Swimming for fitness (part 4). Everyone welcome.

[TheOrigRightsofwomen]

Old thread here

Anyone interesting in swimming for fitness welcome here.
Newbies, experiences, the fast, the slow - we're all sharing, learning and most of all supporting each other.

We also have 3 lanes and I think they can book up to 27.
It seems to vary hugely. I've had a lane to myself and other times it's been full and lifeguards have had to move people about.
Mostly though it's something in between and seems to work well.

We have to book. Our sporty has a 3 no shows (w/o cancelling) and lose membership policy for classes and pool sessions.

I think the pool I swim at is 30 across 4 lanes but the last couple of times I've swum I'd estimate less than 20 there even though session fully booked.

Roughly 10 spread across 3 lanes out of 30 available. The fast lane generally has 2-3. I can't see further than that.

I swim at 9:30 on weekdays through. Earlier sessions look busier.

*though

I feel very lucky I get a 20m lane to myself as it’s only 1 household max 3 in a lane. I do have to book 2weeks in advance to get a regular slot twice a week and it’s a pain when you can’t go at the time. Like last week I had to cancel due to migraine and then no free slots for another 4d but it’s better than nothing. At the bigger sports centre it’s upto 10in a double width lane. And if 3 no shows you can’t book.

Suddenly makes my gym membership feel like a bargain !

I've never had to share a 20m pool lane with more than two others
and normally get to swim on the sunny side.
The indoor 25m pool is similarly relaxed.

I bet the gym lets you use the showers too, that's what I'm missing most, not being able to rinse/wash afterwards.

Just had to cancel my gym membership as it’s in a local lockdown area. As am I, but in a different one. Our local council pool is horrible and it’s miles to the nearest gym with a decent sized pool. Grrr.

@tizwozliz

I bet the gym lets you use the showers too, that's what I'm missing most, not being able to rinse/wash afterwards.

I'm missing that too. It makes the whole thing less time efficient if I have to shower when I get home. I work from home (have done for years, not a new thing) so I tend to just get back to work which I'm pretty sure isn't doing my hair or skin much good.

@BestIsWest

Just had to cancel my gym membership as it’s in a local lockdown area. As am I, but in a different one. Our local council pool is horrible and it’s miles to the nearest gym with a decent sized pool. Grrr.

Our council sports centre put all memberships on hold during lockdown.

I am in a low risk area so am really thankful that things are still open. I hope yours opens again soon.

To be fair they didn’t charge during the first lockdown but have recently Changed ownership and trying to get in touch with them to suspend my membership has proved impossible. They took a full payment on Oct 1 despite local lockdown so I am not impressed. Cancelled the direct debit now.

Where I swim there are 6 slots every 10 minutes, and you're supposed to be in and out of the building in an hour - so I guess that's about 24-30 people, max, over 4 lanes. Usually 3-5 in the medium lane when I go (late morning or lunchtime, depending on work).

We have to come already changed and strip by the poolside, but can shower afterwards. When I haven't got time I shove in a load of leave-in conditioner in the vain hope that it might mitigate the situation.

My Gym indeed lets me use the showers
and the studio classes are running
and the gym itself is fully open
and we can have a coffee with friends afterwards in the lounge

I believe all the clubs in the chain are the same.
I was not aware of any areas where gyms have had to close again
(because the health benefits of exercising in a COVID secure location are so substantial)

Am getting strap marks from my new swimsuit
so I'm getting vitamin D as well

Hi, Hope it’s okay for me to join! I’m a runner usually but started (sea) swimming during lockdown. Now pool are open again I am swimming 1000 meters in the pool twice a week. Started out at 30 minutes per 1000m, am now down to about 25min which I’m pretty pleased with!

Thought I might join this thread for swimming chat and to benefit from the advice of more experienced swimmers🤩

Does anyone listen to music whilst swimming?

Hello @WaterNokk I do. Normally upbeat music only now as we're time-limited and I want to swim faster.

I'm not one of the experienced swimmers though. I resolutely stick to my fast breast stroke.

Folks, anyone have any tips for length counting devices for children? My 8yo daughter& I are doing the Aspire Channel Swim & she's asked for a Fitbit type thing which will count her lengths for her Christmas present. Lots of them are waterproof, but don't count lengths..all suggestions welcome. Oh-no Versas please! I bought a Versa & gave up on it after 3 died & Fitbit kept replacing. Useless.

Ah, DD has a versa and it works a treat for her.

Keeping fingers crossed that pools can stay open

tiz
I cannot see them closing chlorinated water
we are the disinfected

@MinnieMountain but what do you use to listen to it? Underwater headphones? I have a garmin but don’t think it can play music.

Was in the pool at 6.30 this morning, trying to make it a regular thing on a Monday to start the week off right.

On the news they've said they expect gyms in the worst hit areas will have to close - the pools I go to are in Nottingham...

@WaterNokk I have a Finis Duo. It hangs down from your goggles and the music plays through your cheekbones. Odd but it works well.

Thanks @MinnieMountain!

So glad pools are still open, are you all still able to swim? Had a lovely 50 lengths today. Happy swimming all

They are talking about making our county tier2, but the sports centre I go to is over the border in a tier1 county, so it would remain open but I wouldn't be able to go.

Having said that, I signed up to a charity challenge to cover 150 miles in 4 weeks. I have 5 days left to do 35.2 miles so I'm on bike this week rather than swimming, which doesn't really cut it when you're trying to get miles under your belt!