INVERCLYDE Amateur Swimming Club have taken the plunge and gone online to help members stay fit amid lockdown.

To compensate for the closure of swimming pools and the cancellation of all training and competitions, the club has introduced a range of activities for swimmers and their families to help maintain a focus on physical fitness, support wellbeing and boost mental health.

Swimmers are participating in four online ‘land’ sessions a week, delivered by coach Andrew Hemphill on the popular Zoom app.

The sessions – a mix of HIIT, stretching and some more off-the-wall elements – cover all aspects of fitness, including strength, endurance, flexibility. All sessions are invite only, with strict security in place and an additional coach monitoring all activity to ensure the online safety of everyone taking part. Around 40 swimmers are logging on to each class and working up a sweat with their teammates.

Andrew explained: “Our land sessions have been designed to compliment what we would normally do in the pool. With swimming being such a unique sport, it is important that the exercises we do are relevant to the movements we would normally make in the water. It is also a chance for us to develop areas such as flexibility that we can’t always fit into our busy training schedules. The swimmers have responded brilliantly, and we are so glad that even when we are apart, our athletes are excited to train together in any way possible. It’s a real testament to their commitment and team spirit.”

The club has also set up a private group on Strava to allow older swimmers to record their activities and challenge each other virtually.

Head coach Shirley Reford believes looking after mental health is vital and holds weekly check-ins to see how the club's swimmers are coping.

The club also holds a Zoom quiz every Friday night for all swimmers and their families to keep everyone involved.

Shirley said: "Since the lockdown started, we have tried to maintain a positive outlook and focus on what we can do throughout this time as opposed to what we can’t.

"We are delivering virtual sessions to stay engaged with the swimmers and to help maintain a semblance of routine as best we can. We are also in the process of trying to organise some inter-club activities with neighbouring clubs for some fun rivalry.

"The wellbeing of our swimmers is our first priority and a healthy lifestyle at this time is crucial. We are trying to give our swimmers positive experiences during this difficult time to keep them engaged until they can return to the sport."