Back in the Water: Why Getting Straight Back Into Swimming in the New Year Changes Everything
- katyroseconroy
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
The holidays are over, the decorations are down, and suddenly that “I’ll start again in January” promise is staring right back at you.
Here’s the truth: the people who make the biggest fitness gains each year aren’t the ones who wait for motivation — they’re the ones who get back in the water as soon as the new year starts.
Whether you took a few weeks off or your routine completely fell apart, restarting your swimming routine now is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health, confidence, and consistency in 2026.
Discover the benefits of swimming for your child and why you should also be taking lessons.
Why Restarting Your Swimming Routine Immediately Matters
It Rebuilds Momentum Fast
When you delay restarting, your body forgets your routine, and your mind creates excuses. Getting back into swimming straight away reactivates your habits before they fade completely.
Swimming Resets Your Body Gently
Unlike high-impact training, swimming lets you return to exercise without overwhelming your joints or nervous system. It’s the perfect way to reintroduce movement after a break.
You Restore Confidence Early
That first swim back always feels harder than expected. But once you’ve done it, your confidence comes flooding back, and suddenly training again feels possible.
Your Fitness Comes Back Quicker Than You Think
Muscle memory is real. Even after time off, your cardiovascular system responds rapidly to consistent swimming sessions, and your body remembers how to move efficiently.
Common Mistakes When Getting Back Into Swimming
Trying to go straight back to your old volume
Skipping sessions because the first one felt hard
Waiting until you “feel ready”
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s momentum.
6 Simple Tips to Restart Your Swimming Routine
Start Smaller Than You Think You Need
Your first week back isn’t about performance — it’s about consistency. Shorter, easier sessions build confidence and reduce soreness.
Book Sessions in Advance
Treat swimming like an appointment, not a hobby. If it’s in your calendar, it’s happening. If you're new to STORM, why not take advantage of our intro offer - 3 sessions for only 199 aed.
Focus on Technique, Not Speed
After a break, your form is more important than how fast you go. Better breathing and smoother strokes rebuild fitness naturally.
Train With Structure
A coached session or group class removes decision fatigue and keeps you accountable, especially when motivation is low. Our New Year Reset is the perfect opportunity to focus on easing back in with a mix of in-pool and dry land sessions.
Pair It With a Simple Goal
Instead of “get fitter”, try: swim twice per week for 4 weeks, or finish a session feeling stronger than last time.
Accept That the First Session Will Feel Hard
That’s normal. The magic is what happens after you push through it.
Make This Your Strongest Year Yet
Your best swimming year doesn’t start when you feel perfect. It starts the moment you decide to show up again.
At STORM, we see it every term - once people get back into their routine, everything changes: energy improves, confidence rises, and fitness follows naturally.
If you are in Abu Dhabi and swimming was on your list to restart this year, let this be your sign.
