Earlier this year I announced, with a
certain amount of smugness, that I had joined a Caribbean Dance Class. I now
have to admit that it only lasted three weeks – my attendance, that is, not the
class. I believe there are still people dancing themselves to a standstill and
I’m sure it’s doing them good but it was too much for my poor, unfit body. I
returned to the comfort and safety of my computer chair… until a few weeks ago.
A few weeks ago, for the first time ever,
my GP expressed concern about my blood pressure. He’s not overly concerned so
thankfully I don’t have to take pills but he did ask me how many times a week I
exercised. He wasn't impressed with my new yoga routine. "It has to be aerobic," he said. My blank stare of a reply told him all that he had, no doubt,
expected and I was sent away with a warning to think about it seriously.
For the last few weeks I have been thinking about it seriously. That frenetic dance class wasn’t for me. I’m hopeless at running. My ankle swells when I walk too much (old squash injury but that’s another story!) The only activity left is swimming. I've decided to treat myself and join a club. That way I’m sure to go because I’ve paid money up front (Yes, I am that pathetic at keeping up exercise regimes!) So where to go?
For the last few weeks I have been thinking about it seriously. That frenetic dance class wasn’t for me. I’m hopeless at running. My ankle swells when I walk too much (old squash injury but that’s another story!) The only activity left is swimming. I've decided to treat myself and join a club. That way I’m sure to go because I’ve paid money up front (Yes, I am that pathetic at keeping up exercise regimes!) So where to go?
There’s a lovely pool at my old Univerity five minutes drive away and I’m entitled to join because I’m an alumna but it's very expensive. There is also a pool that belongs to another Uni that I could join. It’s the other side of town, not too far away, and it’s a quarter the price but here’s my dilemma. I can swim perfectly well but I’m a wimp. I have to fight the panic if I go out of my depth. The expensive pool has no deep end. The cheaper one does. On the other hand, they both offer aquarobics on a Friday morning which sounds like fun and I'm sure my GP would approve.
All I need to do now is to decide which one to join and yes, I know, I am prevaricating. I will get exercising again, really I will... just as soon as I've decided where to go!
Go for it, Ros! I think swimming would be wonderful if it weren't so wet. It's the getting changed, sliding into cold water, then afterwards the showering and drying and putting clothes back on - think I'll stick to walking!
ReplyDeleteI do love swimming. It's just the fear of that deep end that gets to me.
DeleteHow expensive is too much to save your life? Because that's what you're talking about. Since my heart attack I think £35 a month is cheap!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the stern reminder, Ann.
DeleteSwimming is such good exercise, so just go for it! You could try walking part of the way to the pool too - just to maximise the benefit??!!
DeleteWalking part the way there?!! Sorry, Pat, that'd be a step too far!
DeleteI love swimming too, Ros, but I'm a wimp about cold water, so even getting in would be a challenge for me. You go for it! I'll stick to jogging (slowly) and cycling, I think…
ReplyDeleteIt's only cold for a second and then it feels lovely :-) Oh yes, and I forgot to add that I can't ride a bike!
DeleteHow about 30 minutes of walking?
DeleteHi Ros .. I hate swimming (dislike it really!) and was going to go swimming at the sports part of the Uni here in E/b .. as an OAP I can get reduced rates ... but in fact since I found out I need surgery (nothing serious) I'll now wait til I'm repaired. I used to play acres of squash .. chasing a ball was fine ... and I loved it: not so enthusiastic once I got back to the cold country!
ReplyDeleteI went to a lunch the other day .. and the speaker asked us about Richard III - where should he be buried ... I think the vote went 1) Westminster Abbey, 2) York ... and 3) with me and one other I think going for Leicester ... that was my Gunpowder lunch ..
Cheers and good luck with the swimming ... go for it - Hilary
Before I moved to Tenerife and an apartment in a block with its own pool, I had never swum more than a few widths. After my hip operation I used the pool constantly and got up to 10 lengths. The deep end has an edge to hang onto once you get there - and a ladder - and I just talked myself into it. So can you. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteWater aerobics is fun and is easy on the old bones. You can do it - give it a go and let the water be your foe. Have fun!!
ReplyDeletehahaha..the only exercise I do is jumping to conclusions..I find that keeps me VERY fit indeed!!
ReplyDeleteI love swimming but I used to just swim in the shallow end as I often get cramp in my toes. One day I went with a friend and she convinced me to try the deep end but staying close to the edge. It worked and now I swim in deep end all the time and can swim in the sea on holiday. Water aerobics are only done in the shallow end as you have to have your feet on the bottom. It's a great form of exercise. Ps. I can't ride a bike either.
ReplyDelete