Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

jgale — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:54:55 GMT

I worry a bit about the way the question is phrased as it suggest that self-involvement is a negative thing. Yes, it is a self-involved activity but in a good way. Every activity, sport, or hobby in which one seeks to maximize their performance or mastery of an activity by default requires time and commitment. The benefits of health, camaraderie, competition, and enjoyment of the sport makes the commitment of time and effort worthwhile. Admittedly, balance with other areas of your life is needed but that is an ongoing issue for most things in life.

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

Former Member — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 05:38:51 GMT

Yes, in a very positive way. Here's a quote from an article I wrote a while back. "Swimming is a grueling, relentless, and intimate sport. It has the ability to transform regular kids into incredible people, both in and out of the pool. Swimming tests an athlete every day. It makes one rethink what is possible. It requires swimmers of a young age to set goals, work hard for a long time, fail often, pick themselves up, and try again. Sounds a lot like what is required for success in the ‘real world’ to me." So, of course I think this is a good thing. Here's a link to the article if you are interested in reading the entire thing. www.theathletevillage.com/.../could-michael-phelps-destroy-sport-swimming

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

Former Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:27:35 GMT

Don't forget triathletes! :) I agree completely. After years of some mommy guilt associated with being away from my kids, I've come to realize that that was misguided and it is much healthier for me to be somewhat "self involved." touche!

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

Former Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:10:02 GMT

I don't think so. Yes, we have personal goals and barriers...but we generally enjoy swimming with others, feeding off their skills, energy, humor, enthusiasm, struggles.....and they ours. Swim meets and group workouts are what draws and drives most of us here at least....not solo self-involved swimming. Sure, we are honing our own skills, but just about everyone I see strives to hone the skills of others.

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

Former Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:18:03 GMT

Selfish as compared to what? Golf? Cycling? I would say the time/cost for these 2 sports certainly put them in the selfish category. Considering I workout on weekdays before work and on weekends long before the family gets out of bed, I'd say its more un-selfish than many hobbies. Tree

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

__steve__ — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:25:06 GMT

Fitness where I work, is an off-duty standard of life style. Those who author articles that put down healthy behavior have serious delusions.

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

Former Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:54:19 GMT

It's not the activity that makes a hobby self-involved, it's the attitude that you bring to it. Most of us need a little "me time", and that's part of what hobbies are good for. Ideally, you keep a good balance between your hobbies, work, home life, friends, etc. But if your hobby begins to consume your time and attention to the point that it routinely takes priority over family or other important commitments, then others will consider that self-involved. You may not, because you're too self-involved to notice! Very "selfish" hobbies like trophy-polishing can surely be practiced in moderation. "Selfless" hobbies like rescuing stray cats can also be indulged to excess.

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

The Fortress — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:14:04 GMT

To paraphrase my mother (and Forrest Gump's mother), "self-involved is as self-involved does." Sure, some swimmers are self-involved, but so are some runners, and body-builders, and rowers, and runners, and artists. I think a person who tends that way is going to be overly-occupied with self and with performance no matter what activity he or she engages in. I don't think swimming brings out the selfish in people any more than any other activity does... or maybe I'm too self-involved to notice :) Don't forget triathletes! :) I agree completely. After years of some mommy guilt associated with being away from my kids, I've come to realize that that was misguided and it is much healthier for me to be somewhat "self involved."

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

Former Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:11:40 GMT

You may not make money - many do treat it as an occupation. Even though it can be a losing proposition. Definition of hobby (not the horse)from Dictionary.com: "an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation..." Well, I sure don't make money at it so it's not my occupation.... Definition of self-interest from same source: "regard for one's own interest or advantage, esp. with disregard for others." Well, I coach kids, and you have to regard others if you hope to be an effective coach, so.... I guess I don't see swimming as a "self-interested hobby"

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

bzaks1424 — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:59:38 GMT

Selfish is all a matter of perspective. I'll agree with Geek on this one. As far as swimming goes - I kind of think of it as an addiction of sorts. I think about these facts: 1) I crave swimming 2) I go through withdrawals if I can't swim. 3) I do everything I can to immerse myself in this world of swimming 4) If I could swim more often than I do, I would in a heart beat 5) I want the people surrounding me to be indulged in swimming at least as much as I am. I just think people accept this addiction and call it a hobby because its considered "healthy" and "social" even though - 90% of the time I'm at the pool I'm not talking to anyone....

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

aquageek — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:42:30 GMT

Selfish is all a matter of perspective.

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

jethro — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 09:22:07 GMT

I don't see how taking an hour or so a day for yourself is selfish. I just feel so much more centered after a swim, and I'm able to focus on my family and tasks so much better afterward. I agree with this. I find I have to take some personal time for my workouts or after a while I become a real bear to be around. It's all about balance. Although I certainly wouldn't mind trading time at work for more time in the pool :D Swimming is so much better (for me at least) as a group activity or at least with a buddy. I'm naturally lazy, so having a bit of peer pressure helps keep me focused and on task. Even if it's not an organized practice, it's nice having someone else around to motivate, give advice, share workout ideas, critique technique, etc. I'm sure I'm not alone. So no, I don't see swimming as an inherently self-involved hobby.

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

moodyrichardson — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 07:55:28 GMT

Even though my husband wants no part of swimming, he's very supportive of my swimming. I also use swimming as a way to control my anxiety, so he actually encourages me to swim everyday. I'm actually not a very nice person, if I don't get my daily swim. I don't see how taking an hour or so a day for yourself is selfish. I just feel so much more centered after a swim, and I'm able to focus on my family and tasks so much better afterward.

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

Celestial — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:59:12 GMT

What is cool in the pool nobody cares what you do for work or the $$$ you make or do not! ! Swimming is the great equalizer!!

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

Celestial — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:57:06 GMT

I personally don't think of swimming as a self-involved hobby - it's so social!! (AFTER the set, I mean, & in the locker rooms, at the meets etc.), but maybe you feel guilty about how much time you spend in the pool compared to how much time you spend on your family or S.O.? I asked my Bishop if the amount of time I spend swimming made me guilty of "worshiping false gods" like some of the people I know accuse me of, and he asked me if I felt guilty about swimming; and said that if you feel guilty about doing something, then it probably is a "sin" for you, even if that same activity is not a "sin" for someone else. So, if you feel guilty about spending "too much" time in the pool, maybe you need to reconsider your time allotments. Or, you can take the girl to the pool with you! :) (Sorry if you're offended by the religious overtones here, I didn't know how else to express it, and I certainly don't mean to preach.)

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

orca1946 — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:18:49 GMT

What is cool in the pool nobody cares what you do for work or the $$$ you make or do not! !

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

orca1946 — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:17:21 GMT

What is coll in the pool nobody cares what you do for work or the $$$ you make or do not!

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

Redbird Alum — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 04:49:44 GMT

Definition of hobby (not the horse)from Dictionary.com: "an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation..." Well, I sure don't make money at it so it's not my occupation.... Definition of self-interest from same source: "regard for one's own interest or advantage, esp. with disregard for others." Well, I coach kids, and you have to regard others if you hope to be an effective coach, so.... I guess I don't see swimming as a "self-interested hobby"

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

gigi — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 04:44:34 GMT

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

philoswimmer — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:32:44 GMT

Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby? As opposed to one of those hobbies that don't involve yourself?

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

orca1946 — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 11:48:23 GMT

My friends call it a passion, I like the way that sounds!:applaud:

RE: Would you consider swimming to be a self-involved hobby?

Bobinator — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 10:59:52 GMT

"If you don't take care of your body where will you live?" There is nothing wrong with having a hobby you enjoy. It's even better yet when it keeps you fit, healthy, and enables you to meet and socialize with others who have the same interest!