At my yearly physical last week a funny thing happened. The doctors staff informed me that swimming is not an aerobic exercise and that I would be better off walking briskly for 20 to 30 minutes a couple days each week.
I explained I try to swim 2 to 3 times each week for 60 to 90 minutes,and my workout is prepared by MO, ya'll might recognise that name. They asked me the distance I cover in that time and I responded with 2800 to 3500 yards or 1.5 to 2 miles depending on time.
Not good enough according to the staff. I should be walking. I will let the facts stand for themselves.
Age 48
Wt 149
BP 120/80
Pulse 60
Body Fat 18%
Total Cholesterol 194 (need to eat better)
Well it is off to the pool for another MO workout. Maybe I will walk briskly from my car to the pool and see if that counts. Thanks for those workouts MO I enjoy them.
Have a great day
Paul
I think, as some have said, that some in the medical profession think that swimming is like a slow paddle down the pool. Well, for many swimmers at my pool, Pasadena Athletic Club, that is true. I am glad to see them doing some exercise, however they never, regardless of age, seem to be out of breath. The same goes with the joggers I see. They are not doing anything aerobic, not getting the heart rate up to the training threshold . Yes, the exercise is good for them, yes, they are burning calories, yes they are using their muxcles and stretching, but they are not training and putting significant stress on the cardiovascular system.
To be fair, not everyone wants to be "in training" or to get the heart rate up to a significant degree. That's OK. Fitness is defined in different ways. Not every swimmer needs to be a competitive swimmer. So explain to the Doc what it is that we do and save the brisk walk for those cold mornings when the paper is at the end of the driveway!:)
I think, as some have said, that some in the medical profession think that swimming is like a slow paddle down the pool. Well, for many swimmers at my pool, Pasadena Athletic Club, that is true. I am glad to see them doing some exercise, however they never, regardless of age, seem to be out of breath. The same goes with the joggers I see. They are not doing anything aerobic, not getting the heart rate up to the training threshold . Yes, the exercise is good for them, yes, they are burning calories, yes they are using their muxcles and stretching, but they are not training and putting significant stress on the cardiovascular system.
To be fair, not everyone wants to be "in training" or to get the heart rate up to a significant degree. That's OK. Fitness is defined in different ways. Not every swimmer needs to be a competitive swimmer. So explain to the Doc what it is that we do and save the brisk walk for those cold mornings when the paper is at the end of the driveway!:)
