Will pack shampoo, conditioner and body wash too

OP posts:
Original poster
Pumpkittenspice · 23/12/2024 01:53

SoftPillowAllNight · 23/12/2024 01:24

I carry spare goggles as I can't swim without them. They are prone to breaking/leaking so best to have backup!

Also flipflips for the showers!

Added to the list. Thanks!

OP posts:
nomeslice · 23/12/2024 03:28

bring a plastic bag to put your wet swimwear in afterwards.
I only swim by myself. good luck!

Thighdentitycrisis · 23/12/2024 03:36

Check how the lockers work at the desk when you go in. Some take and return a coin, some use a token etc. staff should help you with that. This saves getting changed and then having to go back to reception for help!

I wear flip flops or slides in the pool area / showers

ghostbusters · 23/12/2024 05:37

Well done for booking it. Sounds like that alone was a big step for you.

If its not lane swimming, and it looks busy, take a moment to look for the best place to get in where there is a gap. Everyone sort of makes space for new folk getting into the pool.

If its a council run pool be prepared for the water to be cold and if it is, keep moving!

Lastly enjoy! Swimming is my preferred exercise but I don't get much opportunity recently, must change that in 2025.

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 23/12/2024 06:38

I always swim by myself, so do most of the other 'regulars'.enjoy!

helpfulperson · 23/12/2024 06:56

Just small warning. If you haven't been swimming since you were a child you may find it takes a little while to come back to you. First time I went after about 20 year I found it surprisingly difficult to get my floating etc right. However don't let that stop you. just take time to get used to being in the water again. I initially spent a lot of time just doing things like walking on the spot and hanging of the end moving my legs. In my pool there are always others doing these type of things as physio so it didn't stand out.

Well done for doing this and hope it goes well.

DancefloorAcrobatics · 23/12/2024 07:02

Once you are in the water and you start swimming, everything else around you will dissappear!
Just concentrate on getting each stroke just right!

LateMumma · 23/12/2024 07:14

I have a small bottle of talc I keep in my kit, along with a pound for the lockers. Loose clothes are easiest to change back into. I really hope you enjoy your swim OP

Justleaveitblankthen · 23/12/2024 07:18

Oh yes, please only go alone!
Attending in a group of 2 or more stops you swimming, takes up way more of the pool than it should and incurs the silent wrath of all the rest of us 😁

olympicsrock · 23/12/2024 07:18

Don’t forget your hairbrush! You will enjoy it I’m sure !

I ‘swim’ weekly but often just do my physio exercises, jogging, twisting my waist, shadow boxing etc just feel free to move your body , it’s your time to enjoy moving in the water.

Vallmo47 · 23/12/2024 07:31

Echoing others - I and everyone else I know at the leisure centre are solo swimmers. We’ve made acquaintances/friends over time because we always go to the same session. But don’t put pressure on yourself to talk to other regulars, the option is just there if you’d like to. Swimming has saved my mental health , hope you love it as much as I do!

Jk987 · 23/12/2024 07:42

£1 coin for the locker.

Original poster
Pumpkittenspice · 02/01/2025 15:55

Thank you all for your tips and words of encouragement!

I went swimming today and thoroughly enjoyed it! I’m booked in for tomorrow too 😊

OP posts:
BruFord · 02/01/2025 15:57

I do laps and I always go on my own! My goal is exercise, I don’t want to chat or pace myself to anyone else, tbh, I’m concentrating on my breathing and my stroke. Most other swimmers are on their own too.

Glad you enjoyed it today, I always feel great after a swim!