Pools are now starting to open around the country. Great! Time to get stuck into some swimming.

Well yes, but there is no rush. Hurry slowly!

Many have not been swimming consistently for many weeks… months for some. And even if you have been diligent with your swim strength and mobility work you need to ensure you give the body a chance to adjust.

Much like how we slowly reintroduce running if someone has had a hiatus as a result of an injury (or otherwise) we must apply the same logic for our return to the water.

Poignant now, of course, but worth remembering for any future extended breaks from the aqua. And, it’s not just the physical considerations… we must also familiarise ourselves with the whole ‘routine’ of getting ready to swim, getting to the pool, dry land warm up etc etc… sounds simple, silly perhaps, but it’s real.

Here is how we will approach the return to swimming at JET.

1. Re-Acquaintance with the water

This stage is all about getting to the pool and in the water. Short and easy swims made up of short and easy repetitions. Lots of rest, great emphasis on form. Remove your expectations and just swim. Limit use of equipment (especially paddles), limit intensity. This may last 2-4 weeks depending on how frequently you swim. But aim for 4-6 swims like this.

2. Find your rhythm

Once you are reacquainted with the water it is time to search for your rhythm. So you can add a little more volume, you can add in some structure and you can make use of your equipment, including your paddles. Still great emphasis on form, relatively short intervals still and lots of rest is quite alright. Again this may take 2-4 weeks and 4-6 sessions.

3. Ready to go…

If you follow steps one and two patiently and allow for progression through those initial swims then you should be ready to return to your normal in terms of swimming load and volume.

You can add back intensity, volume and paddle use. As always emphasis should be in quality of movement, connection and timing.

Allow room to progress and ensure there is purpose to each and every session. Also ensure your session design is in line with the phase of training we are currently in (likely build phase for most by the time you hit stage three!)

So keep it simple and safe when you return to the pool:

– REAQUAINT with the water
– Find your RHYTHM
– Then you’ll be READY to go!

Happy swimming…