Usual Objections

Training

Oct 11

One day I was scrolling on the 'gram when I came across a new swimming brand Usual Objections. They are based close to London Fields, where I'd recently lived for 15 years, and swam regularly in the 50m heated outdoor pool. It wasn't only the location that caught my eye, it was their beautiful designs , ethical values, and their personalised dog swimsuit.

Rich and Linda, the founders, invited me to come along and see the studio where their swimsuits are made. I was in awe to see first hand how they are lovingly made by Vera in this studio.

I was given the chance to do a photoshoot in a couple of the swimsuits. Now, this was a bit nerve wracking for me to get into a swimsuit in front of a camera after two pregnancies and having recently stopped breastfeeding. I can't deny I felt a little self conscious, but my perspective on my body image has definitely changed since growing and birthing two beautiful baby boys. It's incredible to personally experience the changes that a body can go through, the way the body adapts to grow a baby, then adapt back once the baby arrives. I definitely feel at more peace with my body. Plus Ella and Tilly in the marketing team at usual Objections made me feel as ease on the set of the photoshoot.

My love for swimming started as soon as I started walking, I grew up in a house of swimmers, my mum was a swim teacher and coach. I spent many weekday evenings in or around the pool, my Saturday evenings were spent at competitive swimming galas up to 18 years old. When I started to work in my 20's, I still swam, dabbled in running and started cycling to work. My swim journey naturally evolved into triathlon, and I completed a few 15km marathon swims. Nowadays my swimming looks a lot more therapeutic, sunny summer days open water swimming in local Kent lakes. Sometimes I'll do a few laps while chatting to mates. My love for competing is still there, but since having kids, swimming is much more restorative. Swimming during late pregnancy was a relief to my joints and big bump.

Check out my favourite designs, one of which is a picture of Freddie my doggy on the swimsuit! Some friends think I'm crazy, but I couldn't think of anything more fitting than having my dog there with me when swimming. When we lived in London Fields, Matt used to walk Freddie around the park, and he’d always run towards or sometimes into the lido as he knew that’s where I mostly was.