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Did you know that if you get back into swimming or you’ve decided to just give it a go, you are more likely to commit to it? After all, the temperature’s rising. Sometimes we find excuses not to swim; It’s too cold outside, I’ve had a hectic day or I simply can’t be bothered. What’s yours? One way to start is to sign up at your local swimming centre or go further a field.
Essentials to keep in your swimming bag:
Just in case you decide to go for a swim at the very last-minute, don’t forget to pack:
Ear plugs for swimming
Swimming cap
Goggles
Dry swim wear
Toiletries
Flip flops
Towel
Moisturiser
Shampoo
Coins for the locker. Most accept £1 or 20p
Here are some key places to swim in London:
YMCA Club in Great Russell Street
This swimming pool is based in central London. Not only is it one of London’s hidden spots. It has a 25m-heated indoor pool. The club caters for all abilities with lanes designated for everyone, whether you’re slow, medium or a fast swimmer. We all get the chance to swim at our own pace.
The poolside is a relaxing place to unwind and reflect.
Ironmonger Row Baths
Also, based in central London. Apparently it was opened in 1931 as a public washhouse. It has a Turkish Haman, a top-lit ceiling and wooden benches. The centre has one of the few surviving baths left in London.
Oasis sports centre in Covent Garden
This is an open-air heated pool with a sun terrace and an adjacent indoor pool.
Apparently, swimming is free for over 55’s between 9am and noon Monday to Friday. Trouble is most of us are working during these hours!
Golden Lane Leisure Centre Barbican
A stunning roof top swimming pool that’s quite small at only 20m but compensates for this with its well-lit venue.
Your local swimming/sports centre
The Serpentine Lake
I recently discovered that there is a swimming club at this Lido and that its members meet around Christmas for a one-day race. However, from May to September the club is open to non-members from 10am to 6pm daily but only at the weekends and bank holiday during May.
You will experience swimming with Hyde Park ducks, rowing in a Hire boat and you will have the privilege to ride in a solar shuttle! The sun powers the shuttle, so keep your fingers crossed for a sunny day.
Lidos:
Tooting Bec Lido
Brockwell Park Lido
If you haven’t swum for a while, this could be the start and you don’t have to pause in the autumn or winter since indoor pools are heated in the cold seasons. Now is the best time to take up swimming.
It’s an exercise that works the whole body and children love it. Also, the bright evenings are an ideal time for swimming, straight after a daily routine to relax the muscles and aid sound sleep.
Let me know your favourite swimming pool or Lido.
I was a competitive swimmer as a kid, so this is dear to my heart. It is probably the very best all-around exercise! Great idea to join a club or a swimming center. Looks like you have some great choices in London!
Swimming and Tennis are one of the best all-round exercises and I just love the way this season is a motivator for the sport. Happy swimming!
Hi Bola
You are right. The heat is high over here in Nigeria. Maybe it is a good idea to start swimming.
Great places in London to take a swim.
Hi Ikechi,
I can imagine the intense heat in Nigeria. Swimming will help cool down. Thanks
Hi Journey with bola,
One of my resolutions for 2015 is to become a better swimmer. Now that I have finished uni I can do so. However, having natural afro hair, I feel that the chlorine may damage my curl pattern and weaken my hair. Do you have any solutions?
Thanks.
I think that one of the best way to get around this issue is to wear a good quality swimming cap to stop the chlorine based water getting to your hair. 🙂