Swimming alone

[Pumpkittenspice]

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?

Well done, OP! Keep it up!

I'll add to your kit: always take a little towel for standing on when you're changing. It makes such a difference!

Enjoy swimming but not the boredom. 30 lengths maximum alternating front crawl/breastroke. I have a lap counter and can't wait for the swimming to be over. But I feel better for doing it and it stretches me out in terms of muscles etc. well done op. Keep it up. No one cares what you look like or how slow/fast you are except the crazy guys who HAVE to be in the fast lane even tho they arent

That's lovely to hear!

I swim on my own, usually Mondays but I'm actually going to go for a dip this evening!

It was hard at first, I felt self conscious, but I love it now and it feels like a treat. My best tip would be to take something warm and easy to put on afterwards. I hate having to get jeans or gym wear on, so I bought myself a cheap set of joggers and sweatshirt, much easier to get on!

Brilliant!

Big bag for wet towels and costume.
Small wash bag
hairbrush

I always wear swimming flip flops as hate getting my feet on the changing room floors and pool surround (all the gross hair and floor gunk makes me 🤢)

I only use my swimming flip flops at the pool so they don’t get dirty outdoors, but take them in a separate bag (for after changing into my regular outdoor shoes) and give them a quick squirt of hand gel on the bottoms after use before popping them in the bag for next time.

Also I love my swim noodle, it gave me confidence when I’d had a long break from swimming (and use for different physio exercises)

@Pedallleur The ppl who stand in the shallow end and have a chat in lap lanes drive me up the wall as well- the lap lanes are for lap swimming, move into the rest of the pool if you want a chat!

Yes, I get quite grumpy about my swimming, it’s my exercise time and I don’t want it spoilt. 😂

I found the changing rooms and shower facilities quite a faff, but maybe I’m over complicating things.

I kept my belongings in the locker. When I finished swimming, I took my wash bag into the shower cubicle. I left my clothes behind (not to get them wet) in the locker.

After that I had to unlock the locker again to get my clothes and towel out and go into the changing cubicle to dry off and get dressed.

There must be an easier way! 😂

@Pumpkittenspice I also find showering at the pool a faff so I now prefer to pull on joggers and hoodie and go home to shower.
It’s just easier with all my stuff at home.

It’s slightly embarrassing if I bump into someone I know, but I’m past the age of caring. 🤣

I have a waterproof MP3 player loaded with my favourite songs. Revolutionised swimming for me, now it's not just up and down with splashing, it's like being in my own world.

Which one do you use ? I would love to try one. Thanks

I’ve only seen solo swimmers.

I have the Shokz OpenSwim Bone Conduction ones which are a pricier upgrade I treated myself to last year and they are really good. I started with a cheap one from Amazon which was good but sound quality was a bit tinny.

Do not consider any Bluetooth ones, some are available on Amazon and other sites but they're crap. Bluetooth doesn't work underwater so as soon as your ears dip under they cut out. Plus it requires your phone to be within 20ish metres range of the headphones so you have to have it at the side of the pool which isn't great.

Well done @Pumpkittenspice just to add wet your hair when you pre shower even if you wear a hat it stops your hair absorbing all of the chemicals.

People mostly go alone in my place unless they're taking kids.
You need:
Towel
Swimsuit (remember underwear if you wear it under clothes going!)
Swim cap (most places require this)
Hair tie for ease
Flip flops (no veruccas!)
Basic shower bag for wash afterwards
Hair brush
Goggles and ear plugs if needed.
Do the lockers need a coin or your own padlock?

Nobody is looking at you :)

Glad you enjoyed it. I started swimming 3 months ago and I am obsessed with it, feel like I have found my 'thing'. I take my toiletry bag and towels poolside so it's straight to showers from pool then back to lockers to get dried and dressed.

@happygertie Yes, swimming is my “thing” as well, I feel so good after a swim, physically and mentally. If I’m reincarnated, I’d like to come back as a fish. 🐟 🤣