The other day I posted a video in my You Tube widget from Burt Lancaster’s 1968 avant garde film The Swimmer. This was not coincidental, as upon moving into my new digs, one of the bits of information I gleaned was not only does the townhouse community have tennis and basketball courts, but they have a pool. (!)
I’ve not been swimming in years, but between disability and weight issues, I think it could only help. I’m pretty sedentary. So the other day I took a test swim. I’m generally up early, and decided if I went first thing I wouldn’t be disturbed (any more than I already am) and would avoid the direct Sun of mid-day.
It’s a small pool, no diving allowed, and not very long. But, it worked for me. My only complaint is it’s being small, the laps aren’t very long – as if I could swim an Olympic pool length, anyway! And, given my size, I do resemble a big dog in a kiddie pool.
But, we’re gonna keep at it. Perhaps as the Summer winds down it will feel less like bathwater. And maybe, eventually, one of my muscles will become toned.
“And maybe, eventually, one of my muscles will become toned.”
Yes, at least one of them should be.
Posted by Rev. Paul | July 28, 2012, 7:51 amSigh. You’re probably right.
Posted by guffaw1952 | July 28, 2012, 7:54 amHopefully it ends up better for you than it did for Burt… Great movie though.
Posted by ernunnos | July 28, 2012, 7:57 amYeah, I don’t plan on swimming across the Valley to my denial…
Posted by guffaw1952 | July 28, 2012, 8:01 amSwimming can be relaxing too, and since it’s in a neutral “environment” there’s not a lot of pounding on hard parts like ankles and knees. I used to swim a lot when I was on the swim-team and that’s not a lot of fun, really – it’s grinding…
Posted by NotClauswitz | July 28, 2012, 11:06 amSwimming was one of the recommendations of the physical therapist after I blew my Miniscus out. There’s an aquatic center in the next town over, with pools as well as one with current, that you can swim or walk against. It’s helped a lot. Greenpeace hasn’t shown up trying to roll me back in the water, and there are people of all ages, weight and disabilities there just working on getting healthy. Good for you!
Posted by brigid | July 28, 2012, 9:13 pmThanks, Brig, for your vote of confidence! And the large aquatic mammal comment is unwarranted!
You’re beautiful – just ask EJ!
Posted by guffaw1952 | July 28, 2012, 10:40 pmI saw something on TV the other day where they said you can do weight training in the pool using wrist and ankle weights.
Posted by Gregory Brown | July 29, 2012, 2:49 pmUh, I’m starting with walking to the pool and swimming a bit.
Weights come later, after depression sets in!
Posted by guffaw1952 | July 29, 2012, 5:15 pm