Laps

[vaneramos]

My writing partner has become my swimming partner. When the doctor's office called about my cholesterol, they said she wants me to start exercising to elevate my heart rate for 30 minutes, "most days of the week." Sarah D was looking for someone to go to the pool with her. I am a lake snob who avoids chlorine except on the hottest days, but Dr J's advice compels me to relax my standards. So Sarah and I plan to go swimming every Wednesday and Thursday evening after our writing sessions. It costs $3 a plunge.

First night tonight: twelve laps with frequent breaks. I have never felt so out of shape before. It's alarming.

Phase two of the plan involves purchasing a bench and a few dumbbells for a semi-aerobic weight routine at home. I had to cancel my gym membership last year due to cost, but an investment of $250 at Honest Ed's (dumbbells) and Canadian Tire (bench) should cover everything I need. Weight-lifting I enjoy, so I'll treat it as a reward for going to the pool twice a week.

Comments

[threestarblue.livejournal.com]

it's wonderful you are going to take the time for yourself and your health. good luck on the swims a quick shower after should free you of all chlorine.

dr weil has a great video about improving your health in 8 weeks i found a copy at my library.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Chlorine does not physically irritate me or anything, it's just that I'm spoiled by the fragrant, live lake water of Ontario cottage country. So my qualms are pure snobbery. I do, of course, shower after a swim in the pool.

Thanks for the tip. That sounds like an interesting video.

[bixie.livejournal.com]

swimming is hard! good for you. :>

also, fish oil supplements (we use spectrum brand) will help both with cholesterol (lower triglycerides, higher HDL) and with inflammation/anxiety (which is why I take them and really do notice a difference after a week or so of regular doses). although they're a bit expensive, they're less so than eating salmon every day.

good luck with all this, I know it's hard to change habits, especially when starting from a low point in the year and our cycles. I'm glad you have a supportive friend there to help with establishing a new routine.