the "perfect" exercise

[gsxrken]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Swimming is great exercise, no impact, works the whole body, can't do it. I find it boring and I sink.

Ditto. People are either swimmers or they're not. From birth, it seems. I have always been in relatively good shape but I sink like a stone. My "swimming" is primarily an attempt to stay off the bottom of the pool. I know "how" to swim, having had several lessons as a kid and in some other settings. I just seem to tire entirely too quickly to get much of anything out of it. I marvel at people who can bang out multiple laps while they're talking to the guy in the next lane.

To the OP, that's awesome that you found something that works for you and holds your interest. Amidst today's obese culture, Fitness is almost becoming a socio-economic marker now. And there's nothing more frustrating than not being able to do what you want to do b/c of some ailment.

[Dantilla]

My wife and daughter are swim fanatics. I decided to jump in the pool, too, just for fun. After a while I noticed that 90% of my knee problems had disappeared.

Joining a swim team offers good, structured sets. Far more disciplined than swimming on my own. I enjoy the team, but have no desire to compete.

[mossguy]

Back in the day, I would stay in shape by driving a lot. With a stick shift.

[Bill Douglas]

When I read the heading I immediately thought swimming.

But I hate swimming. Swimming used to be something you did when your legrope broke and your board was going crunch crunch on the rocks. So... I had lessons. I was the only person who just sunk straight to the bottom of the pool - really weird. But I did all the lessons and quite enjoyed it, but HARD work. Now I do a bit of an ocean swim and quite like it. I believe everyone should be able to swim well to save themselves or the next person, but the side effect of great muscle tone... I'd post picks of the girl next door who is an olympic swimmer but I don't want to get into trouble