I will say this though.  It’s a weird feeling to sense your body temperature rising, but you’re still inside relatively cool and comfortable water.  Those resistance training bands definitely took things to another level.  Moreover, I tend to focus on doing a breaststroke to complete my laps.  It allows me to practice my rhythmic breathing while helping my lungs to become stronger.  Maybe in time, I will focus on other swimming strokes.  For now though, the breaststroke is working great for me.  Did you know that running for an hour basically burn less calories than spending an hour swimming laps?  Do your research….this still amazes me!

I’m actually proud of myself for recording this video.  I actually spent a second in the car talking myself into bringing my camera inside the pool.  I had to remind me that it didn’t matter what anyone else thought.  I needed to capture this on camera.

While I rave on and on about swimming, I do understand that there are many out there who struggle with weight.  Swimming is probably the last thing you would consider because of how much of yourself you have to reveal.  It can be a tough pill to swallow.   People will look at you.  You think they’re talking about you behind your back.   You literally feel embarassed to see yourself inside a swimsuit.  Here’s the best piece of advice I can give:  “GET OVER IT!”

I cannot say that anymore clear than that.  You are exactly where you are based on what you have created.  If you want a different result, then write yourself a new beginning.   Today I met a woman who is 86 years old and swims at the pool.  She said she learned how to swim when she was 69!  Come on folks!  What’s your excuse?  She also said that she credits swimming with helping her get past some of her physical ailments.  She told me that her friends thought she was crazy to try and learn how to swim at such a late age.  Trust me when I tell you that she is the one having the last laugh!

So there you have it folks.  Swimming is the secret to my ability to run 5 miles.  Try it as see how you like it.  Let me know how swimming is working for you!

Dreams mean work!

I knew that when I started this journey, I would need to add weight lifting to my regimen. I consulted with a mentor of mine who said he had something to show me. Little did I know that he was speaking about Resistance Training Bands. The bands offer a unique, highly mobile. low impact way to build strength. The key is proper technique and rapid movements. That was the way to burn fat and increase muscle tone. Since I have no plans of ever competing again physically, there is no need other than vanity to show I can bench press 300+ pounds (yes I can still bench press 300+ lbs!) So I became curious about using the bands.

I must say that I have been extremely happy with them. I can workout in a gym, at a park, in my driveway, in the swimming pool-it doesn’t matter! This simple, yet genius “machines” have made all the difference in my return. You may have even seen T.O. (Terrell Owens) using them in the swimming pool during an episode of his reality show. I figure if T.O. looks like that and uses the resistance bands, then there must be something more to them than meets the eye.

In fact, you will find resistance training bands at any major college sports program around the country. Some for rehab purposes, and other for speed and agility training. I’m probably waaayyy ahead of the fitness curve here, but my the way my body feels now is proof enough for me and in time, the way I look will serve as proof enough for you.

I also notice others with weight issues who come to the gym to work out. I watch them struggle with free weights. Many times, their body isn’t strong enough as of yet to make that jump. Their technique is an issue as well. I know from experience that when the body isn’t strong enough to handle a movement, it begins to compensate. It has become easy for me to watch others exercise and tell who is hurting another part of their body by lifting with the improper technique or just flat out trying to lift too much weight. I don’t say much due the lack of a relationship. One day though, I look forward to holding a few classes to teach others the things I am now learning. Resistance Training Bands will definitely be a large part of that.

Dreams Mean Work