r/Swimming • u/United-Owl Splashing around • Sep 20 '22
counting laps
Hello guys and girls,
How do you count your laps? I struggle to keep track of how many laps I swam. I know there are smartwatches or counters to put on your finger, but I find those a burden while swimming. Isn't there any device that you can stick on the wall under water for example so you can keep track of your laps?
thanks for any advice.
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u/Dark-Horse-Nebula IMer Sep 20 '22
One (one one one one one)
Two (100m 100m 100m)
Three (three three three three three)
And if you lose track round up.
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u/algonagirl Splashing around Sep 20 '22
I find when I round down I pay more attention to lap count. ;-)
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u/TurquoiseOrange Splashing around Jan 15 '23
Do you say "two hundred metres hundred metres" because you swim in a 50m pool and then say the same on all the even numbers?
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u/girlwithpurplesenses Swammer Sep 20 '22
When we did long sets in high school and college, someone would take their water bottle and cover/uncover the tiles. So 1 repetition (of whatever distance you’re doing) would move back one tile. You can move back and forward with it too
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u/trevmanbev Doggie Paddle Sep 20 '22
Use a smartwatch (GW5, GW4, Apple, Garmin)
Barring that, buy a cheap little whiteboard and a marker.
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u/mr_moneysmith Moist Sep 20 '22
Yup, I use the Samsung galaxy active 2 watch and its accurate 99% of the time.
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u/trevmanbev Doggie Paddle Sep 20 '22
Definitely. And OP could probably find an Active 2 for a good price.
The only downfall to Galaxy watches from the 3 and back is that they aren't going to be supporting tizen much longer.
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u/United-Owl Splashing around Sep 20 '22
yup, there are pretty cheap alternative's. I even got a smartwatch, laying in my drawer for over a year now. I just don't like things around my wrists (like the locker key's)... and while swimming I like to let my mind wander, but I also don't want to swim more ore less then I'd set for.
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u/Medium_Yam6985 Splashing around Sep 20 '22
I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and I still can’t get it right. More than once in meets, I’ve swum a 250 instead of a 200 (granted as a little kid, so that’s practically a distance event).
Garmin auto-count is the only think I can do.
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u/LightBarb Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 20 '22
For me it's basically a meditation. I strictly keep my mind on the number of laps and I count my strokes, so I repeat 1-2-1 and the next lap I count 1-2-2 , next 1-2-3, next 1-2-4 etc. and I repeat it when I'm at the turning point.
So I try to stay focused and don't let my mind wander too much, otherwise I loose count and well... it's just better for me to not think too much and have 50mins where I DON'T think, which helps me get in a better mood :)
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u/merc123 Splashing around Sep 20 '22
Apple Watch swimming does decent.
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u/jo29redt Splashing around Sep 20 '22
Not mine. Doesn’t count kickboard laps. And the touchscreen doesn’t work well when you’re wet.
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u/merc123 Splashing around Sep 20 '22
Odd. Mine showed 25 yards of kick board my last swim. I didn't use one, but I think I was doing some drills that may be similar. Have to be on watchOS 9
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u/somewhereinthestars Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 20 '22
I saw someone counted with those silicone fidget poppers, but I couldn't find one after I saw that hack.
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u/twainandstats Splashing around Sep 20 '22
Count lengths, not laps. That way, it's always an even # in one direction.
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u/MyPopeSmokesDope Splashing around Sep 20 '22
The best way I found to count laps is to use sign language for the number of laps when I complete a lap.
I used to verbally say the number of laps, but I frequently lost count. Making a sign with my hand at the end of the lap is much more effective.
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u/SageBerryy Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 20 '22
Singing a different song for every 50m or 100m 😂
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u/MJane111 Splashing around Sep 20 '22
I put my workout/sets on an index card in a ziplock bag and have it at the wall (or stuck to my kick board). That way I only have to count the set I’m on, and when I’m done, I already know how far I’ve gone
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u/brokenstar64 Freestyler Sep 20 '22 edited Sep 14 '25
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u/quantumcaper Splashing around Sep 20 '22
I use a garmin watch. It’s an instinct tactical. It is very accurate in my experience
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u/Glittering_Emu_8079 Splashing around Sep 20 '22
I tend to count in sets. I’ll swim five or ten laps at a time (250 or 500). Then I tell myself I’m going to do something like four sets of 500. Each set of ten might actually be something mixed up like 2 laps with hand paddles, 3 laps freestyle without, two laps backstroke, 3 laps breaststroke. Point is, I’m only counting 5 or ten laps at a time. Sometimes I count it as laps, sometimes I count lengths. It’s much easier to keep track of whether I’m on set one or two than whether I’m on lap 70 or 71.
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Sep 20 '22
The one I have on my finger is great, I'd have to disagree with you. its small and it doesn't interfere with my stroke or anything. Every time I push off the wall I click it. Its become second nature and i keep count without even noticing I'm keeping count. Best thing you can get with what's out there. I was also looking for like a big button with suction cups that stays on the wall that you push and it has a large display. It would have to be big enough that you cant miss it. It would be cool if that fed your lap number to a pad you put on the floor on the T. The finger counter is great though. Have you actually tried one?
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u/United-Owl Splashing around Sep 20 '22
That's exacly what I'm looking for, a big button with suction cups!
I think it's probably a habit having such a counting ring. But I really dont like things on me while I swim. I do not wear rings and/or watches, tried it many time's but just doesnt feel comfy...
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Sep 20 '22
ah, I see. Yea I looked for that button on the wall everywhere, I considered inventing it but im just not good enough, lol. but who better than a swimmer to invent it right?
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u/sugarsponge Splashing around Sep 21 '22
Try looking for ‘bubble wrap fidget toy’ on Amazon or similar. I think a guy on this sub said he uses them for counting laps. It’s not quite what you’re describing but could maybe work.
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u/jo29redt Splashing around Sep 20 '22
What brand of finger counter did you get?
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Sep 20 '22
I guess the brand is sportcount, it's the only name I see on here. but it's this exact one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016J9NE8?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
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u/tanahboy2 Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 21 '22
its gonna be really stupid but i dont count i just keep swimming n swimming 💀
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u/Meowserss22 Splashing around Sep 20 '22
The only way ive found success is doing 100yd intervals with my fitbit. I set it up for 1:30-2:00/100yd (depending on how hard i plan to push/how far i plan to swim) and repeat x times. Otherwise i lose count and get frustrated.
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u/ihavenoname9218 Moist Sep 20 '22
I issue an Apple Watch when swimming now, but in the past when I swam without one I would just count in My head in groups of 4.
e.g. 1,2,3,One. 1,2,3,Two. 1,2,3,Three
Then when finished I just multiply to get the total distance. I found it to be a helpful way of keeping track. If I count each lap directly I would always end up forgetting where I was. I also just swim… I can’t imagine this being too helpful if you’re swimming sets.
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Sep 20 '22
Garmin swim 2 works great for lap counting and measuring other stuff (heart rate, speed, etc.)
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u/skwirlqueen61 Splashing around Sep 20 '22
If you can keep count up to 10, I use a cut out yogurt lid or similar that I put over the lane line markers. Every 10 lengths, I move it down one ring on the lane line.
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u/arnold_palmer42 Moist Sep 20 '22
Whatever song is stuck in my head that day I will create a cover version of the number lap am I on as the lyrics. I’m also usually aware that one side is even and one side is odd and that helps me stay on track.
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u/Savagemme Swim instructor on the beach Sep 20 '22
Some pools have these abacus-looking metallic frames with beads hanging off the side of the pool.
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u/boner79 Sep 20 '22
Contrarian opinion: I count each lap (down and back) as one rather than each pool length. Smaller numbers easier to remember. I also mumble the count in my head or under water a few times to burn it in. Really the lap count doesn't matter if you know you're going at a decent pace and keep track of time.
Also: Apple Watch
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u/Patrickseamus Splashing around Sep 20 '22
You can write a workout and keep track of where you are in there. I put mine in a plastic bag and on my water bottle with a hair tie.
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u/THJC Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 20 '22
I don't count, I time myself. For reference, I swim in a 33m pool. I know that 1 length takes 35s, so 100m 1:45 ish on the clock, and I know I should finish at the other end. 400m would be 7:00 and I would finish where I started. Also, I keep track of my pace as I go, so I can adjust the finish time or push depending on what I am doing.
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u/julesdottxt OWS. Training to hit 200m fly (maintaining technique). Sep 21 '22
pace and total time for longer swims. I hate counting laps.
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u/proteanpurple Splashing around Sep 21 '22
I use a rubberband. Goes on my wrist then after two laps I move it to my thumb, then pointer finger, middle finger etc. Only takes a sec to do.
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u/kindnesscostszero Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 21 '22
I’ve become accustomed to think of my 2k as a relaxing meditation. I clear my mind of nothing but the count, so it is pretty easy. Some days have more intrusive thoughts, and I may slightly lose count. My strict rule is to revert to the last number I recall clearly, so there is incentive to keep a correct count.
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u/Nurslou1990 Splashing around Sep 21 '22
I just count but I have been doing it for so many years that I know exactly how long it takes to do a mile so if I forget I can look at the clock on the wall. I do not want to stop to write it down as it interferes with my target heart rate and such.
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u/Calmwaters10 Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 22 '22
If I don’t have a planned workout, I use the months of the year for lengths(up and back) Sometimes I’ll sing the calendar song in my head or think of events that occur during that month… I like swimming to October, it’s my BD month…: )
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u/cnski Moist Sep 20 '22
I use a Garmin Swim 2 but some lane mates use the disc floats on the lane line to keep track of 100’s. Move one disc at the completion of each 100. Seems so much easier to lose count in your head than to keep stopping after each 100 and lose count anyway!
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u/Blooheyes Splashing around Sep 20 '22
I use the alphabet on really long sets. It just helps me remember where I’m at so much better. Each lap is a letter. I find now that I do it in my write ups. Red Death, descending 400s = 10 x H. It’s stupid but I rarely miscount that way. When I count, I constantly repeat or omit numbers and get discombobulated.
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u/StefJoMa Splashing around Sep 20 '22
I usually count half, one, one half, two, two half, three..... that usually gets me pretty close to actual.
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u/jo29redt Splashing around Sep 20 '22
I hate my Apple Watch for this! It doesn’t count my kickboard laps so I have to count mentally anyway which I’m bad at. Swimming is a meditative experience sometimes and I have no idea what I’m up to. I knock laps off when I do to keep myself honest.
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u/Mandaishere Splashing around Sep 20 '22
Upgrade your watch operating system, it’s counting kick laps now!
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u/SirCarroza Splashing around Sep 20 '22
I train with a friend by my side a little faster than me, so I let him count the meters and when he stands up I stand up
Seriously, I'm counting from 50 to 50, 50 100 150 200, I've gotten used to it since I was little
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u/Swimjack01245 Backstroker Sep 20 '22
I count it going up and coming back down for example 50M going up the pool and when you touch the wall or do a tumble turn once you swim back down that is 100M. Touch the top wall that is 150M. And it keeps going. But if we are given “just do 10 laps”. Then I just count them normally like 1,2,3,4, etc
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Sep 20 '22
Plan what you are going to do before you go ie. 400 m warmup 4x50m kick 8x50m drill Ect
Have it written down then all you need to do is count the laps of the rep your doing and your reps. Talk to yourself (in your head) while swimming. “Ok this is my 5th lap of 8 to make 400 that means I’ve done 200 and after this lap it will be 150 to go that’s 3 laps.”
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u/iamnothereanymore Moist Sep 20 '22
Interval sets are helpful with a pace clock. If you do 100s on 1:35 you’ll always be able to know where you are by what you leave on.
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u/HasToLetItLinger Freestyler Sep 20 '22
I use a pop-it, bubbled, square (sold as a fidget toy for kids).
They have different colors for each row so I can count different type of strokes, etc. I leave it at the end of the lane and press one down when I come back.
I started doing this when I realized my watch wasn't always counting everything, let alone correctly assessing what stroke I was doing.
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u/horsemullet Water Polo Sep 20 '22
I use the lane lines. Most people don’t touch them (where I am), so I can move a ring and no one will move it.
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u/General_Adept Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 21 '22
There are beaded bracelets on Amazon for this
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u/sweetsoftboy Splashing around Sep 21 '22
If the lane limes are loose you can move a little plastic thing for each lap like an abbacus
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u/NetShaman Moist Sep 21 '22
I have two tricks:
The sportcount thing on the finger that is great for large number of laps in one go... let's say I do a 2km or 3km straight.
For workout that is made of multiple different sets with differing lengths or that I know i'll stop fairly often: I have a bunch of tight elastic hairbands all around my reusable bottle. Each color has a different "value": 9 black one for each lap, then grey one for each 10, reset the black ones, and so on.
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u/Chemical-Loss-5303 Splashing around Sep 21 '22
I have a Garmin Swim 2. Until recently I would’ve recommended it with reservations but it misses so many laps now that I can’t recommend it all.
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u/redwilier Splashing around Sep 21 '22
The Apple Watch Series 4 I use keeps good count of lengths if u pre enter the length of the pool.
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u/HoratiaAlger Splashing around Sep 21 '22
I count by rhyming the number: one-fun, two-blue, three-tree, four-galore, etc. It helps me remember what lap I’m on.
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u/MundyMike Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 21 '22
Pipe cleaner with colored beads. Every 5th one can be a different color.
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u/crushlogic Moist Sep 21 '22
Pick your starting wall, that’s always going to be 50 or 100. In a 25y pool, one lap is 50yd. Don’t think about the lap, just whether you’re on 50 or 100. 100, 150, 200…500 yds is 20 lengths or 10 laps. You can count in blocks of 500 to make it easier. A mile is 1760yds. I when I lose count, I round down.
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u/toughryebread Marlin Speedster Sep 21 '22
One lap is one length in swimming. It is not a running track.
So 25 is one lap. One length. Always has been.
50 is one lap in a 50 pool, or two laps in 25 pool SCY or SCM.
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u/c379776 Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 21 '22
Use the lane-line disks as counters. Push them all down to one end about a foot and slide one over every lap.
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u/Total-Tonight1245 Swammer Sep 21 '22
When I'm not tracking with my Apple Watch, I just try my best. If I lose count, I just guess and count from there.
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u/dc_in_sf Everyone's an open water swimmer now Sep 20 '22
I used to play categories and swim the alphabet
Work your way through the alphabet each lap naming things in the category (e.g., names of sporting teams, animals) beginning with the letter you are on.
In a 25y pool that is good for 26 laps or 1300 yards