How One FFC Union Station Member Found Her Perfect Swim Lane
For many people, fitness changes over time. The workout that once felt effortless can eventually become the one that asks too much of your body. The key isn’t giving up. It’s finding a new way to move.
That’s exactly what happened for FFC Union Station member Mickey Power.
Today, at 71 years old, Mickey spends her mornings in the FFC Union Station indoor pool, where she swims laps in a reserved lane that’s entirely her own. But her fitness journey started decades before she ever stepped into the water.
From Marathons to the Pool
When Mickey quit smoking at age 28, she decided it was time to take her health seriously. She started running and never looked back, eventually completing marathons and building a lifestyle around endurance and movement. As the years passed, though, the miles began taking a toll on her body. By age 47, running had become painful.
Instead of accepting that as the end of her fitness journey, Mickey decided to start a new one. She taught herself how to swim. It wasn’t easy at first, but she quickly discovered something unexpected. Swimming didn’t hurt. In fact, it made her feel stronger than almost any exercise she’d done before.
“Swimming has done more for my fitness level than any other exercise I’ve ever done.”
Why Mickey Chose FFC Union Station
After decades of swimming at facilities throughout Chicago, Mickey joined FFC Union Station just three months ago. What immediately stood out was the pool itself.
For Mickey, the ability to reserve a private lap lane makes all the difference. Knowing she’ll have her own dedicated space allows her to focus entirely on her workout without waiting for a lane or sharing with other swimmers. She also describes the pool as the cleanest she’s experienced in all her years of swimming.
For anyone searching for a Chicago indoor lap pool, those details matter. Consistent access, a well-maintained facility, and a comfortable environment make it easier to build a routine you’ll actually stick with.
Swimming That Supports You for Life
Swimming offers something many workouts can’t. It challenges your cardiovascular system while being gentle on your joints, making it an excellent option for people recovering from injuries, looking for lower-impact exercise, or simply wanting to stay active for years to come.
For Mickey, swimming became much more than an alternative to running. It became the workout that allowed her to feel stronger, healthier, and more capable than ever before.
A Story of Resilience
Mickey’s story isn’t only about changing the way she exercises. She’s also a lung cancer survivor. Throughout every chapter of her life, from quitting smoking to running marathons, learning to swim, and overcoming cancer, movement has remained a constant source of strength.
Her journey is a reminder that fitness doesn’t have to look the same throughout your life. Sometimes the best workout is simply the one that allows you to keep moving.
A Pool Designed for Every Swimmer
Whether you’re training for your next race, swimming for recovery, or simply looking for a peaceful place to exercise, the FFC Union Station indoor pool offers a welcoming space for swimmers of all experience levels.
Members appreciate features like reserved lap lanes, a clean and well-maintained pool, year-round indoor swimming, and a low-impact workout that’s accessible for every stage of life.
Mickey’s Advice
When asked what she’d tell someone who’s thinking about trying something new, Mickey keeps it simple.
“There are a whole lot of things that are accomplishable if you want them.”
Her story proves that it’s never too late to start something new. Whether that’s your first swim, your first workout in years, or simply a different way to stay active, the next chapter of your fitness journey could begin with a single lap.
If you’re looking for a Chicago indoor lap pool where you can build a routine that lasts, FFC Union Station offers the space, consistency, and community to help you get there.
