If I had a dollar for every time I was told “I bet Masters is great but it isn’t for me because….” I would have enough money to run a masters program for several months. This preconceived notion of “It’s just not for me” needs to be debunked. There are plenty of justifications that someone could find too rationalise not jumping in that pool, but in truth, the benefits outweigh any excuses one could dredge up. I know, I’ve heard almost all of them.

The most commonly cited obstacles around masters swimming fall into three sections:

1.) Lack of Swim Background/ Too Much Swim Background

2.) Non-Traditional Swim Goals

3.) Overall Fitness Shape

While at first glance, these may seem like solidly packaged reasons, they’re all easily argued against.

First off, Masters is for everyone and that is the point of Masters! Masters programs all over the country (1,500 to be exact) bring together roughly 60,000 swimmers of ages 18+ to the pool for a fun and challenging workout. Masters coaches give workouts and execute practice from the pool deck. It’s for all ages ( 18+) and all abilities!

Do you fit into any of these categories?

The Non-Swimmer Looking for a New Workout

Masters programs are all inclusive and most just ask that you know the basics of swimming in order to get started. Through repetition in the water and coaching assistance you will be able to grow your stroke technique so you can enjoy the endless social, physical and mental benefits of swimming. Swimming improves health in a way that’s easier on the joints than impact sports and works out nearly every muscle in the body simultaneously. Water resistance strengthens muscles while improving flexibility and developing lung capacity, all factoring into a longer healthier life. Mentally, swimming is a great stress reducer and allows you to disconnect while working out.

The “Former” Swimmer

Yes, we know you’re out there. The “I used to be able to swim so fast, it would be embarrassing to get back in the water now” posse of swimmer’s who skip Masters workouts out of a fear of not replicating what they could do in their teens/20s. Spoiler alert: That’s fine. You know it’s still the best workout you can get. You probably swam competitively in high school/ college but fell off a bit when “real life” started. Perfect, the pool is still here, come on back. Masters consists of several different pace lanes so you can find a lane that fits your pace now, and see progression in the form of moving up lanes when you find your speed again. No one is “too slow,” and no one is going to judge your speed or quote your old swim times back to you - I promise. Don’t start with the “Let me get back into shape first” explanations either, Masters gets you into shape, that’s the point!

The Competitive Athlete

Those whose gym bags are packed the night before, training plan uploaded, and race schedule planned out a year in advance. The athletes who are not sure masters will fit into their coaching plan. While I would never advise an athlete to go against their coach, I would encourage the athlete to speak openly with their coach regarding Masters and the benefits. If you are a “land based” athlete, the benefits of an aerobic session in the water have shown to increase overall recovery and allow for a great cross - training opportunity. Are you a triathlete/swimmer who is concerned that masters may not “align” with your training plan for the day? A session a week “slightly off” your training plan, may not be as detrimental as you first think. Speak with the masters coach about the schedule of workouts and what day can work into your plan. While the workout may be slightly different, the increased effort found when swimming with a group will lead to long term growth in regards to pushing oneself, plus it’s just more fun.

Anyone Looking for a Community

Masters is beneficial for those who are looking to meet a group of like-minded people. Swimming is a fun sport, or at least I tell myself this while I set my 4:55 am alarm, and I’ve met some of the closest friends from the swim community. You smile together, swim together, and make memories together. After practice coffee become a tradition and maybe you take these friendships into swim events beyond Masters programs.

Someone who Needs an Accountability-buddy

It’s hard to get up early in the morning or head to the gym after work, I hear you. If you have a group of people who have also made the conscious effort to set their alarms and get to practice, it makes it a little easier. It’s easy to find someone at masters to help hold yourself accountable, they want someone in the lane with them! Additionally, talk with your friends, use some of the notes from this article on the advantages of swimming (healthy habit, increased cardio with low impact on joints, full body workout) and get a group together to head to the pool. Nothing will hold you accountable like a friend who had to jump in a “possibly” cold pool without any support, they won’t let you live it down and you’ll struggle the next time you go to snooze that alarm.

I hope to see you at a Masters program in the future.

Hurry, the water is calling your name!

Here are some handy links to find out more information on Masters Swimming programs near you:

About the Author