I’ve gotten some inspiration from Michael Phelps.
Unless you were hiding under a rock for the last few weeks, you’re well aware of Michael Phelps awe-inspiring 8 gold medals at the Beijing Olympics. As a former swimmer, it’s amazing to see all the technological advances (faster pools, NASA-designed swimsuits), and it’s no wonder so many world records were toppled.
And it made me want to get back in the pool. It’s been a few years since I’ve done any regular pool training. (I swam a 2-mile open water ocean race five years ago. It was an amazing accomplishment, but a lot of work. That's me and about 300 of my closest friends during the race. Ha.) Swimming is such good exercise for all fitness levels. It’s easy on the body and works all the major muscle groups. When immersed to the waist, your body bears just 50% of its weight; immersed to the chest, it’s 25%-35%; and to the neck, 10%, so it’s super low-impact.
So how do you get started? Well if you’re a true beginner, you can take lessons or find a coach. Masters swim programs exist all over the United States. But don’t let the word “masters” scare you off…that basically just means adult swim programs. It’s good to have the leader or coach there to help you with your stroke and give you a planned workout.
Start out by trying to swim for 10 minutes, and build up to 30-minute swims three to five times a week. If that sounds too daunting, consider water walking or jogging in waist-deep water. Or maybe your local YMCA or gym offers a water aerobics class. All of these are great low-impact workouts that are both cardiovascular and strengthening at the same time.
There’s a great public outdoor pool right down the street from the NAILS office, so I’m going to make an effort to get in there a few days a week at lunch for a swim. I’ll let you all know how it goes. Is anyone else swimming for exercise?
Dive in and good luck!
— Hannah
Print | posted on Monday, August 25, 2008 1:56 PM