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Physically pffffffffft (as opposed to fit)

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Posted 3/18/2016 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
So, two weeks ago a new rec center opened in this small town, and for the first time in history there is an indoor aquatics center that isn't in a motel. I've been after work every day this week....and I'm reminded every minute that the last time I worked out by swimming laps it was 35 years...and 35 pounds...ago. I'm finding muscles I forgot I had.

But...I feel GOOD. I can even see an opportunity, maybe to volunteer to help coach the youth teams. I think that would be fun. And, for that hour I'm swimming...I'm NOT thinking about PC.

yeah
Posted 3/19/2016 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
If the pool is deeper than your height, get a flotation belt and do some deep watee running. you can even buy a waterproof ipod and listen to some good music.
it's great to mix it up. Just swam 1 Miles and der for one. helps take mind off pc.
Posted 3/19/2016 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
Good job Halbert! We have an indoor lap pool in our small town too at the rec/aquatic center which I was very involved in getting up and going. Volunteers are always needed for youth teams, etc. and you will be SOOO appreciated.
Great idea Brava. Going to try one myself, since I just found I have a rotated cuff tear and can't swim very well.
Beth
Posted 3/19/2016 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
Swimming is the best! We are a big water family here-can't wait to take the cover off the pool!
Posted 3/19/2016 11:08 AM (GMT 0)
There are two pools there, an 8 lane, 25 meter competition pool, and an exercise pool with 'lazy river', zero entry, and so on. They are going to offer water zumba, and other stuff as well. Since I was a competitive swimmer long ago, about the only thing I really enjoy doing in a pool is swimming laps. I know that sounds weird. I do think, however, that with my early arthritis showing up in my shoulder joints, that butterfly is part of my past, not my future.

I think I'm going to take a couple days off and let my upper back muscles take a rest.
Posted 3/19/2016 11:14 AM (GMT 0)
Congrats on taking up the swimming. I feel the same way when I am running my miles, PC is the farthest thing from my mind. Keep up the good work.
:-)
Posted 3/19/2016 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
having trouble wrapping my head around this. exercise on purpose?

Weird...
Posted 3/19/2016 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Nice to have an indoor pool in your town. I'm a swimmer and use the community pool for lap swimming. Swimming is very relaxing and energizing.
Posted 3/20/2016 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Halbert
Swimming again for you will be a great exercise and relief. My Doctor highly recommends it.We have an indoor pool at Edwards Air Force Base, I like to go when I can. I even swim in the "oldlympics"competition every year locally. I agree about the butterfly stoke, used to be my specialty in High school, now its too taxing. Swim on brother.
Dan in 80 degree So Cal
Posted 3/20/2016 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Halbert:

Good for you!! Keep at it.

I've heard nothing but great things about swimming as exercise.

Me, I prefer gym workouts. For some reason, I just hate swimming. Just not my thing.

I also do not think about PC when working out

Mel
Posted 3/23/2016 10:54 AM (GMT 0)
An unexpected...but not unpredictable...effect of the swimming workouts (and yes, it's a real workout, I'm not just paddling around): I've had, ever since surgery, a periodic drippage at random times. It's stopped. Obviously, I'm getting the muscles in my pelvic area stronger.

Overall, I'm finding muscles I forgot I had. I expected sore shoulders, but what about those muscles between the shoulder blades? And the butt cheeks?

For those who know what I"m talking about: All freestyle. Pull 100, Kick 50, repeat 10 times. (That's 1500 meters for those who need help with the math).
Posted 3/23/2016 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
I do alternate laps of crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke and backstroke. about 1/2 to 3/4 mile. Swimming has many advantages over other full-body exercises, except one: It doesn't increase bond density. As you say, Halbert, swimming strengthens core muscles.
Posted 3/23/2016 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Sigh...

If only I liked swimming...even a little!

Mel
Posted 3/23/2016 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
I hate swimming and more or less suck at it. But I do it, in an endless pool against the current ...about half an hour at a pretty fast current. It is a workout, no slowing down to get your breath, and pulling as hard as you want to depending on where you set the current. Bicycling is good for aerobics..but you need to have the time to put in 20-30 miles, adds up to about 2.5 hours sometimes counting getting dressed and getting the bikes ready. It's hard to farm, shear sheep and exercise , I run out of gas pretty easily.
Posted 3/24/2016 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hold on a second....... you haven't used swimming as a workout in 35 years and yet you can swim 1500 meters? That's basically a mile, dang!! I doubt I could go 2 laps...................

Congratulations!! My hat is off to you!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 3/25/2016 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
And my brain is telling me that I'm still 18, and asking my body why we're not going 50% faster and 3X farther.
Posted 3/25/2016 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
I'm jealous of your pool, Halbert! We have 2 Y's in our area, but the only time they have lap swimming is when I'm at work. The rest of the time they're booked for competitive swim teams. A few years ago we joined the health club at a hotel - was fun, but pool was small and if the hotel was booked, I couldn't do my laps. I did butterfly competitively back in the day, too - can barely do a lap of it now, but my freestyle is still pretty good.
Posted 3/25/2016 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Sue, I'm hoping that doesn't happen here. The aquatics director has said, in print, that they will 'always keep two lanes open for lap swimmers'. The exception would be if there is an actual meet going on.
Posted 3/25/2016 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Keep the body moving and the mind still…better than any pill…even when ill….

Off to the gym to say yes to life…

Why does today seem like sunday to me??? Blessings!!
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