Coach Karen Dugan has been coaching swimming for a long time. She’s been at the Bellevue Club almost since it opened and currently coaches Masters Swimming and Adult Fitness Swimming. Over the course of nearly three decades poolside, she’s heard every excuse in the book for not getting in the pool.

“I’m not a good enough swimmer.”
There are all levels and ages of swimmers in Adult Fitness Swimming. All you have to be able to do is a basic crawl stroke, and we’ll work on your technique. Don’t worry if you didn’t swim competitively as a kid. We create specific workouts catered to each level of swimmer, so you’ll be challenged within your ability level. Many of the regulars use flippers, and we also have pull buoys, kickboards and paddles. If you have trouble breathing, bring a snorkel.

“I don’t like the way I look in a swimsuit.”
“It can be scary walking on the pool deck in a swimsuit, but we have all body types working out with us, and truthfully, no one is looking at you because we’re all worrying about ourselves. It’s not like we are wearing two-piece suits for fitness swimming. Also, if you’re really worried about it, come a few minutes early and jump in the pool before everyone gets there, or wear a towel. Nobody can see you when you’re in the water.”

“My hair, my hair.”
There are some tricks to this. The best one, I think, is to apply conditioner to your hair without rinsing before you put your swim cap on. Immediately after swimming use a clarifying shampoo. This will help prevent the buildup of chlorine.”

“I have a chronic injury.”
Swimming is probably the lowest impact full-body workout you can do. There are so many different strokes and ways to modify your workout that it’s possible to work around a wide variety of injuries. It’s a great workout while you’re rehabilitating.

“I don’t have enough time in my schedule.”
Feel free to just come for as long and as often as you can. If you can only swim for 30 minutes once or twice a week, just do that. Check the schedule—there’s literally an Adult Fitness Swimming or Masters Swimming class that works for everyone. I’ll see you in the pool.

SCHEDULES
Indoor Pool Schedule (PDF)
Swim Lesson Brochure (PDF)
Adult Aquatics Programs (PDF)
Summer Programs

For additional Fitness information, please visit the Classes & Events page.