Ever try to start an exercise routine?
I am the proud owner of a weight bench, a kickboxing bag, 4 workout DVDs, a jumprope, and a 2 player “Dance Dance Revolution” system for PS2.. none of which ever gets used.
This month, though.. I’ve finally passed the four week mark on regular exercise.. doing the one sport I ever did well. Swimming.
I got a varsity letter in swimming back at QO before I had to give it up to do theatre. Swam for years before that too. Lately, having finally lost the 60 pounds I put on in college, I’ve been getting comments like “Dude, you’re too thin.. you look anorexic” – Which, granted, I used to get in high school too.
I finally stopped getting those comments in high school by returning to the pool 3 times a week – and now I’m trying it again. But man, its harder now. The demons of age have used ten years of stored powers to turn my once able swimming muscles into jelly after only 24 lengths of the pool.
For now, Barnsonians, wish me luck as I continue my quest to get back the body I used to have.. and if you have any advice, I’d welcome it.
Swimming…
Feel good. You’re reading a comment from a guy who has trouble completing 10 laps, much less 24.
Those 10 laps are with breaks on each end, too.
—
Matthew P. Barnson
Many thanks..
In practice I used to warm up with 20, then get to the real practice.. long way to go..
The part I left out was the pushups I used to do too..
I’d do them all the time now if they weren’t hard and stuff..
Keep it up!
Staying on an exercise routine is tough stuff. I know, as I try to arise at 5:45 every morning to exercise with a friend at 6am. The key for me is the friend. Matt and I have tried it together and it doesn’t work all that well since we’re both in the same bed. But since I have to be up and dressed to answer the door by 6 and sometimes run down and clean the basement before we start the video, it gets me up.
Swimming is an excellent sport to return to. I love the pool. I just have a hard time finding someone who wants to go with me. I was not a swimmer in high school. When I started swimming, I really had a time trying to build up to the 24 laps that you’re doing now, especially since I had to teach myself how to swim. I’m still not a good swimmer, but it’s about the best work out there is around! I found it to be very rewarding and I am my strongest when I have swimming as part of my routine.
Keep up the good work. We’re all trying to get our young bodies back! —
Christy