How can I stay in shape for swimming while working in the Egyptian desert? Help!
Former Member
Hi - I love reading the discussion forums, and have finally got up the nerve to join because I'm looking for suggestions on how to stay in shape when I can't swim.
I spend about three months of the year working on archaeological sites - while there I can't swim (no pool) or even walk or run, as apart from actual excavation we must stay in a small compound under military guard. I hate losing my conditioning for swimming while on these projects; not only do I desperately miss swimming while in the field, I hate coming back unable to keep up with my normal lane mates. But I haven't found anything good to do to maintain it. This year I thought about taking my jump rope - but then remembered that only the floors of the teeny shared bedrooms are solid, all the rest is sand. ANY desert "cross-training" suggestions at all would so appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Flots
Flots,
This may hurt your work, but you could try flooding your dig site and use that as a pool. For added breath control, you can do exploratory dives without oxygen tanks. :joker:
Seriously, though, there are a few yoga-type arm exercises you can do that are weight free and are crazy-effective. They work the muscles and joints pretty good, and there is no negative resistence. I wouldn't know where to look for them - perhaps someone else can weigh in.
Redskins running back TJ Duckett would run in sand as part of his training; strengthens legs and helps work on balance. Not exactly swim-related, but exercise nonetheless...
Flots,
This may hurt your work, but you could try flooding your dig site and use that as a pool. For added breath control, you can do exploratory dives without oxygen tanks. :joker:
Seriously, though, there are a few yoga-type arm exercises you can do that are weight free and are crazy-effective. They work the muscles and joints pretty good, and there is no negative resistence. I wouldn't know where to look for them - perhaps someone else can weigh in.
Redskins running back TJ Duckett would run in sand as part of his training; strengthens legs and helps work on balance. Not exactly swim-related, but exercise nonetheless...
