You’re on vacation, sure, but that doesn’t mean you need to take a break from your workout. Luckily, Orlando’s got you covered when it comes to aquatic exercise — and you don’t even have to go to the beach.
Get Back to Your Roots: YMCA Aquatic Center
Don’t let memories of childhood swim lessons at the Y fool you — this is a state-of-the-art facility, and it’s right in the heart of tourist central on International Drive. The YMCA Aquatic Center features three heated indoor pools for a grand total of more than a million gallons of water, including a 50-yard lap pool, a 25×25-yard pool with a diving well and a 20×25-yard teaching pool, which is heated to a cozy 88 degrees. If you’re a Y member elsewhere, you’ll also get access to a variety of classes, including water polo and water aerobics.
The Details: If you’re already a YMCA member, you’re in. If not, you can purchase a day pass for $10, which gives you access to all three pools, the cardiovascular equipment and weights (though not the aquatic classes).
Swim Laps With a View: Alfond Swimming Pool at Rollins College
Anchoring the south end of upscale Park Avenue in Winter Park is the Spanish-style campus of Rollins College, and nestled on the shore of its campus, overlooking Lake Virginia is Alfond Pool. The 25-yard, eight-lane pool is heated to between 82 and 84 degrees in winter and cooled with an aeration system in summer, so it’s comfortable no matter the season.
The Details: A day pass will cost you $3. You’ll also have access to the locker rooms, so after your swim, leave your things and take a stroll up Park Avenue for a little shopping or some refueling.
Make Like a Coed: University of Central Florida Recreation and Wellness Center
This 25-meter outdoor lap pool at east Orlando’s University of Central Florida lets you soak up some Florida sun while you’re logging your laps.
There are nine lanes in the pool. At 10 feet, the deep end is also used for scuba-diving training classes.
Once you’re done with the workout, you can sunbathe with the undergrads at a big free-form leisure pool that boasts plentiful lounge chairs and towering poolside palms. If you’d rather stay active, you can join in on a game of water volleyball or water basketball.
The Details: Visitors to campus can get a day pass to the Center, including all the gym equipment for $10 per day. You must buy your pass at the administration office, which is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Though the office isn’t open on weekends, you are allowed to use the pool facilities on Saturdays and Sundays.
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