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

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.

Selfish is all a matter of perspective.

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....

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"

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."

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.

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

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

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.

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!