Swimming For Life
So I’ve always fancied the idea of swimming daily. Swimming has always been an enjoyable experience for me, ever since childhood backyard barbeques and visits to my grandpas house. Swimming seems so soothing and calming, almost like meditation. But when it came to exercising, I always went for the more popular jogging or more recently P90X videos. But last week I decided to ‘dive in’ and challenged myself to swim daily for exercise.
The first day was horrible. My whole body hurt. I barely got 8 laps in before I thought I would die (and that includes breaks between laps). I wouldn’t consider myself wildly out of shape, but that first swim might have shown otherwise. But my determination and love for the pool motivated me to go back. And the second day wasn’t as bad. Then came the third day, which became even easier. Sunday was my fouth swim. I tried to keep up with a girl who was obviously a more seasoned veteran. So sunday was a bit painful.
Then came monday (yesterday). I had more time to spend in the pool yesterday, and I wanted to enjoy it, so I decided not to push myself as hard, and just swim for longer. Also I got a nifty pair of goggles so I could see where I was going… It was one of the greatest exercise experiences of my life. I spend about 40 minutes just enjoying the water, swimming at my leasure, taking short breaks and just feeling fantastic. I was in a whole different world, and every movement, every stroke was something to be savored.
I knew I’d enjoy swimming more than jogging, but I never knew I’d love it. Just thinking about it makes me want to skip school and go again. I’ll keep posting on my swimming experiences, but I think it’s safe to say that I have no plan of lacing up those running shoes again any time soon.
Running = pain. Swimming = fun.
Ciao!
**UPDATE** It’s been about 6 weeks since I started, and I feel magnificent. I have swam at least 5 times a week for 6 weeks now. My energy levels are higher, my 25 minute naps only last 25 minutes (as opposed to extending to an hour or more like before), my apetite is healthy, and my sleep is of higher quality. I look forward to swimming every night. I got a gym membership (after trying it out for 30 days), and it is quickly becoming the greatest investment I’ve ever made.
I’ve lost about 8 lbs so far, but that’s not the greatest part. I’ve noticed greater muscle definition all over, and my posture is much better. Swimming is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m so glad that I did.
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