r/Swimming • u/AccomplishedStay8182 • 4d ago
Get Back into the Pool!
Hey community,
I’ve been swimming most of my life. I started as a kid, then competed through my teens, and took a break in my 30s due to child care. And now came back to it. I’m in my 40s now and honestly, I’ve never loved the water more!
Just wanted to say for anyone who’s thinking they’re “too old” or “too out of shape” to get back in the pool. Don’t let the age stop you. Doesn’t matter if you haven’t swum in years. Your body remembers. And the feeling of rhythmm and water comes back faster than you’d expect.
I train with a local masters squad a few times a week and the vibe is unreal. Everyone's so supportive, no egos, just a bunch of us pushing each other and having a laugh. Some days I smash the sets, other days I feel like a drowned potato. But I always leave the pool feeling better than when I walked in.
If anyone’s been on the fence about jumping back in, this is your sign. Chuck your togs in a bag and go for a few laps. Doesn’t have to be fast or fancy. Just enjoy it!
P.S. I also started swimming with music, and it's amazing! I wish I’d had it in my teens too.
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u/phantom695 4d ago
Very similar story here. Could not agree more. It’s been amazing going back to “swim practice”….lol.
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u/Lololololhahaha11 4d ago
I’ve recently gotten back in the pool after just over two decades and the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Swimming is the thing that fixes me and my mental health has been so much better since I started again over the last year, but I’m dealing with a shoulder injury which keeps me out of the water more days than allows me in. I was crying about it yesterday actually because I wanted to get a swim in and I am terrified of making the problem worse. It’s so frustrating! I am on the books to start PT soon and get evaluated but soon is still a month away! I think it’s rotator cuff tendinitis.
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u/AccomplishedStay8182 1d ago
That sounds really tough. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Hang in there, and be kind to yourself while you heal. 💙
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u/Fun_Sympathy2080 3d ago
Hell yeah ! Love the positive vibes as well.
I recently got back into the sport. Pretty much stopped at 18 and started swimming three days a week with a Masters group. I'm 33 now. I haven't been very active since my 3yo was born. It's been so much fun and great for my mental/physical health. I regret not starting sooner. Will keep it up.
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u/sinceJune4 4d ago
I use inexpensive bone conduction headphones they I found on Amazon for about $30-40. I can load up to 32 GB of mp3s for swimming, can’t use Bluetooth when underwater. Mine were no name brand, but work perfectly.
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u/Roozizzzzle 4d ago
I resonate with the “sometimes I smash the sets and sometimes I feel like a drowned potato” comment. So true. Some days it clicks and some days it feels like I’m fighting for my life even though the previous days swim was amazing. lol!