Don't let your swim training come to a grinding halt during the winter months, instead use these months to build a solid foundation for the season ahead.
We spoke to our athletes to learn more on how to stay motivated, the tips and tricks, as well as the advice which they have for those who struggle to keep their swim training up during the winter months.
Emma Chelius
What helps you to stay motivated during the winter months?
I have a training plan in place that my coach and I put together, which acts as my roadmap no matter the season. I also set goals and small milestones that fit in with the plan so that I know what I am working towards, and that helps to keep me motivated!
Tips for winter swim training:
I’d recommend scheduling a set time for your training session and trying to stick to it, so that even if it’s cold or raining you can follow your routine. And always dry your hair after training if possible, it may feel tedious at the time (if you have a mane of hair like I do) - but it makes such a huge difference to my mood in winter!
What advice would you give to a swimmer who generally tapers off during the cooler months?
I would say that if lockdown has taught us anything, it would be that it’s okay to have a break! I would recommend cross training and strength work as a great way to complement your stroke in the pool. Setting goals for the season ahead and having a fun group of people to train with also really helps to keep up the swim sessions throughout winter.
Matthew Sates
What helps you to stay motivated during the winter months?
The sun will always come up and a new day will always start, with it comes new opportunities (even on those very cold days), it’s important to always keep that in mind. You cannot focus on the cold, you have to keep your goal in mind. You also cannot let the weather determine how you train, but rather let your goals determine how you train. Training with others who have the same mind set helps one to get through the winter months, and of course nothing beats that feeling once you have completed the set.
Tips for winter swim training:
I have never been one for a cup of coffee at the side of the pool, but i look forward to the thought of a hot cup of hot chocolate at the end of it!
What advice would you give to a swimmer who generally tapers off during the cooler months?
I would encourage everyone to not taper off during the cold months. It’s important to train throughout the year and it builds character. If one is going to worry about the weather continually it will affect your goals. Goals don’t “feel” the temperature!
To anyone needing encouragement on those cold days – get up, get in and get training. The rewards and results are worth it.
Luca Holtzhausen
What helps you to stay motivated during the winter months?
Something that keeps me motivated is the warm pool, when winter comes, pools are generally heated a bit more for warmth. I enjoy jumping into a warm pool whether it be a cold morning or afternoon.
Tips for winter swim training:
Extend your warm up routines outside the pool and make sure your muscles and joints are ready before you jump into the pool, this will wake you up and allow you to smash your swim session.
Most early mornings when I have training and the weather is just a bit colder than usual I bring a cup of tea or coffee to keep myself warm throughout the session.
What advice would you give to a swimmer who generally tapers off during the cooler months?
Start as soon as possible! When you arrive at the pool try and get through as much as you can in a short amount of time. The faster you finish your swimming session, the quicker you’ll be able to get dressed into you warm clothes.
Keep as warm as possible at all times, in winter it is common to get sick easily because of the cold, being warm throughout your body at all times is as important as training hard.
Rebecca Meder
What helps you to stay motivated during the winter months?
Having a dream and a goal motivates me to face the bitter cold training sessions. No matter what your pool situation is like, we should all find something to be grateful for. I remind myself of the blessing I have to be able to train every day. The pool may be cold, but my determination and passion should be greater than anything.
Tips for winter swim training:
I make myself a cup of coffee, make sure I get a proper stretch in and once I am in the pool...I swim pretty hard so that I can warm up quicker and be warm enough for the main set! Oh and I try not to delay the getting in part of the session that only makes it mentally tougher.
What advice would you give to a swimmer who generally tapers off during the cooler months?
The winter training block is the foundation of your season. It’s where you can put the long, hard graft in. If you start your season earlier (in the colder months), just think about the difference it will make by the end of the season. You will be stronger, fitter and ultimately faster.
