I'm an Indiana University student who is an avid swimmer and a swim coach. I'm writing an article for a journalism class on masters swimming and why swimming is such a good exercise especially for anyone over the age of 60. If you are over around that age could give me your own personal opinions as to why swimming help you? Thanks!
-Bekah
Parents
Former Member
well I'm not over sixty yet--in my 50's
For me swimming, first of all, is fun, it gets me out of the house or away from the office. My time at the pool is a time to relax, forget about home and work responsibilities for a bit and concentrate on swimming. Its a time to challenge myself physically and mentally; to do something for me; and recently others have been asking me for advice with their swimming, so it is becoming a time to share with and help others. Its a time to socialize with others at the pool who share the same interests and to make new friends. It is also a sensual experience--there isn't anything quite like the feel of gliding through the water, the cool water against warm muscles; feeling close to weightless; swimming hard, pushing yourself and being out of breath. Those advantages alone are enough to keep me swimming, but of course I've benefited from swimming in other ways too. It helps control my weight and cholestrol; forces me to eat a sensible diet (although at times I do use Atkins to drop a few excess pounds that seem to slip on.) It helps me to maintain a good blood pressure and low heart rate. I am also far more flexable and stronger now that I've started swimming. I'm not feeling as many little age related aches and pains any more, and headaches are almost unheard of now. It must be reducing my stress level, or it has increased my fitness to a level that allows me to resist headache triggers. I sleep better (if I don't over do the workouts--too much keeps me awake at night) and I'm not as tired as I use to be.
Did I say I just plain enjoy it?
Lainey
well I'm not over sixty yet--in my 50's
For me swimming, first of all, is fun, it gets me out of the house or away from the office. My time at the pool is a time to relax, forget about home and work responsibilities for a bit and concentrate on swimming. Its a time to challenge myself physically and mentally; to do something for me; and recently others have been asking me for advice with their swimming, so it is becoming a time to share with and help others. Its a time to socialize with others at the pool who share the same interests and to make new friends. It is also a sensual experience--there isn't anything quite like the feel of gliding through the water, the cool water against warm muscles; feeling close to weightless; swimming hard, pushing yourself and being out of breath. Those advantages alone are enough to keep me swimming, but of course I've benefited from swimming in other ways too. It helps control my weight and cholestrol; forces me to eat a sensible diet (although at times I do use Atkins to drop a few excess pounds that seem to slip on.) It helps me to maintain a good blood pressure and low heart rate. I am also far more flexable and stronger now that I've started swimming. I'm not feeling as many little age related aches and pains any more, and headaches are almost unheard of now. It must be reducing my stress level, or it has increased my fitness to a level that allows me to resist headache triggers. I sleep better (if I don't over do the workouts--too much keeps me awake at night) and I'm not as tired as I use to be.
Did I say I just plain enjoy it?
Lainey
