The ultimate guide to conquer your winter swim workout

Do you use the cooler weather as an excuse to pack away your swimmers for winter? Read our top swimming tips to ensure you stick to your routine this season. 

As the mornings start to get darker and the air becomes colder, getting out of bed in the morning is a personal feat. As we enter the start of winter, the last thing on your mind as you count yourself down from ten is to leap out of bed, put on your swimmers and head down to the pool. 

Although it may seem as if you are going crazy for wanting to head down to the pool and go for a swim in the cool weather, there is actually plenty of benefits associated with sticking to your swim routine this winter, including improved cardiovascular fitness.

To ensure you are able to relish these benefits we have listed our top tips to guarantee you conquer your swim workout this winter.

Swimming Cap:

Swim caps are great for the post-swim shivers. Not having cold, wet hair dripping down your back is definitely a plus when making your way from the pool to the showers after a swim. Investing in a quality swim cap this winter will maintain your core temperature, as it provides a protective layer between you and the water during your swim, trapping the heat. 

Take advantage of the afternoons:

Make the most of the warmest point in the afternoons and head out for a swim. Trying to brace the cold at night and in the morning is often the hardest part about swimming during winter. An afternoon swim is also a great way to unwind after a busy day at work and take a break from the outside world to focus solely on your breathing. 

Swim Sidekick:

Swimming with a friend will keep you motivated to continue exercising during winter and away from the temptations to head home and rug up watching your favorite T.V show. Recruiting a swim sidekick also makes working out less of a chore and gives you a chance to catch up and have some fun. Additionally, a friend will assist your motivation levels as they will push you to your limits and provide a bit of healthy competition in the water. 

Preparation is essential:

Ensure you come prepared with warm clothes, showering essentials and warm and dry shoes. A dressing gown is the perfect accessory to pack as it can easily be thrown on after your swim and is guaranteed to keep you nice and toasty. Packing yourself two towels is another great way to stay warm after your swim workout - using one towel to soak up the pool water directly after your swim and having a spare dry towel for when you hop out of the shower.

Reward yourself:

Reward your hard work by heading to the cafe for a hot coffee or tea after your swim. As well as acknowledging your determination and motivation during the cooler months, a warm treat is a great way to start heating your core temperature and contributes to an effective post-swim routine. 

We hope our guide will help you stay warm and fit this winter. Looking for the perfect location to start swimming in Claremont? Our pools are heated to a comfortable 27 degrees year round and weekly lane availability helps you choose the best time to swim. Find out more about our swim facilities.