We all have those days...or maybe those weeks, months or years. I have been dragging my feet for several months (after several injuries) about going back to the gym.
I used to live in the gym. It was my home away from home. Lately, you can't drag me there. No amount of bribery with myself works. Not changing gyms, not varying my times and not meeting up with others to get a workout in. Plus, it's hot out, and I hate sweating. I even have a pretty good gym setup at home...and I still wasn't being consistent with my workouts.
I know, this from a health coach.
I must have seen something on TV or in one of the books I was reading because I decided that as a gift for myself this year for my birthday, I was going to go back to the water. I used to live at our local pool during the summers. I am a water baby. I was never part of a swim team or in any competitive water sports. I just loved being in the water.
We don't have an association pool in our neighborhood, but we do have the county run Aquatics and Fitness Centers. Two within about 15 minutes from our house. I haven't used the facilities in years, but their indoor, heated pools plus schedule lap lanes was exactly what I wanted. The only downside is that you can't get just a pool membership, you get access to the full gym. (Just what I needed, another gym membership.) They have a variety of water based fitness classes, which I haven't tried yet.
My only goal was to get back in the water and set a consistent schedule.
First step, get a month pass. I didn't invest in the year or 6-month contract yet. I didn't want to not use it and get mad at myself for spending the money.
Second step, get in the actual water. This was a little daunting. I haven't been in the pool in years, so that first jump into the 14 feet deep end was a moment of "can I still do this?" I'm happy to report, YES!
Those first two laps were hard.
But somewhere in the middle of the third lap, something in my brain and body kicked in, and the endorphins started zipping around. I'd only planed to swim for 20 minutes. I ended up doing 30 minutes and set my pace for my training.
It also didn't hurt that my Apple Watch works in the pool and helps me keep track of my time, laps and distance. I am a geek at heart.
So, now the goal is 30 minutes a day. (I'll work my way up to an hour.)
Added bonus? I can't be sidetracked by my phone or whatever notification pops up. When my watch is tracking my workout, it doesn't let anything else pop up on it. I can be tuned out and disconnected for those 30 minutes - I can't do that with any other form of cardio. If I'm on the bike, I've got my iPad and I'm reading or checking on Social Media. If I'm on the treadmill, same or I've got a TV show going.
When I'm in the water. I'm IN the water.
No one is stopping to ask me to spot them or explain an exercise. I'm not on and off social media between sets. I'm focused on exactly what I'm doing. In the moment and feeling every muscle working.
I challenge you...if you're finding it hard to get motivated to get to the gym. Find something new (or old) that you enjoy doing...test it out for awhile.
If you're thinking of getting into the pool, here are some of the benefits of swimming:
- It's a full body workout. You use all your muscles and you can burn about 200 calories in a half hour with just a gentle swim.
- De-stresses you. Swimming requires you to be in the moment.
- Water supports your body. A water workout is so much better on your joints.
- No sweating!
So, if I haven't answered your messages....it's because I'm in the pool. Getting that workout in!
PS - I'm rewarding myself at the end of the summer with surfing lessons 😉 Have to have something fun to go along with the training!