How To Perfect Your Post-Swim Workout Recovery Routine

Warm Up Fast

Even in summertime, the post-swim chills can sneak up on you – especially if there’s a breeze, cloud cover, or it’s getting late when you step out of the water. After being fully immersed in cooler temperatures, your core is prone to rapid cooling as colder peripheral blood recirculates, plus evaporative cooling can hit hard once you’re back on dry land. That initial drop in temperature might not feel dramatic at first, but within a few minutes you can go from comfortably warm to cold and shivery. 

That’s why having something weatherproof and easy to throw on as the first part of your recovery routine is so important, even on mild days. The sooner you recover your temperature, the better your body will recover – and that’s where the Pursuit Lightweight Change Jacket comes into its own. It’s designed to throw on the moment you step out of the water – locking in warmth while giving you room to move and change. Incredibly breathable and lightweight yet surprisingly insulating, it lets you keep hold of that post-swim glow without either overheating or risking the shivers.

Keep the circulation going with some gentle movement – a few stretches on the sand or simply walking back to the car. And if there’s a warm shower or hot drink nearby? Even better.

Refuel with Purpose

After a swim, your body is working hard behind the scenes – muscles recovering, energy stores replenishing, joints recalibrating. A smart refuel helps support that process. That’s why we reach for Chief Collagen Bars.

Packed with clean protein and amino acids, these bars are ideal for muscle recovery, especially after a full-body workout like swimming. They’re made with collagen, which supports joint, ligament and tendon health too – all essential for regular swimmers. And unlike most other post-workout snacks, they actually taste like a treat (but without the added sugar or synthetic junk).

Bonus points if you follow up this step of your post-swim workout recovery routine with a drink. Hydration is a key part of recovery – especially after time in salt water or chlorinated pools. Chief Dark Chocolate Collagen Powder is our go-to for a warming post-swim drink: stir it into your favourite milk, add to a smoothie, or even your coffee! It’s a protein hit that also supports skin and joint health – and collagen is a gut-friendly alternative to other proteins such as whey. Plus, it tastes just like hot chocolate – with vanilla or unflavoured options also available. Win-win.

Recharge Right

Recovery isn’t just physical, it’s also mental – it’s all about rebalancing and slowing down. Those precious moments after a swim are often some of the calmest of the day, so lean into them. A bit of mindfulness, maybe some breathwork, a few quiet minutes looking out at the water, or just driving home with salty hair and a clear head can be part of your recharge.

And when it’s time to pack up, do it with a bag that’s built for the job. Our Waterproof Tote Bag is made for beach days and swim essentials. It keeps wet and dry gear separate, handling damp towels, recovery snacks, drinks bottles, and soggy swimmers with ease – and then it rinses clean in seconds. Lightweight, roomy and easy to sling over a shoulder, it’s one of those deceptively simple items of kit you’ll end up using every day.

Red x Chief Collaboration

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Chief Nutrition to offer discounts on their swim-day recovery nutrition. Whether you’re a first-time wild dipper or a seasoned open water regular, these post-swim drinks and snacks can make a big difference to your post-swim workout recovery routine.

Red friends of Chief get 15% off Chief’s Collagen Bars and Collagen Protein Powder with code RED15 at wearechief.com