Masters Swimming for Fitness and
Other Exercise Choices if You Don't Like Swimming
I chose masters swimming for fitness and friendship. Initially I found that swimming by myself was the aquatic version of the gerbil on the exercise wheel, except I got to look at the black line on the bottom of the pool. I was worried that swimming for fitness was going to be very boring.
I joined a
United States Masters swim team,
which is a great organization. I have a coach and teammates for three mornings a week.
When I first learned that the team came with a coach, I envisioned someone standing over my lane and shouting at me with his clipboard and whistle. I worried that since I was not preparing for the next Olympic Games, joining a swim team may not be such a good idea.
Much to my surprise, I found a group of very supportive new friends, with a coach who realizes that as an adult, it is my choice whether or not I attend a practice.
Never swum a lap of a pool in your life? Many masters swimming teams will teach you what to do, how to understand the terminology, and help you become a better and stronger swimmer.
I also found that when I am at a practice, I have my own identity. I am not Mary the mother or Mary the wife. I am just Mary who likes to go second in line in lane five. I find this type of anonymity calming.
At 5:30 in the morning, no one cares about my appearance, because everyone looks the same as I do, with varying degrees of bed-head. If I ever start to feel sorry for myself, I look at the eighty five year old woman in the lane next to me and feel her spirit and strength. I also realize she swims faster than I do, and I pick up my pace.
Another reason I chose swimming for fitness was for the fashion. I firmly believe that everyone looks good in a Speedo. I boldly denounced those frumpy looking swim suits with the skirts. I decided they weren’t hiding anything and it was time to start being proud of my body. I bought a Speedo suit with a snappy print and reveled in my accomplishment. I resisted the temptation to purchase one of those plain, boring navy blue suits, so I chose a fun pattern to prove I could live a little.
I put on my new suit and I held my head high as I walked onto that pool deck.
Since it was 5:30 in the morning, nobody really looked at me, but it was fun to do it anyways.
Most master’s swimmers I know don’t care what you look like. They think it’s just great that you showed up.
What Exercise Should You Choose if You Don't Like Swimming for Fitness?
I encourage everyone to show up at the gym, community center, or walk around the neighborhood. Just try it once at 5:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. You might find that you feel like you have a leg up on the world.
In my case, I simply feel like I have legs.
By the end of my exercise time, I believe I am queen of the world. I get demoted to court jester when my kids wake up at 7:00 a.m., but that’s a different story.
Find your own group of supportive teammates. It makes exercising much more fun.
Good Exercises with A Team or Group
• The local running club
• A masters water polo team
• A masters cycling club, part of USA cycling. Cycling outdoors, or an indoor stationary bicycle for those wet or winter days.
• A ballroom dancing group
• Skating: Join the local ice or roller rink.
• Playing tennis with a neighborhood team
• Sports teams for basketball or soccer
Return from Swimming for Fitness to Good Exercise Plans
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