Swimming for better health

How often are you all actually getting in the pool? I know swimming is one of those total-body workouts—great for building stamina, lung capacity, and just general fitness overall...

I finally made it back today, though it’s been seven months since I last hit the water. It feels surprisingly good. I’m planning on being consistent from here on out. Phew!!

Unfortunately, it’s not enough. Honestly, less than I’d like... just a lack of time, I guess. You’re right, though—you really do feel incredible after knocking out a few laps in the pool. I used to go all year round once, but lately, it's been strictly a summer thing. It'll get better 😁

I only hit the pavement about once a week, though if I'm being honest, my heart really belongs to running. Still, getting out for a swim at least once a week is such a win—especially for those of us who spend way too many hours glued to a desk. 😁

Well, I went ahead and did it. I hit the pool after a long, long hiatus. As it turns out, my muscles are absolutely killing me this morning. So, yeah, clearly everything was working just fine while I was in the water 😁

Swimming is killer for building muscle. During the summer, when I’m back home and basically living in the ocean—hitting the beach in the morning and evening, grabbing lunch there, pretty much forgetting what dry land even feels like—my whole body gets into such good shape it’s actually unreal. I’m pretty tall, so my back usually acts up, but mostly just in the spring. By now, I guess all the muscle I put on last summer has probably melted away. Right now, for example, I can barely lift a 50-pound weight (tried one at a buddy's place), but by the end of the summer, I can handle my own body weight without even hitting the gym, just from swimming all day long. Plus, my chest and abs get decent definition, though looking at myself right now, I feel like I'm made of jelly.

Unfortunately, I can't really use the public pool, though. Being in there makes me feel nauseous, and I feel like I'm gonna barf immediately.

frozencobra37 said:Swimming is an incredible way to build muscle. During the summer, when I'm back home and basically living in the ocean—I hit the beach first thing in the morning and again in the evening, maybe ducking in for lunch, but otherwise I completely forget what solid ground feels like—my entire physique improves to an unbelievable degree. I am quite tall, which unfortunately means I struggle with back issues, though that usually only flares up in the spring. By then, I think I've finally shed all the muscle mass I put on the previous summer. Right now, for instance, I can barely lift a twenty-pound dumbbell (I gave it a shot at a friend's place), yet by the end of August, I’ll be lifting my own body weight. I don't do any extra workouts; I just swim all day long. My chest and abs get remarkably defined, but looking at myself right now, I feel like I'm made of jelly.

Unfortunately, I can't bring myself to go to the public pool. The smell makes me nauseous, and I feel like I'm going to throw up immediately.

Exactly. You don't need a gym membership to get stronger... which is exactly what I want to achieve!🙂
As for the nausea, I felt sick after only six laps.
That’s my current level of fitness, I suppose...

I used to hit the public pool every single day, putting in an hour and a half of nonstop laps—real man's work. Honestly, I could have gone even longer, but I just couldn't find anything worth thinking about while I was grinding through the water.😁

It’s been a long time since I’ve been back, but at this rate, I think I’d be gasping for air just from the cigarettes.😁