This is How You Get Better at Swimming

Find a Pool

There are several things you can do to improve your swimming skills, and thankfully, they are all quite simple! The very first step is to just swim. This means you need to find a pool that you enjoy swimming at. You’ll also want to invest in a good swimsuit, a cap, and goggles. I absolutely recommend getting a cap and goggles because I really dislike getting water in my ears. Trust me, you will definitely get water in your ears if you don’t wear a cap. Plus, I can't stand getting chlorine in my eyes, and goggles make swimming so much more enjoyable! Your hair will also be healthier with a cap on. It will still get wet, but much less so than if you weren’t wearing one!

Just Swim

Once you’ve found a pool that you like, it’s time to dive in! I know that the first time you go swimming might feel a bit daunting. You might feel uncomfortable, and that’s totally okay! Just remember, after that first swim, you’ll feel so much more at ease. It might still be a little scary for a while, but trust me, once you get that first swim under your belt, it becomes much easier!

Swim 2-3 Times a Week

After you’ve gotten comfortable with swimming, aim to go 2 to 3 times a week. This will help you build a mind-muscle connection, and your body will start to understand how to swim better.

If you’re worried that you have no idea how to swim, don’t fret! There are a few helpful YouTube videos that can show you the ropes. Please don’t beat yourself up if swimming doesn’t come naturally at first. It’s totally normal, and with time, you’ll improve!

If you’re enjoying your swims and just doing it for fun and a bit of exercise, that’s perfectly fine! You don’t need to become a pro swimmer to reap the benefits of swimming. It’s fantastic exercise, no matter your form!

If You Want to Get Better, Make It a Priority

If you’re looking to improve your swimming beyond just a casual hobby, frequency and practicing proper form will be your best friends! To practice correct form, you first need to know what that is. Here are a couple more YouTube videos that demonstrate proper technique.

I highly recommend finding a swim group in your area. If you haven’t noticed one already, look for a group of people swimming around the time you typically go. There are also masters swimming clubs you can join, but keep in mind that they may require a fee. If you’re not keen on spending money, the YouTube route is a great alternative! In today’s tech-savvy world, you could even record yourself swimming and use AI to analyze your stroke and suggest improvements.

Increase Your Speed Work

Next up is working on your speed! As you increase your swimming frequency and focus on technique, you’ll naturally start to swim faster. Begin incorporating workouts that target speed. I can link a couple of my swim workouts on Pinterest that focus on speed. Some of these workouts may seem challenging, and they are! The goal of speed sets is to elevate your heart rate and keep it up. It might feel like you can’t breathe, but that’s a good sign! These workouts don’t last forever, so embrace the challenge!

If You Want to Turn Swimming into a Competitive Journey

If you’re interested in turning your swimming hobby into a competitive pursuit, I wholeheartedly recommend joining a masters club. If you’re hesitant to join right away, consider meeting with the coaches first. Ask them what to expect when practicing with a group and share your goals. They can help you determine if that particular masters club is the right fit for you.

If you feel confident in your technique and fitness level, you might also consider seeking out a swimming coach. A coach can design workouts tailored to your fitness level and goals, which can be incredibly beneficial.

One of the most important things you can do is conduct a time trial for yourself. This is a great way to track your progress! If you have a friend with a stopwatch, ask them to time you for 50, 100, and 200 meters. If you’re more into endurance swimming, you might also want to test your 500-meter time. Testing your times can be tricky, especially for longer distances, so if there’s a masters meet you can sign up for, consider participating as an individual even if you’re not part of a team.

Once you know your racing times, you can tailor your practice sessions to focus on distance and improvement. You’ll continuously get faster, and remember, you can always work on your technique! The more tired you get, the more you might want to drop your technique, which is why it’s crucial to keep honing those skills.

My Biggest Piece of Advice

Finding a community of fellow swimmers is essential! Your first option could be joining a masters swim club. If that’s not feasible, consider joining a casual swim meet-up with friends that doesn’t require a fee.

If you’re swimming solo and can’t find a club, it’s vital to have some sort of community supporting you. I recommend searching for an online community on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. While other sports communities can be helpful, swimming has its unique challenges. It’s important to connect with others who truly understand these challenges and can share their experiences, advice, and tips. This support will make your journey toward improvement so much easier!

Swimming is a fantastic sport that truly challenges your fitness. I hope this guide helps alleviate some of the intimidation you may feel about starting to swim. Remember, it’s not about how you look or whether you’re good or bad; it’s all about having fun and improving your fitness!