If you’re struggling to find the motivation to crawl out of bed when winter rolls in – you’re not alone.
With the weather cooling down, it can be hard to have that edge. But hibernating isn’t going to burn off that Christmas in July roast. And we find the best thing to do is to get back in the water and get some full body exercise.
Here’s 7 handy hints to get you out of bed and into the pool.
1. Schedule your swims
Like Steve Jobs wearing the same outfit every day – eliminating choices from your day makes things easy. For swimming, that means blocking out a chuck of time in your schedule 3x a week to hit the pool. The best way to do this is to find a system that fits in with your calendar, and that will help you reach your goals. That way you can do what's best for your health and body.
2. Grab a buddy
Let’s face it, things are more fun when your surrounded by friends. Having a buddy join you for your freestyle will help keep you motivated on those cooler winter days. And when you oversleep your alarm, the buzzing of a familiar ring tone from a best friend may just be enough to push your feet to the floor and head to the pool.
3. Check your outfit is warm before you leave the house
In winter, the right clothes are much more than aesthetics – they are there to keep you warm and fight off the cold. And while you may rather be floating in the tub listening to 80s classics, grab a scarf, chuck on a beanie, pop some gloves on... whatever you need to head out the door. You'll be floating again soon.
4. Head to a heated swimming pool
Because ice water swimming should be left to our Northern Hemisphere friends. At Adelaide Aquatic Centre, our main pool is heated to a hearty 27°C, so no matter what the weather outside, inside the centre, you’ll be able to stay warm.
5. Remember: the first minute in the water is the worst
We're not going to lie – the hardest part of anything is getting started. Take a moment, and steadily adjust yourself into the water. Fight the urge to sit on the sidelines, and once you’re in, you’ll find it much easier to keep going.
6. Have your towel and clothes out ready
Don't make it hard and bury everything away deep inside your backpack. Have you towel ready to go, and your clothes in easy access as you hop out of the pool and get dry.
7. Pick up a hot drink as you leave
A smooth latte or hot chocolate from the café will keep you toasty as you prepare to head home. And chuck on the heater in the car. You deserve it.
Winter swimming can be daunting – but it doesn't need to be. Drop by and visit us at the pool, we'll see you soon. We're open every day.