Hello Fit Crashers! I’m so happy to be back crashing with you all today. After undergoing surgery on my foot back in January, I took a bit of a break from the crashing scene, as my crutches limited me to Pilates videos in my apartment. Eventually my doctor cleared me for swimming, which brings me to today’s crash!
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just want to add something different to your fitness routine. Of course I love barre, yoga, spin, and Pilates as much as the next girl, but doing the same thing from week to week can get old fast. Adding something different to your routine – like swimming – is great way to work different muscles and get you out of a fitness rut.
I had heard lots of great things about the pool at Washington-Lee High School in Ballston, so as soon as my doc cleared me for swimming I jumped right in! (Pun absolutely intended.)
The pool is located on the N Quincy Street side of the high school, and has free parking for two hours for pool visitors.
(I like to work out at the crack of dawn, hence the dark photo!)
Swimming at Washington-Lee doesn’t cost much; it’s just $5.50 for Arlington residents and $7 for non-residents.
Truthfully the locker room is a bit dated and nothing special, but it gets the job done. Be sure to bring your own lock, shower gear, and towel!
Sexy swimming selfie FTW!
Once you exit the locker room you’ll walk over to the pool, which has about nine lanes for swimming. There’s also a tank area where you can swim if you’re a little slower or just want to work on some drills.
When I went at 6am on a Thursday morning it was pretty crowded (there were two people using each lane), and since I’m not the best swimmer I did my laps in the tank area. It got the job done!
Overall I was really impressed with the pool, and definitely plan to go back to get my cardio in while my foot finishes healing.
In addition to the awesome pool facilities, Washington-Lee High School offers a great track for getting your running workouts in!
Although running around the various paths in DC is my favorite way to pound the pavement, I also recognize the importance of getting some speed drills in if you are trying to set a new PR.
Located on the Washington Blvd and N Stafford Street side of the school, the track at Washington-Lee is the perfect place to practice all your strides, fartleks, and sprints.
Sometimes the track will get a little crowded with other runners/running groups, but I’ve never had any issues with not having enough room to do my own thing.
Overall between the affordable public pool and the free track, Washington-Lee High School offers local fitness enthusiasts great options for switching up their workout routine.