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.
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