Those kids? Splashing and playing around? *That's* exercise too. And they already have the habit. They have a play habit that only incidentally includes exercise. 'cause it's fun! You would have an easier time "getting in the habit" if you are having fun.... Play! Have fun!

Ummmmmmmmmmm. Have to disagree there V.
It's pretty hard to enjoy splashing about as an adult on your own. In the same way going to a playground alone as an adult isn't fun.

I get what you're saying, but for those of us without children (or grown ones in Cloud's case) I recommend simply finding an exercise you enjoy rather than glomming onto a random family's splash time.

Cloud - I really enjoyed water workout. I found it an easier habit to get into than swimming because of the music and the group aspect. I only stopped when I started bleaching my hair. I really need a decent swimhat and to go back again. It's playing for adults only ;) But if you actually enjoy swimming then go for it - V's defintely right there, enjoy it!

I get what you're saying, Big V. It falls in the realm of general activity, and it's great for kids. Just not for me. I hate group stuff, and I really don't like sitting around in the sun. I just want some peaceful alone time I can concentrate on what I want to do.

If I owned a house, I'd put in a pool, but I don't, so . . .

Re goggles, go to a specialist shop, try them on, find a pair that really fit. The staff should be able to help you. You should be able to push them lightly onto your face and they will seal and stay there -without the strap. They should not cause pressure on the bridge of your nose. they shouldn't cost much more than a tenner. Buy some. Swimming was a totally different experience for me once I got goggles that fit.

Regards the rest of it, why not go and watch a "masters" class (all adult swim groups are called "masters")-see what exercises they do that might work for you and decide if you want to give it a try with them or alone. Round here, most public pools have pull buoys and kickboards available so you could try before you buy. I agree, fins are not compatible with dodgy knees. I alternate laps of breast stroke and freestyle when my kness are playing up, so they don't get over-exposed to a single repetitive action for too long.

The Outdoor pool opens on Saturday, by the way YAY! :D

they still haven't opened my apartment pools. boo!

can I swim with my ipod? How? put it in a water proof case? But where do I stick it so it doesn't interfere with my arms?

You can get waterproof ones. They sell holders for them too, but I have no idea where they attach. I prefer to be alone with my thoughts when I swim.

must... resist....:lol2:

good boy!

so, went swimming today for the first time in a couple of years. yay! Found out a few things:

1) I'm beat--boy, muscles being used in unfamiliar ways

2) Need a new suimsuit. My pretty new suit, while flattering and fun, is not exactly suitable for actual swimming or aqua fitness.

3) My apt. pool doesn't open until 10 am -- so new before-work swimming. boo!

Despite the (easy to overcome setbacks) - go girl go!

okay, so I've been doing aqua aerobics lately. Fun, and deceptive.

It almost seems like I'm doing it wrong, 'cause it seems like I'm not working hard at all (unless I try freestyle laps, in which case I'm always gasping for breath). But when I get out--wham! I'm wiped. Strange.

I got my aqua jogger belt yesterday, and that's really cool. Don't care how dorky it looks, but you're just suspended and jogging or walking in the deep end. Need tunes though! (Amazon, here I come).

Is there a trick to getting into those cross-back speedo's, though? Excrutiating!

Good for you Cloud!
I'm still saying I really need to get back to the gym :(
I really will one of these days!

am trying to do a minimum of 30 minutes exercise 5 days a week.

Usually I do more, but sometimes less. It's really even not about the weight (though that's important). If I don't exercise, even just 5-10 minutes of slow movement, I
--become depressed; and
--my range of mobility decreases rapidly, and I . . . congeal

Right.
Swimming cap top of the list on payday.
I promise you faithfully.

I will go back.
Thanks for the inspiration.