Swimming is amazing. But if there’s one thing that drives us nuts, it’s doing the same thing over and over again. Swimming can be monotonous. It can be boring.
I mean, think about it. You’re swimming back and forth, looking at a black line on the bottom of the pool. It’s probably better than watching paint dry, but if you’re looking to spice up your workout, without getting bored – here are five ways to do just that.
1. Add Variation to Your Distance
Have you ever seen someone swim back and forth for 30 or 60 minutes straight? Maybe that’s you. If so, that’s totally okay. But to really spice up your workout, you need to throw in some variation in your distance. Instead of swimming continuously, try doing sets and intervals.
This approach not only makes the workout more interesting, but also benefits your swimming development. You’ll be faster, enjoy the workout more, and be able to swim at a higher rate of speed because you’re breaking it up.
Next time you go swimming, think about how you can break up your routine. For instance, instead of swimming 1500 meters continuously, break it into manageable sets. This is where tools like the MySwimPro app can help by developing personalized training programs for you.
2. Vary Your Strokes and Effort
Even within a structured workout, you can add variation. Don’t just stick to 50s or 100s of freestyle. Mix up your strokes and vary your effort levels. This is our favorite tip for how to swim without getting bored.
For example, if you have 10 x 50s freestyle, alternate between freestyle and backstroke, or include a few lengths of breaststroke.
You can also vary your intensity, alternating between fast and easy laps. This keeps the workout interesting and helps you improve different aspects of your swimming.
Related: How To Pull More Water In Freestyle
3. Use Equipment
Equipment is one of the best ways to spice up your workout. Having a great equipment bag with tools like fins, paddles, and snorkels can make a significant difference.
For example, swimming with fins can help you swim faster and improve your technique, while paddles can enhance your upper body strength and technique.
Using a snorkel can allow you to focus on your stroke without worrying about breathing. Combining different pieces of equipment can also make your workout more engaging and challenging.
4. Swim with Others
Swimming with friends or in a group is one of the most important aspects to avoid getting bored and to actually get faster. Training with others, especially those who are faster than you, can push you to improve.
The camaraderie of a swimming community keeps it fun and motivating. Even if you’re not doing the same workout as the person in the lane next to you, having someone nearby can help you stay accountable and make the experience more enjoyable.
5. Focus on Your Weaknesses
To make your workouts more interesting and improve your swimming, focus on something you’re not good at.
If you struggle with butterfly, dedicate some time to practice it. This not only keeps the workout engaging, but also requires more mental energy, giving you something new to focus on. Overcoming these challenges can make your swimming experience more rewarding.
Related: How To Swim Without Getting Out Of Breath
Bonus Tips: Travel and Set Goals
Traveling and changing your environment can keep your swimming routine fresh and exciting. Swimming in a new pool or a different location can make every lap a new experience.
Additionally, having a specific goal or event on your calendar, like a triathlon or an open water swim, can keep you motivated and give you something to work towards.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to swim with others, consider joining a training camp or a swimming community. These experiences provide not only technique improvements but also the motivation and fun of being part of a group.
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By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can keep your swimming workouts varied, interesting, and effective. Happy swimming!
Need Swim Workout Ideas?
Download the MySwimPro app! Get the app on your phone or smartwatch, and get your personalized swim training plan. Every workout is adapted to your speed and skill level, and adjusts as you progress. Click here to start your free trial.
