We have all heard how wonderful swimming is for you. But we hear these reasons from swimmers; those who love being in the pool, have no problem lugging around their big swim bags all day, or take pride in how fast they can swim a 50m sprint. These individuals are exceptions to the norm, and for that reason the explanations go in one ear and out the other.

Here are some of the reasons I have heard over the years that people use to avoid getting in the pool, and the responses that debunk the misconceptions.

Excuse 1- “I never learned how to swim, and now it is intimidating to go into the pool with all those people who are swimming lengths.” –

Whether you are a scared stiff beginner or just want to learn better stroke technique, there is a program that can fit your needs. We offer a variety of swimming lessons, group, semi-private, and private lessons. As well, we offer shallow and deep water fitness classes.

Excuse 2- “I am just not motivated to swim.”


Have you ever thought of joining a group such as Masters? Swimming with a group of people can be encouraging and ensure that you stay motivated and on-track. For those of you wanting to improve technique we also offer Adult group lessons and Stroke Improvement.

Excuse 3- “It takes time to get a good workout in, and I do not have a lot of time in my schedule.”
While working out in a gym may require a large amount of time because different muscle groups have to be worked on individually, swimming is a whole body workout. This means that you can burn a lot of calories as well as use a variety of muscle groups in less time. We have swim workouts for all levels of ability.

 Excuse 4- “I am so tired at the end of my work or school day that I do not have the energy to get into the pool to swim.”

Exercising releases endorphins, which make you feel better and can actually provide you with energy.

Excuse 5- “Exercising is hard on my joints.”

Swimming is your best place to start. Buoyancy in the water means that there is a decreased impact on your joints. A low impact workout like water jogging can burn a significant amount of calories. As you increase your workout intensity, you are actually building up your strength because you are working on a variety of different muscle groups.

Excuse 6- “It is annoying to carry around a wet swim suit all day.”

Located in our change rooms are Suitmate Swimsuit Water Extractors© which are machines that remove 95% of the water from your swimsuit and leave it drip free. Or we have lockers for rent in Sport and Wellness to store your swimsuit and gym clothes.

Excuse 7- “I get red eyes from swimming in the pool.”

While I know many of us tried to learn swimming without goggles, they are one of your best options for avoiding the red eye problem.

Excuse 8- “My hair gets so wet and it takes a lot of time for it to dry.”

While we have to accept that a pool contains water and that does mean our hair will get wet, using a properly fitted tight swim cap will help to decrease how much of your hair gets wet.

Excuse 9- “My make-up will get messed.”

If you are concerned that you do not have the time to redo your make-up, try something like water jogging or aquafit where you can get a workout without the need to put your face in the water.

Excuse 10-”I dye my hair, so it will turn blue or green if I go in the chlorine pool.”

It would take a significant amount of chlorine to make your hair turn blue or green. Our pool is chemically controlled to ensure that the levels of chlorine will never reach that high.  Give your hair 24 hours after being dyed to ensure that the colour sets properly. After that, you are fine to swim.

Still not convinced? Maybe you didn’t know we have a 40-person hot tub.

Sport and Wellness has lane swimming, shallow and deep water value-added classes; fitness and skill development classes like Masters Swim, Swimming Lessons, Female Water Fitness and programs for everyone in your family including Youth Triathlon and Junior Lifesaving Sport. We also offer the best daytime, evening and weekend swimming lessons in Edmonton from Parent and Tot to Adult swimming lessons, including group and private lessons.

Visit MacEwan.ca/SportandWellness for more information.