Cross-Training: Swimming

Hey everyone,

In an effort to try new things, we decided to go swimming.  Our choice was inspired by our vacation, where we got to reacquaint ourselves with this fun activity.  It turns out that swimming laps is also great exercise!

We went on a Monday night to the Plant pool (a city of Ottawa pool), for the 5-6pm (after work) lane swim.  It was surprisingly crowded in the pool, which fortunately didn't affect our workout (thanks to everyone following a racetrack pattern).  They had 3 lanes open (slow, medium and fast), as well as an aquafit class that was held in the other half of the pool.

Where we swam - through the observation windows outside

Tannys swam a bit growing up, but this was her first real experience swimming laps.  Thus, this was  a fun but challenging experience for her.  Although Tannys' strokes weren't overly efficient (which will improve with practice), this probably helped burn more calories!

Alex swam a lot growing up and eventually became a lifeguard and swimming instructor.  However, many years passed where he began to focus on weightlifting.  Thus, this was also a challenge for him - especially since he discovered his new body type now sinks.  This was still a much better swimming experience for Alex since his last one, in Lac La Biche.  At the outset of his RCMP posting Alex went for a swim at the local pool where his towel was quickly stolen within 5 minutes of his arrival.  Sadly, that was the last time he went swimming there!

From what we have read about swimming (and our limited experience), it is a great way to improve cardiovascular and muscular fitness.  By looking at Olympic swimmers, you do get a sense that it can help you become lean and athletic. 

Swimming is a no impact activity, which is thus easier on your joints than other activities like running (with the downside that it won't increase your bone density).  Different strokes will work different muscles, but the predominant focus is on shoulders, core and legs.  It is also a great activity for pregnant women, since it's low impact and safe, given changes in centre of gravity and coordination.

We were excited to go for our first lane swim as a couple and will definitely be heading back to the pool in the near future.  Incorporating different activities (known as cross-training) is a great way to keep motivated and improve your fitness.  It's also a good way to minimize or work around injuries, since your body gets exposed to different forms of movement.

We look forward to improving our swimming skills and enjoying more fun times in the water.  Give it a try!

- Tannys & Alex