Swimming

Good afternoon folks. I am sitting at my computer listening to Deadmau5 and thinking about what to write to you! Today I want to talk to you about swimming.
   Swimming is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercsises you can do. It is easy on your joints (much different than walking or running) and can be a logical way to increase your aerobic endurance. Some people tend to put excessive loads of stress on their joints when they decide to start training for a 10km race, 1/2 marathon or even a triathlon. However, if we simply added in an endurance swim each week instead of that extra load from a run, in the long run it may help our overall health, training and competition. An injury can set you back at least 6 weeks and injuries such as stress fractures, muscle pulls, etc can all be caused from over training. Incorporating the pool into your workout regime is something I encourage you to do if you are looking to step up your cardiovascular endurance.
  So what if you do not know how to swim? Well, that is why we have lifeguards, such as myself. Find a local public pool and "get your feet wet" by swimming with a PFD (personal floatation device), or with flutter board. Find out if there are swimming lessons going on which you could sign up for or even try an aquacise class (exercise class in the pool). Being able to swim is a great asset to carry around with you in case you find yourself having to save someone in the water at some point in your life or in case you sustain a stress fracture and the only cardio activity you can do is swim.
   Even if you want to swim recreationally, that also is a healthy and sustainable activity for your body. I swim and endurance distance of 32 laps each week and one day I swim recreationally with my buddy Tim. Even swimming recreationally can increase your heart rate, burn calories and make you feel better about yourself.
   Now, I am not telling you to go out and pound through 32 laps in your local pool. HAHA. Remember folks; just like running, walking or weight training in order to get good at it (swimming) we must put the time in. Do not stop swimming after your first week of trying it. Stick to your guns and allow yourself to overcome discomfort and learn how to be a better swimmer.
  If you are subconscious of how your body looks in a tight fitting bathing suit, not to worry! I am pretty sure that every single person in your local pool has either felt that way when they started or is still feeling that way when they come in to the pool. Buy yourself a pair of tinted goggles and you will look sharp, feel invisible and will be able to sport your body around the pool with ease in no time!

Ryan Fahey
B.A Human Kinetics
CPTN Canada
canfitpro
NCCP Canada