June brings with it a wonderful shift. The temperatures climb, the pool covers come off, and suddenly there's that familiar pull back to the water. It’s time to get back in!
Maybe you haven't been in the water since last summer. Maybe it's been a bit longer. Maybe you've been meaning to start but life (and a few chilly months) got in the way.
Regardless of your reasons, getting back into a pool after a break can feel like more of an event than it probably needs to be.
But your body remembers so much more than you think.
Why the Pool Is a Good Place to Start
When you haven't exercised in a while, the temptation is to either ease in cautiously, or push too hard trying to get back to where you were. Neither are helpful, and the pool naturally slows things down to stop you going to an extreme.
Why? The water supports your body weight, reducing the load on your joints. And that same resistance that makes pool exercise effective also makes it forgiving — it's hard to move too fast, which means your body has time to find its footing.
A Simple Way to Come Back
Rather than following a set routine on your first day back, try this instead:
Step in, find your footing, and just walk.
Walk forward, then backwards. Let your arms move naturally. Notice where things feel tight or easy. Notice what's changed since you were last in the water, and what hasn't.
This isn't warming up before the real workout. This is the workout. And it's one of the most useful things you can do.
From there, you can add a few gentle leg swings, or practice standing steady while the water moves around you. Small hand buoys are a nice addition if you have them — they give your hands something to do and help your core switch on.
But there's no rush to do more than your body is ready for.
The Season Is Just Starting
Pool season stretches ahead. There's plenty of time to build strength and find your rhythm. What matters most right now is just getting in, moving a little, and letting the water do some of the work.
That's a good day's workout by any measure.
Want guided pool workouts to help you find your footing this season? Explore Wavemakers here.