Not many sports are labeled “lifetime sports.” The reason is many sports can wear out one’s joints and put bodies at a higher risk of injury. Swimming is known as a lifetime sport due to the minimal risk for injury, while enhancing your strength, endurance, flexibility and confidence. The exercise of swimming can be learned at any age—and can be enjoyed for a lifetime! Not only does this sport take impact stress off your body, but it can help you maintain a healthy weight, heart and lungs.

At Cooper Fitness Center, we take pride in our Masters Swim Program for these very reasons of low impact and cardiovascular benefits. Swimmers of all levels—beginners to advanced—participate. They meet weekly to work on mechanics and training techniques to improve their overall skills.

In May, Cooper swimmers competed on the Lone Star Masters team, which placed 1st overall at the 2022 Spring National Championship meet in San Antonio. Cooper swimmers medaled in many events—both individually as well as in the relay. Of the 1,800 total competitors, seven Cooper members competed—Tom Christian, Janie Cole, Ken Wooley, Lynn Silver, Ross Meyer, Stephanie Stewart and Elliot Brackett. Congratulations to all!

While the competitive accolades are gratifying, the health benefits of swimming are even more valuable long term. Swimming helps you maintain a healthy weight and healthy heart while toning muscles. Not only does swimming build your strength and endurance, it also keeps your heart rate up. Masters Swim Program member, Peter Roe, says, “I’ve been swimming masters for 9 years now, three times per week, year-round. It has replaced running, which I knew sooner or later I would have to give up. I’ve learned new skills, maintained a mental edge, made many new friends and even lost weight. Every class is different—some days we do sprints, some days long distance, some days both. But always a variety. And it’s as competitive as you want it to be. Our morning group is moderately competitive. Overall masters has been very rewarding to me; I hate to miss even one day.”

Cooper’s Masters Swim Program is a positive environment providing a common bond to foster new friendships. We asked a few of the members how this team has impacted them for the better:

“I began swimming as a kid and have never stopped. Others on the team have come back to swimming after years or even decades of not swimming as a fun way to stay healthy, active and be the best they can be.” – Ross Meyer, swimmer and coach

“Being on the team has meant a great deal to me. From physical fitness, to friendships, and the fun of swimming at competitions, it adds up to the whole package. I was a beginner swimmer when I joined, and it was very gratifying winning third place in the 400-meter individual medley and first place in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 2019 long course zone championship at Texas A&M University.” – Ken Woolley

“Cooper swim team is the best hidden gem! Few even know it exists but the ones who do have been with it for decades. This group is very supportive of one another, very welcoming to new swimmers, and the coaching staff are the best in the state! Every level of swimmer can come get a good workout and get help on stroke technique. Each lane has different intervals to welcome all ages. These are small group practices where no overcrowding occurs.” – Stephanie Stewart

“I have the pleasure of being part of our Masters Swim Program as a swimmer and a coach. It’s the people who make this program special. Bobby Patten is our Lead Coach. Always a fun and knowledgeable coach to have on deck! The swimmers are dedicated and entertaining at the same time. Never a dull moment at our practices. Lots of laughs with lots of laps! We welcome new swimmers at any level. Do not be intimidated. We are here to make you a better swimmer and a part of our very special group!” – Janie Cole, swimmer and coach

Location: Cooper Hotel Pool

Dates (ongoing):

Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 6:30-7:30 a.m.

To learn more about joining Cooper Fitness Center and taking advantage of all membership has to offer, visit the Cooper Fitness Center website or call 972.233.4832.

If you are already a member, visit the Masters web page to learn more about how to join our Masters Swim Program!