Swimming is a great exercise for building strength, toning muscles, and improving your overall fitness. But without a pool at home, getting a swim workout isn’t always easy. Public pools and gyms can be crowded, and it’s hard to find an open lane at the right time.
That’s where swim spas come in—your own personal aquatic gym, pool, and hot tub all in one. But if you’ve never used one before, understanding how a swim spa works is the first step to getting the most out of your workout.
In this guide, we explain exactly how swim currents work and provide tips for swimming in place in a swim spa.
How Do Swim Spas Work?
A swim spa is a compact accessory that combines the features of a swimming pool and a hot tub.
At the heart of the swim spa design is a propulsion system, which uses water jets to create a steady, river-like flow of water down the center of the spa. When you swim against the current, it creates resistance that keeps you in place, even as you try to swim forward. You have full control of the water current speed and intensity, so you can adjust it to match your desired pace and resistance.
This aquatic exercise is a great way to build endurance, strengthen muscles, and improve cardiovascular health. Endless Pools swim spas also work with optional fitness accessories like aquabikes, rowing kits, and underwater treadmills that turn your spa into a full-body, low-impact at-home gym.
Tips for Stationary Swimming in a Swim Spa
Swimming in place might sound simple, but getting the most out of your swim spa workout might take a little getting used to at first. Whether you’re just getting comfortable with the swimming current or looking to improve your form, the right approach can make a big difference.
Below, we share practical tips to help you swim more efficiently, stay centered in the current, and make each swim spa session as effective and enjoyable as possible.
Adjust the Water Current to Your Experience Level
If you’re new to stationary swimming and find it challenging at first, don’t worry—you’re not alone! That’s why Endless Pools spas have entirely adjustable currents, so you can customize your workouts to match your experience level and progress at your own pace.
To get started, begin with a low-intensity current and gradually increase resistance as you gain experience and strength.
Find the Right Starting Position
One common mistake with stationary swimming is starting too close to the jets, which makes it harder to stay balanced. Your workout will be most effective if you swim in the widest part of the current’s flow.
When swimming in place, try keeping your hands about a foot away from the jets. If you feel any turbulence, adjust your position slightly backward until you find the smoothest flow.
Staying Centered While Swimming
Keeping your body in a straight, horizontal line is key to swimming in place efficiently. Maintaining proper form can help you stay centered:
- Keep your core and legs engaged to help you stay balanced
- Keep your head down and avoid looking directly at the current
- Point your fingers forward and align them with the spa’s center
Focusing on visual markers on the floor of your swim spa can also help you stay centered. Looking at these markers can make it easier to maintain balance and swim against the current without drifting side to side.
Use Proper Breathing Techniques
Proper breathing is one of the most important parts of any swimming workout because it helps you maintain rhythm and endurance.
Here are some tips to help you breathe properly while swimming in place:
- Maintain a steady breathing rhythm and never hold your breath
- Exhale when your head is fully underwater
- Inhale quickly and smoothly when you turn your head to be above the surface
- Try bilateral breathing (breathing on both sides) for better balance and alignment
With consistent practice, controlled breathing will help you swim longer, maintain better form, and enjoy a more effective aquatic workout.
Level-Up Your Fitness Routine with a Swim Spa from Creative Energy
Swimming in place is a great exercise for improving strength and endurance. With an Endless Pools Swim Spa, you can swim, exercise, or relax right in the comfort of your home.
For decades, Creative Energy has been the Bay Area’s leading swim spa dealer. Contact us online or visit one of our award-winning Bay Area showrooms in Concord, San Rafael, or San Mateo today.