Back in the Swim of Things: My Return to the Pool and Why You Might Want to Join Me
You know that feeling when you cannonball into a pool and your brain says, “Ah yes, this is who we are now.” That’s me lately—diving back into swimming after a long break and realizing my body actually likes it. Unlike my knees, which scream like toddlers anytime I try to sprint down the street.
It’s been a refreshing return to one of the best full-body workouts out there, and if you’ve been toying with the idea of dipping your toes back in the water (literally), let me be your chlorine-scented sign.
Why Swimming Might Just Be the Best Workout You’re Not Doing
First off, swimming is insanely underrated. We’re talking cardio, strength, flexibility, endurance—all in one lap. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of workouts. And for those of us in our 40s (ahem), it’s a joint-friendly miracle. No pounding pavement. No angry Achilles tendons. Just smooth, low-impact resistance that hits every muscle group without wrecking your body.
Swimming increases lung capacity, boosts heart health, builds strength (especially in your back and shoulders), and it even improves posture. Posture! Something I didn’t know I’d need to work on until I caught a side-view of myself doing dishes.
Gear I Swear By (and the Fashion Choices I Don’t Make… Yet)
Let’s get one thing clear: I’m not rocking a Speedo. I know I’ll end up in jammers eventually—especially if I keep this Ironman dream alive—but for now, I’m sticking to my favorite swimsuits from Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Albion, and Vineyard Vines. I want to feel like I’m casually doing laps in a beach house pool in Cape Cod, not gearing up for the Olympic trials.
But the real MVP? My H2O Audio TRI Pro Multi-Sport Headphones. They’ve changed everything. I used to count tiles and wonder if the lifeguard could tell I was lip syncing Missy Elliot under water. Now, I’m swimming with a full playlist, focused, and dare I say… enjoying myself?
A Beginner Swimming Workout Plan (That Won’t Break You)
If it’s been a while, ease back in. Here’s a basic swim workout I’ve been using to build endurance and feel accomplished without crawling out of the pool like I need a lifeguard to tow me.
Beginner Swim Workout (Approx. 30 minutes):
-
Warm-Up:
4 x 50 yards easy swim (mix strokes if you want)
30 seconds rest between each -
Main Set:
6 x 50 yards moderate pace
Rest 20–30 seconds between each
(Alternate freestyle with breaststroke if you’re feeling spicy) -
Drills:
4 x 25 yards kickboard kicks or pull buoy focus
Rest 20 seconds -
Cool Down:
2 x 50 yards easy swim
Feel free to modify, rest more, or just float for a bit if that’s your vibe. The goal is consistency, not Olympic gold (yet).
One Lap Closer to Ironman
At the end of the day, I’ve got a big goal in mind—complete an Ironman. Which, let’s be honest, sounds like something a Marvel character does, not a dad of four trying to find time between carpools and emails. But that’s the dream. And if I’m going to make it happen, the swim portion can’t be the thing that sinks me (pun fully intended).
So here I am. Back in the pool. One swim at a time. One less excuse. And maybe one step closer to becoming the Iron-Dad I aspire to be.
Final Thought
If you’ve been looking for a sign to get back in the water, this is it. Swimming is good for your body, your mind, and your Spotify playlist. See you in the slow lane.
