How to avoid common mistakes in swimming

If you recently started swimming, you probably have noticed that there are quite a few things that need to have in mind when you are in the water. You have to locate a pool, find a time that lap swimming is available, acquire the proper equipment, and then there is the act of swimming itself. You have a lot to think about before, during, and after a workout in the pool, but when things line up just the right way, swimming is a rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to help the variables put into place and make some room for what's more important, fun!

Arrive to your swim practice with a plan

Before you even walk into the locker room, have a plan for your swim workout. If your goal is to work on technique, know what drills and skills you will use in the workout. If your swim session involves a workout, don't wait until the warm up to create your swim sets. Give your swim training some focus and direction. Write down your workout on a piece of paper and put it into a ziploc bag. Even if you are only working on drills, write them down as well. This way you will be more motivated and excited to start your workout, and the whole workout will be more productive.

Swim with a friend

Swimming with a friend in the open water is a must, but you can also complete a workout in the pool on your own. However, swimming with other athletes is more fun. Swim buddies will hold you accountable; for both getting to the pool in a timely manner and in completing the workout as prescribe. A swim buddy also gives you someone to commiserate with during a tough set and adds a little bit of competition to your workout.

Arrive with all your equipment

There is nothing worse than getting to the pool only to find that you left your suit or towel at home. Run through a checklist of items you need at the pool. Write it down if that will help. 

Take care your swimsuit

Pools are chlorinated, some more heavily than others. This chemical eats away your swimsuit, and in less than a month you might find yourself needing a new one. Prolong the life span of your suit and save yourself some money. First, make sure you rinse it out as soon as you get out of the pool. You don't really need to put it in the washing machine, just a good rinse with water. Then, instead of twisting and mashing the fabric into your fists to wring it out, shake the excess water with a few squeezes. Being too aggressive with the wringing will stretch your suit making the fabric see-through. Lay out the damp suit to dry someplace out in the open and don't leave balled up in your towel or in your bag.

Swim within yourself

Have you ever heard of the ''black line syndrome''? It's quite common in swimmers and its main symptom is boredom. However, instead of producing a monotonous environment, swimming can provide a brief refuge. No phone calls, messages, or emails. Swimming gives you time alone with your thoughts. Sometimes you just need time to zone out and think about whatever. You might lose count of laps, but your mental state when you get out of the water might greatly improve. Be careful though, swimming is complex. If you get your mind going in too many directions, your thoughts may cause more harm than good for both your stroke and your mood. If you find swimming is more frustrating than relaxing, pick one thing that you need to focus on to improve your technique and make that your mantra for the workout. 

Enjoy your swim!!!

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