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
I was an avid runner all through my school years and young adulthood. At my peak I ran 40 miles a week. Eventually the strain on my joints caught up with me, and I had to give it up for good. (I am now 41.) When I came off crutches for the last time, I realized that I had gained 25 pounds in the 3 years that I had been on the sidelines with injuries to both knees, one foot and one hip. I started swimming (along with a sensible eating plan) in order to lose the added weight and to fill my need for regular exercise. I had never swum before (except for compulsory swim class in school), so it was a real challenge to get started. I'm still a really lousy swimmer, but all of the extra pounds are off, the injuries have pretty much healed, and I'm feeling terrific. My doctor tells me that my vital stats are outstanding. One of my inspirations in this process was the excellent book by Dr. Phil Whitten, "The Complete Book of Swimming." You might look there since your project overlaps Dr. Phil's research interests.
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Former Member
I was an avid runner all through my school years and young adulthood. At my peak I ran 40 miles a week. Eventually the strain on my joints caught up with me, and I had to give it up for good. (I am now 41.) When I came off crutches for the last time, I realized that I had gained 25 pounds in the 3 years that I had been on the sidelines with injuries to both knees, one foot and one hip. I started swimming (along with a sensible eating plan) in order to lose the added weight and to fill my need for regular exercise. I had never swum before (except for compulsory swim class in school), so it was a real challenge to get started. I'm still a really lousy swimmer, but all of the extra pounds are off, the injuries have pretty much healed, and I'm feeling terrific. My doctor tells me that my vital stats are outstanding. One of my inspirations in this process was the excellent book by Dr. Phil Whitten, "The Complete Book of Swimming." You might look there since your project overlaps Dr. Phil's research interests.
