What is the opposite of a gym rat?
Whatever it it is, I’m that.
I used to be so uncomfortable that I could barely even force myself to go without massive stress and fear, even tears sometimes. I apparently look vaguely athletic, but psychologically, I’m the kid who was afraid of the ball and always got picked last for any team sport.
Having actually gone to a hospital gym in Atlanta, and now to the Y a few times, I no longer feel like the dorky ignorant kid among the cool kids. Indeed, both places were far more densely populated by women old enough to be my grandmother than by anyone whom I could classify as a cool kid.
Three weeks ago, I signed us up for a family membership at the Y. Because even though I am not a fan of the gym, I am a fan of good health and longevity, and of being a good example for Noah and Josie.
Also, I want to fit back into my professional looking clothes. Because I do believe I will get a job one of these days.
For the last 2 weeks, I went swimming every other day for 20 minutes. Every time I got out of the water, I felt like all of the muscles in my entire body were made from melted butter.
Today, I was surprised to see that the 20 minutes were up! And when I got out of the water, I didn’t feel like I was made from melted butter! Woot!
My plan is to stick with the 20 minutes, 3x/week, through the end of March. Then I plan to increase to 25 minutes, and in April, I plan to increase it again to 30 minutes. I have no plans further out than April. We’ll see.
I need your help. My usual fitness program retention rate is about 6 weeks. Would you mind holding me to account in April and May?
Thanks!
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I thank regular childhood visits to the UWM swimming pool for the fact that gyms/health clubs don’t automatically scare me per se… although I can safely say I still don’t use any of the machines.
I’ve been swimming on and off ever since. At my best I was doing a mile four times a week, although I’m not doing that now. I would advise you to listen to your body rather than necessarily sticking with 20 minutes though the rest of March. You will find you get a second burst of energy which propels you to do more after you’ve been swimming a while. Also, always stretch before and after as this stops your muscles getting stiff.
I find swimming helps enormously to clear my mind, especially if I’m stressed. Good for you for getting back to it; hope you enjoy! (Also: I always use the sauna as a bribe to myself for going to the pool in the first place…)