Christmas Swimming

Swimming This Christmas: Why Swimming is the Perfect Winter Activity

As a swim coach, I often hear people say they’ll get back to swimming when the weather warms up, or when they have more time—usually after Christmas. But here’s the truth: the holiday season is an ideal time to make swimming a priority. Whether you’re a parent looking to keep your kids active or an adult keen on improving your skills, swimming over Christmas offers both physical and mental benefits. Let’s explore how you can make it happen and enjoy it too.

Why Swim Over Christmas?

• Stay Active During a Sedentary Season: With all the eating, lounging, and socialising that the holidays bring, swimming is a great way to counterbalance the sluggishness. It’s low-impact and full-body, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

• Mental Health Boost: The holidays can be stressful. A swim session can clear your mind, reduce anxiety, and give you that much-needed personal space amidst the chaos.

• Build Momentum Before the New Year: Starting now means you’ll hit January with a head start. Instead of making swimming a New Year’s resolution, you’ll already have the habit in place.

Ideas for Parents: Swimming with Kids

If you’re a parent, the pool can be a fantastic way to keep your kids engaged and off their screens. Plus, it’s a fun way to bond. Here are a few ideas:

• Fun Swim Challenges: Organise games like “Who Can Float the Longest” or “Retrieve the Most Pool Toys.” Keep it lighthearted and enjoyable.

• Practice Water Confidence: For younger children, focus on water safety and confidence. Simple activities like blowing bubbles, kicking their legs, or practicing submersion can go a long way.

• Short but Sweet Sessions: Kids have short attention spans, so 20-30 minutes of focused swimming is often enough.

• Reward Progress: Use small rewards or verbal encouragement to celebrate milestones, like swimming a full width or trying a new stroke.

For Adults: Making the Most of Your Holiday Swims

Adults often hesitate to prioritise swimming during the holidays, but it’s a great time to refine skills or learn new ones. Here’s how you can approach it:

• Set Realistic Goals: Don’t aim to perfect the butterfly in two weeks. Instead, focus on achievable goals like improving your front crawl efficiency or swimming longer distances.

• Schedule Your Sessions: Treat your swim like an appointment. Whether it’s early morning or late evening, setting aside time in advance increases your chances of sticking to it.

• Mix It Up: Add variety to keep things interesting. Alternate between technique drills, endurance sets, and relaxing swims. If you’re not sure what to do, try a simple workout like this:

  1. 5-minute warm-up: gentle freestyle or breaststroke

  2. 4 x 25m kickboard work (focus on your legs)

  3. 4 x 50m freestyle with 30 seconds rest in between

  4. 5-minute cool-down: backstroke or relaxed swimming

• Focus on Technique: The quieter pool environment during the holidays (when everyone else is shopping!) is perfect for refining your strokes. Work on your breathing, body position, or turns.

Practical Tips for Positive Learning

• Stay Warm: Pools can feel chilly in winter. Bring an extra towel or a robe for post-swim comfort. For kids, a quick dip in the hot tub (if available) can make the experience more enjoyable.

• Invite a Friend or Family Member: Swimming is more fun with company, and it can also keep you accountable.

• Start Small: If it’s been a while since you swam, don’t push yourself too hard. Focus on building consistency over intensity.

• Make It Festive: Bring a touch of holiday cheer to the pool. Maybe wear a Santa hat (if practical) or play holiday-themed games with the kids.

• Keep It Light: If you miss a session or don’t swim as well as you hoped, don’t beat yourself up. The goal is progress, not perfection.

Conclusion

Swimming over the Christmas period might not be the first thing on your holiday agenda, but it’s a decision you won’t regret. Whether you’re keeping the kids active, managing holiday stress, or getting a head start on your fitness goals, the pool offers something for everyone.

So, grab your swimsuit, head to the nearest pool, and make this Christmas a time of both relaxation and growth. You’ll thank yourself in the New Year!