The Fountain of Youth

The fountain of youth is actually a swimming pool.  There are three activities which are superior for cardio-muscular fitness.  These are activities that invite the whole body to the party:  heart, lungs and muscles.  These three activities are rowing, cross country skiing and swimming.  

Rowing and cross country skiing are great, but they have geographic and climate related challenges.  You cannot do them if you do not have access to snow or open water.  Swimming, on the other hand, can be done in many places year round and in colder climes indoors at public or private facilities.  

The equipment required for swimming is minimal and not expensive.  Get some trunks, a swim cap and goggles and you are in business.

Swimming is great for the heart and lungs and stimulates many of the major muscle groups.  It is also a low impact activity that is gentle on joints and tendons.  Running is the most popular cardio activity for most people but it has its draw backs.  First, it does little to nothing for the upper body muscles.  Secondly, it puts a significant amount of strain on the joints and ligaments, especially for older people.  There are two types of runners:  those who are injured and those who are going to be.  

The four swim stokes are freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.  Freestyle is the most common fitness stroke because it is the one most people are familiar with and it is the easiest to learn.  The other three strokes are seen more in competitions, although the backstroke is also used by fitness swimmers.

If you do decide to take the plunge, a couple of pieces of advice.  First, take a few private lessons from a qualified swim coach.  They will be well worth the cost. The freestyle stroke is not difficult, but there are several nuances and things to know about breathing, body position and arm motion.  A few sessions with a swim coach can help you greatly in developing an efficient form.  Books on swimming technique and youtube instructional videos are also helpful tools for developing a decent stroke.  Secondly, the first few times you swim, do not get discouraged if you are winded after just a few laps.  Try to swim a bit further each time you swim and soon you will be able to comfortably go for a half an hour or longer.

Swimming can be a very enjoyable way to get some great fitness and it is an activity that you can pursue well into the yonder years.  It is an excellent way to keep the Old Man out.