The thought of losing much more physical ability frightens me so I try to maintain at least the level of fitness which I have.
Yesterday four mermaids went to the pool and had a noisy time as we laughed and nattered and swam quite a few lengths. The others all favour breast stroke, but I'm a back stroke kind of gal so I always swim at one side of the pool so that I don't plough into them.
I know I have to work hard to retain any sort of fitness and I decided to go to a physiotherapist. I went to a clinic in Brigg which offers assessments and therapy to help with balance and mobility. Last week I had my assessment. The physio said I'm not too bad considering my age and the injuries I have had.
This week I start on the proper sessions. I've already got a few exercises to do at home to build up my strength. She was very impressed that I swim regularly so I felt I'd got a few Brownie points. However, she said I'd get even more benefit if I did breast stroke.
I haven't done breast stroke for at least twenty years and it just isn't going to happen any time soon. However, I hung on to the side and just did the leg movements. I hope this "cheat" won't lose me those Brownie points. I'll keep you posted.
I'm under the impression that swimming is an excellent whole body workout... I don't know how true that is. Balance and mobility are just so essential to being able to move around safely. My physiotherapist neighbour says he tells his patients to try and do just 10 'step ups' a day, that's all it needs to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteI definitely got Brownie points for swimming. My house is so well adapted that there are no steps anywhere so I've had to buy one! I've had it a couple of years and keep it in the bedroom so it I can use it regularly.
DeleteYou definitely deserve Brownie points for swimming! I can't swim at all! I took lessons, but, I can't even float! I try to walk, but, recently, I haven't walked much due to joint and foot pain. Need to get back to regular walking.
ReplyDeleteSwimming is the only sport I enjoy. It's a struggle to get in but once I'm in the pool I'm happy.
DeleteMy mum used to say move it or lose it when it came to fitness, I often her her voice in my head.
ReplyDeleteShe was definitely right!
Deletemay I suggest you get a set of snorkel and goggles for the breast stroke. I learnt to swim after I retired aged 60 and it took a while, didn't know my husband had so much patience, anyway I had trouble with the beathing for breaststroke and freestyle so he gave me his snorkel and goggles to try and I was off and away and have snorkeled and swum in many places in the last 20years and seen some wonderful sights. Learning to swim has been wonderful I love it, we both still swim most of the year. I loved your poem yesterday. From Shirley in Australia.
ReplyDeleteI'll think about the snorkel. I suspect I worked my legs harder with what I did but I'll talk to the physio when next I see her
DeleteShirley here again the poem was day before yesterday sorry. I'm was born and brought up in Grimsby and came here in 1969, my husband says I had to come all this way to find a decent man, we've been married 54 years so I think I did the right thing. I share your faith in God and attend my church every Sunday and often at other times too and was a scripture teacher for many years. Shirley.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shirley. You would find Grimsby hugely changed now. And faith is wonderful!
DeleteGood for you. I need to move more as well. I will need to get on my treadmill once again. Since falling before our holiday I have been a bit scared to walk outside.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Increasing my confidence is one of the goals I have agreed with the physiotherapist.
Delete