Swimming: The Perfect Exercise

by Fatherofeight | More from this Blogger

Six months ago, I felt like I was 10 years older than I actually am. I was very overweight and I had committed myself to living a life that placed great demands on me, both emotionally and physically. It was time for drastic action.

I joined a YMCA that is fairly close to our house. I knew from my younger years the value of regular exercise. I had been a runner many years ago. But I was now skeptical that my body could once again adjust to being pounded and jolted for an hour every day. I reluctantly turned to the swimming pool.

Six months later, I weigh 75 pounds less than when I started. I wear blue jeans all of the time. I have gone from a size 44 husky fit to a size 36 regular fit. I will need size 34 very soon. I have been taken off of blood pressure medication. At age 60, I feel like I am in my thirties.

Yes, I have changed my diet substantially. But, a big share of the credit for my turnaround is what has happened in the swimming pool.

Swimming is believed to be the second most complete form of exercise. The first is cross country skiing. There are very few opportunities to go snow skiing in south Texas.

Swimming uses all of the primary muscles in the body. It provides a total workout experience. Unlike most other fitness sports, swimmers suffer very few injuries. While swimming, the body is essentially weightless which means that there is no pressure on those bones and joints.

A frequent complaint from people trying to get in shape by swimming is that it can be boring. I actually enjoy the solitude. I do my best thinking while in the water. For those that must have music to exercise, modern technology makes it possible to listen to an iPod or MP3 as you swim.

If you are looking for a way to be healthy again, I strongly recommend that you try the pool. Stay long enough to see how the good swimmers at the pool look physically. I can actually show up wearing one of those racing swim suits that are popular, and no one laughs. I still do not pass the "naked in front of the mirror" test, but I am close.

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Ed is a Families.com Adoption Blogger. Read his blogs here.

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