Things to like about swimming

I agree with Paul! I really like the extra bounce I have in my step on my way to work after my morning swim. I also like the fact that, compared to running, I haven't had a bad day swimming yet. There are some times when a run just isn't good. I don't know if it's because of swimming indoors or that swimming is low-impact, but I have yet to have a really bad day at the pool. I also like following up a swim with some relaxation time in the whirlpool and the steam room.

but my favorite thing about swimming is the breaststroke push-off/pull out. I'm always trying to go further and further under water. It's peaceful under the water. I also love the buzz I get for several hours after swimming.

Originally posted by exrunner Being able to go to a special occasion and eating as much of anything as I would like, while my overweight friends watch with envy and rage. While I don't have the impressive body stats that you do, I admit this is THE BEST thing about swimming. The ability to eat as much fried chicken as a I want from time to time is great. My less athletic friends never seem to hold themselves back at the feed trough, however.

I love swimming with such balance that kicking is an option. I love swimming catch-up/exaggerated front quadrant and watching the floats on the lane line speed by while I am using such little effort. I love a great pushoff coupled with a few strong dolphin kicks that blend seamlessly into full stroke swimming. (This one is a bit more rare for me :D ) Lastly, I always enjoy the smell of chlorine on my skin after leaving the pool.

Well, the things I like are: (1) The pleasant feeling of exhaustion after my swim; (2) The peace of mind of having 8% body fat, 114/70 blood pressure, total cholesterol 126, and resting heart rate 48 bpm; (3) Being able to go to a special occasion and eating as much of anything as I would like, while my overweight friends watch with envy and rage.

The relaxation of it all... Just swimming being concentrated, lost in your own thoughts, and as much as you huff and puff in the water, once you're out, it seems like all your problems go away, I'm completely stress free, in a great mood, energized (and have that feeling that although my body is tired, I'm ready to jump back in and start it all over again!) Swimming and knowing "this is what I'm good at!" That first smell of chlorine when you get to the pool, and it excites you to know you're just starting. That all that fun is actually a damn good exercise! Diving in the deep water, all the way in... Knowing that when you're at the beach, and everybody is crowded together, close to the sand, that you can actually go far enough to the deep, where there's no one else, and you can just float there for a while, knowing you're stronger than the sea. And even when the tide is strong and it beats the hell out of you and you're tumbling around with the waves, knowing that you won't drown, so you never get desperate, just go with the flow and come right back up ready for more. Going back to my childhood everytime I go into the pool, and feel like I'm five again (because I was always in the water at that age).

Originally posted by swimr4life YES!! I love that too. It is awe inspiring to see the bright pink and orange colors of the sunrise. It energizes me and makes me feel inspired for the rest of the day! Yeah! That is the most beautiful thing ever! one thing I truly like about swimming: Having Lane 5 ALL TO MYSELF!! :p There's yet another great feeling about swimming now and it's the fact I have corrective goggles. I didn't know what I was missing. For twenty-three years, (Now 26, learned to swim when I was 3) I swam w/out corrective goggles and for the first time, I'm seeing swimming in a whole new light. I love it even more. It's my own little secret place whenever I'm blue, (no pun intended) or when I had a hard day at work. experiencing the sights has brought joy to me. The smell of chlorine always makes me feel like I'm fifty feet tall, even on my darkest days. Thanks for letting me share that with all of you. "...They say swimmers are the most wonderful people in the world, and they're right!" - Sonic Swimmer78

Morning swims are fantastic! I hate waking up at 5 a.m. and I really hate having to go to bed by 10 or 11, but it's sooooo worth it once I get in the pool. I spend the rest of the day on an endorphin high. I'm preaching to the choir here, but nothing compares to swimming.

After a hard day, working with lots of noisy children, being able to hide in the silence of water. Taking 25 seconds off of my 200 fly and thinking that there is hope yet that I can some day be fast. Having others marvel at the fact that someone can actually swim that many laps.

That first taste of pool water in the early morning.