As the only two public leisure centre pools in the Barrow area, our main pool and leisure pool have vital roles to play in getting people of all ages and abilities swimming – commonly acknowledged as one the best forms of exercise for physical and mental wellbeing.
Our 25-metre long main pool has six lanes and ranges in depth between 0.9 and 2 metres. It hosts 17 lane swimming sessions over six days every week, varying in duration between just under three hours to just under one hour.
If you were ever in doubt about the benefits of swimming, research by Swim England, the sport’s governing body, found that taking the plunge is perfect for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
It’s especially good for those with injuries, impairments, long term health conditions, or those who struggle to exercise on land.
The Swim England report, The Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Swimming, found evidence that swimmers live longer, that regular swimming helps older people stay mentally and physically fit, and participation in swimming lessons can help children to develop physical, cognitive and social skills quicker.
Yet around one-in-three adults in the UK can’t swim a length. although one-in-four non-swimmers say they would like to learn how.
If that’s you, the Swim England Adult Swimming Framework is about improving confidence, technique and safety in the water, with no age limits (age 14+). It takes participants from beginner to being a swimmer and onwards and upwards to becoming a master swimmer.
Techniques for improving swimming speed and endurance
Many lane swimmers are happy to build up the number of laps they do over the days and weeks and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that, especially for building up your endurance. If that’s good enough for you, then OK.
“If you want to swim faster, focus on refining your technique and strengthening your mental game. Practice and determination are essential,” advises Emily, one of our swimming instructors. “Consider factors like balance, minimising drag, enhancing your kick, maximising the effectiveness of your pull, and perfecting your breathing.”
Your swimming gear also has a part to play if you want to swim faster. Slim fitting swimwear, quality goggles and a silicone hat are a must.
A thorough warm up is also beneficial to avoid injuries, Swim England has devised a routine of warm up exercises to follow before getting in the pool which is a helpful guide.
Serious swimmers also have land-based routines. Resistance training and yoga can help you build strength and balance.
Finally, once you’ve been swimming for many years it’s easy to develop bad habits and fall into familiar routines. If you do want to get faster, it’s not just about putting in the lengths. Focus your attention on the specific goal of getting faster. This means taking the advice given by Emily above and working consistently on improving your technique.
How to track your progress in the pool
Tracking your progress in the pool is essential if you’re looking to improve.
Start with some benchmark stats and then time yourself regularly over the weeks and months to see how your times are improving. It will give you confidence all your hard work is paying off and makes it easier to set goals to aim for.
Sample lap swimming workouts for all fitness levels
There are lap swimming workouts for every level of swimmer and every stroke.
For example, if you’re a beginner you will want to concentrate on your technique and then build up some speed. The goal here is to get used to being in the water and moving well with a workout lasting up to 45 minutes.
At the opposite end of the scale, there are 60-minute workouts for efficiency and endurance with all sorts of programmes in between.
If you’re serious about improving your swimming and need advice, speak to one of our friendly, helpful instructors.
‘The staff are incredible and the facilities fantastic’
Janet, who’s 63 and started swimming through our BEATS (Barrow Exercise and Therapy Scheme), has this to say…
“I started taking water classes, and it really gave me the boost I needed after leg surgery.
“My mobility was greatly affected, and it had a big impact on my overall quality of life. Swimming has been a game-changer for me – it’s helped improve my mobility, strengthen my body, and has also had a positive effect on my mental health. It’s become an essential part of my recovery and wellbeing.
“At first, I wasn’t very confident in the water, but I was encouraged to give it a try. The staff at the centre are so supportive and understanding, which made a world of difference. They created a comfortable environment where I felt safe and guided me through every step of the process.
“I would definitely recommend giving swimming a go, even if you’re not confident, because the support you get from the staff is incredible, and it can really help you achieve your goals, no matter where you’re starting from. It’s made a huge difference in my life, and I’m so grateful for the progress I’ve made!”
Another of our swimmers, who wanted to remain anonymous, had this to say…
“I’ve been swimming since I was a little girl. I’ve kept swimming because it has numerous benefits for my health, particularly improving my breathing and helping me stay fit, even in my 40s.
“What keeps me motivated is the fact that swimming is so good for my body, it’s an essential part of staying healthy. Some days, I also do cold water swimming, which helps reduce inflammation and gives me an extra boost.
“Coming to the leisure centre is always a great experience. The facilities are fantastic, and the staff are incredibly friendly and supportive, which makes it even more enjoyable to swim here.”
Come along and join us!
To discover more about swimming at Barrow Park Leisure Centre, visit our swimming page on this website.