How can I make swimming less dreadful

[Curlewwoohoo]

I need to start swimming on a Sunday morning, to help recovery from a back injury. I can swim OK, middle lane front crawl I can get to 50 lengths if I keep at it long enough. But I hate it. Firstly I hate that it costs money. Secondly it's just boring, up and down. And tiring. Although that's pretty much the point of it. Thirdly I particularly hate the faff afterwards. The showers suck. They don't stay on if you don't hold the button. There is barely any water pressure. I can't get the shampoo out of my long hair. The changing rooms are mixed sex. Often full of kids. And the floors are dirty. I hate hair. Any tips to make me hate it less?!

Can you go sea swimming instead? Or dry off quickly, shove on a towelling surf poncho, and shower at home?

Have a quick dry off at the pool and shower/shampoo at home? Wear a swim cap? Go on a weekday?

Not from Gloucestershire unfortunately! I also kinda hate the sea ha ha what's with the salt 😂

Aqua classes ?

Make up your own aqua regime so you are walking sideways, backwards, hopping, jumping etc rather than swimming ?

Count how many strokes per length and other stats to divert you

and if the changing rooms are grim, find another pool ?

Cheap pair of flip flops poolside, in the shower and back to the changing rooms?

If you go as they open about 6/6.30am it feels far cleaner and much less busy!

www.courtfarmlakes.co.uk

Flip flips a good shout. Does a swim hat keep hair dry? Otherwise how does it help?

Underwater headphones.

And don’t shower there - off with the swimming costume, on with a tracksuit and straight home to a shower.

Also, yes the the swim cap.

Flip flops
Waterproof earbuds/ music (I believe they exist)
Join a gym that has a nice pool
Swap to aqua aerobics

Get yourself some waterproof headphones and a waterproof MP3 and listen to music while you swim.

Buy some waterproof earphones and listen to music/podcast.
Also buy one of these https://swimferal.co.uk/collections/wild-swimming-gear/products/organic-towelling-poncho
they are warm and cover everything and you can get changed under them and dry yourself.
I would wear my swimsuit to the pool. And take something very simple to change into and wear walking sandals to drive in to and from and use in the changing rooms.
shower when you get home.
actually you could pretty much drive home just wearing the swimming poncho and a pair of knickers and the walking sandals

https://hydgenos.com/products/hydgenx9?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-_mvBhDwARIsAA-Q0Q7arAVR6YAPhQHhPis8SjoZFFpurptO2lsv4n68hHOSv2FT-SqjAK0aAj9OEALw_wcB&utm_campaign=UK%20X18&utm_content=HYDGENX9&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google&variant=44062838161626

I haven't tried them but am very tempted.

Download music or a podcast and listen as you swim.

Go to a health club spa type place rather than main pool so you can alternate with steam room jacuzzi etc and you can get a month's membership and go as often as you like

Waterproof headphones - wow!
Probably a good idea to shower at home, just shove some old shorts and tee on to drive home, it's only 5 mins.

Not an option in my town unfortunately, and the drive to get to one would mean I couldn't go often enough to justify the cost.

I am also wondering about getting prescription swimming goggles...

It's dull AF and I usually get the rage with the other people in my lane 😕 but I still go, because I feel good afterwards. It's more appealing in the summer imo, when you don't have to go out in the cold with wet hair (a swim cap never keeps my hair dry, but it does stop it swishing about in my face).

You said Gloucestershire there’s a few outdoor pools it’s such a nicer experience is this any good https://www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/

Yeah I’d say just rinse your hair and put some leave on conditioner in it.

If anywhere near Gloucester or Bristol I'd go to a David Lloyd. It's expensive but it makes swimming tolerable. Proper showers, they clean and dry the floors regularly and they have outdoor pools which makes it nicer in the summer

I swim a lot and also hate what you describe. I have underwater headphones (shockz ones - they are pricey but AMAZING) to make it less boring, and i set myself targets, eg 20 lengths in 9 minutes, then have a rest, then try again for a different target.

I get my swimsuit on under my clothes before I leave. Then, when I've fine my swim, I quickly dry off and shove my dry robe on and my sandals. No clothes, not even underwear. Then I leave, drive home, and sort myself out at home.

Is there a lido near you?
Or some kind of fancy pool with no chlorine that you could afford?

If so, try them if not - switch to Pilates??

@theduchessofspork I've got another thread running on pilates 😂 I'm doing that several times a week. Looking to add something more cardio in, in place of running.

Unfortunately no nicer pools in my town, and not sure I can justify the drive elsewhere. Am a bit time poor, young kids, etc.

depending upon your prescription you can get these very cheap…

£8.99 decathlon https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/xbase-100-corrective-adult-swimming-goggles-clear-lenses-black/_/R-p-148697

or £19.99
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/bfit-corrective-swimming-goggles-smoked-lenses-single-size-black/_/R-p-337780