Swimming is an amazing low-impact exercise that is beneficial for your whole body. Most people’s main access to swimming is through their local municipal pool or the pool at the gym.
However, swimming in crowded lanes can be very frustrating and can ruin what should be a very enjoyable workout! Follow our top tips to get the most out of your next trip to the pool.
Pick the Right Lane
Most pools with lanes will have ‘Fast’, ‘Medium’, and ‘Slow’ lanes. Be honest about your swimming speed and pick accordingly. If you start in one lane and are regularly being passed, or getting stuck behind slower swimmers, it’s time to switch lanes.
Let Faster Swimmers Pass
It’s stressful having someone tailing you. Even if it provides good motivation, it may cause a tail-back and slow down swimmers behind you. If you notice someone swimming close behind you for a length or two, wait until you get to the side and then move aside to let them past.
Be Polite
It can be super frustrating swimming behind a slow-poke who’s inexplicably chosen the fast lane! However, this is not the time to start a fight. Politely request to overtake when you both get to the side. Always be mindful of lane swimming etiquette and everyone should get along!
Be Creative
Sometimes, overtaking is not an option in crowded lanes. In this instance, you can get creative. Try slow swimming, one-arm swimming, sculling and fist and finger drills. Mixing up your technique will improve your workout and keep you motivated, even when you can’t go as fast as you’d like.
