Splash into Fitness with Dad!

Starting swimming as an exercise is an incredible way to improve your overall health, fitness, and well-being.

Here's rebel's guide to incorporating swimming for fitness, making it the perfect activity to share and enjoy with your dad this Father's Day.

Embrace the opportunity to bond, stay fit, and create lasting memories together.

1. Selecting a Swimming Pool

When starting to swim for exercise, choosing the right pool is a crucial step that can significantly enhance your overall swimming experience. Find a spot that offers an inspiring environment that will fuel you as you start swimming and continue to support you on your journey.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Pools

Indoor and outdoor swimming pools each have their own unique benefits. Indoor pools provide you with serene, temperature-controlled waters, promising consistent conditions, no matter the weather. Outdoor swimming pools offer a vibrant, dynamic environment with sun-kissed workouts under the open sky or if you're starting in winter, crisp, frosty air. They can also set a thrilling challenge with the elements depending on the weather conditions.

Both indoor and outdoor pools offer a similar experience, with the difference coming down to personal preference. An indoor pool might be your best bet if you're looking for consistency, privacy, and year-round access. But if you crave variety, natural beauty, and a challenge during colder seasons, an outdoor pool is the ideal choice.

You can check out rebel’s guide on open water swimming here.

Available Amenities

A pool that offers a complete suite of amenities, including locker rooms, showers, and even a luxurious bonus of a sauna or steam room, all add to the swim experience. These amenities can serve as a big motivator, providing you with a convenient and encouraging experience, especially when starting to swim.

Some pools might even measure and track progress, offering tangible milestones that celebrate your journey. This combination of added amenities and progress tracking is something to consider if you need a motivation boost.

Trial Visits

If possible, take advantage of trial visits or day passes to experience the pool firsthand before committing to a membership. Grab the opportunity to evaluate the pool, amenities, and overall vibe of the place.

2. Choose the Right Gear

Starting swimming is an exciting step towards a healthier you. But, before diving into this new fitness routine, it's crucial to gear up with the right swim essentials.

Swimwear

For women, a one-piece swimsuit that offers both comfort and support, allowing for smooth, unrestricted movement, is essential for slicing through the water with ease.
Men will find that snug-fitting swim trunks or shorts, designed to reduce drag and enhance speed, are their best bet for maximising their workout. Go for materials that offer chlorine resistance and durability that will keep your swimwear last and fit perfectly, swim after swim.
View the rebel range of swimwear here.

Goggles

Look for a pair of goggles that offer a snug fit, clear vision, and ultimate comfort, ensuring your focus remains on smashing those laps. Opt for goggles with anti-fog technology and UV protection that enhance your underwater experience while safeguarding your eyes from chlorine and the sun's harmful rays.

Additional Swim Accessories

While not critical for your swim fitness routine, swimming accessories can make your time in the pool more enjoyable!

For those with sensitive ears, it's crucial to pick earplugs that are fit well but also specifically designed for swimming, ensuring they provide the best protection without falling out. A swimming cap, while not essential for everyone, can be a game-changer.

Other swim accessories, like kickboards, flippers, towels and mesh swim bags all help to make the swim experience seamless, giving you the confidence and freedom to get used to swimming at your own pace, whether you're in an indoor pool or having a crack at an open water swim.

3. Learn the Basics

Before you start swimming, it's essential to build a foundation. Jumping into a swimming fitness routine without grasping the basics is like trying to run before you can walk. It's important, as it will boost your confidence and make swimming both enjoyable and rewarding. Consider also taking lessons from a certified instructor to ensure you're learning the correct form.

Swim aerobics is another entryway for swimmers who may not be as mobile, offering a low-impact, yet highly effective workout that safeguards your joints while still getting in a good workout. Some gyms or pools may offer water aerobic classes that you can join to help increase your mobility, agility and overall fitness in the water before you start swimming laps.

Understand the Stroke Techniques

Once you're comfortable in the water, proceed with basic strokes. Freestyle is often the first stroke taught because of its natural movement and efficiency. Backstroke is also good for beginners, offering a more relaxed pace. It's unique as it's the only competitive stroke swum on the back. Learning these strokes establishes a solid foundation in swimming technique and allows you to adapt to various swimming conditions.

4. Start Swimming

Now that you have built the necessary foundation to start swimming, it's time to get into the routine. The first step is all about getting familiar and comfortable in the water. It's a time for you to become one with the aquatic environment, to feel the water support your body, and to learn the rhythm of your breath as it synchronises with your movements.

As you progress and gain confidence, you'll continue to build on this foundational stage to include more advanced techniques and challenges.

Discover rebel’s swimming program outlined on their blog below, including swimming fitness Q&A’s here!