A fish out of water

[TigTheFish]

Hi, I'm a swimmer who is a bit of a snail when it comes to land based exercise- I do a lot of steps on my fitbit but joined Active 10 as I was curious if any of those steps were actually brisk! I do weight training twice a week though I seem to always have injuries- at the moment it's two dodgy knees and a thumb (don't ask!!) Oh & would love to lose about a stone in weight, as since I hit the big M (or the "change" as it used to be called!!!) I just can't shift that flabby middle.....

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Hi TigTheFish and welcome! Lots of us here have dodgy joints, so you've come to the right place! We all support and encourage each other - post often so we can share your highs and commiserate with your lows! You won't believe how much difference a couple of brisk 10 minute walks make - enjoy!

[Realfoodieclub]

Welcome to our friendly little forum. Hehe I can understand where you are at, no one tells you that the big M is the pits do they 😀, it was definitely a shock to my system. Walking is great because i find it can help with moods as well, burn some calories and dosent feel too bad if your having flushes. All exercises will help to tone that middle. Keep posting and letting us know how you are getting on.

[runswithdogs]

I'm a runner by background, but when walking I'm a right plodder. I've been trying to focus on making some of my walks more brisk, it takes real focus on my part, and I'm still a snail compared to many. Perhaps we can share tips on making the walking faster as we go along?

I love that you are a swimmer. It's something I really want to get back into. Can't say I've ever been quick at that either.

[TigTheFish in reply to runswithdogs]

I've swum all my life and have competed - I find most other exercise boring and usually end up returning to my default setting, the pool. But I know it's good to do other things - would love to run like yourself, once I've got the knee sorted out hopefully I can do some, at the moment the closest I get is the cross trainer. Walking for me is a way of getting from a to b rather than a workout, but I am consciously trying to walk a bit faster & be a bit more mindful when walking, instead of just plodding along.😊

[SuperSnapper]

I find I walk more briskly when i am listening to really lively music on my iPhone. Also set a timer on phone for a short walk, then see if next time you can do it slightly quicker.

[TigTheFish in reply to SuperSnapper]

A great tip to use a timer, thank you!😊

[Luvmycats]

Hi TigTheFish, I am happy to find another swimmer to chat with. I used to swim a mile every day at the YMCA--that was several years ago when I was at the top of my game; unfortunately life's challenges got the best of me, I go older (78), and after being a couch potato, I am working to get active again. I am able to swim laps at the Senior Center; however their pool; is much smaller and lap swim time is more limited. Last week I was able to swim laps 15 minutes before tiring. (It used to take me 45 minutes to complete my mile) I also do some water aerobics also, and my favorite, weather permitting, is walking. Happy Paddling!

[TigTheFish in reply to Luvmycats]

Hi, once a swimmer, always a swimmer! so it's great that you are getting back into swimming, & yes, I too wish I could do the times I used to. I look back at my PBs & think how the heck did I ever do that?😂😂 I'm a freestyle swimmer, best distance was 1500m, & now do 4 training sessions a week. At the moment I am training in an outdoor pool which is fab in this weather! (Not really a sea swimmer, tho I do surf) Keep up the good work, and the walking too! Aqua aerobics looks great fun, they do it at my club 😊