Are You Swimming Today?
People often head to the gym or go for a run to stay healthy, but for me, the gym has never been appealing. The thought of doing repetitive exercises indoors—and paying for it, knowing I won’t go often—just doesn’t sit right with me. That’s why I’ve never signed up for a gym membership. But staying active is essential, so I try to incorporate exercise into my daily routine in ways that feel enjoyable and sustainable.
I love dancing—whether it’s tango, ballet, salsa, or swing, I go with whatever mood strikes me. I also take the stairs instead of escalators or lifts and sneak in push-ups between work tasks. Every 2–3 weeks, I go hiking to immerse myself in nature. And, at least once a week, I head to the pool for a swim.
There’s a fantastic facility near me—the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre—about 6 km away. Helen, a friend I meditate with at Sydney Meditation, often drops me off at the pool after our class.
Having her there keeps me accountable because once I’m dropped off, I’m already at the pool—there’s no turning back! And then, of course, I walk home, which adds to the day’s workout.
Today, Helen asked, “Are you swimming today?” It’s a simple question, but it always feels like a gentle nudge to stay committed. It was a gloomy, rainy day—the kind that makes you want to curl up and do nothing. My mind started its little internal battle: Should I go? I can’t be bothered… But I really should. Ugh, fine, let’s just do it!
Swimming isn’t just leisure for me—it’s my weekly commitment to staying healthy. Once I’m in the water, it’s straightforward, but motivating myself to leave home and get to the pool? That’s the real challenge.
When I swim, I do 10 laps in the 50-meter pool, alternating strokes. I go freestyle for one lap, switch to breaststroke to catch my breath, backstroke for the next, and so on. It’s about 500 meters, and by the end, I always feel accomplished and energized.
Swimming is such an excellent full-body workout. It strengthens your heart and lungs, boosts flexibility, and tones your muscles—all without stressing your joints. Plus, it’s a great calorie burner and a mental refresher. Being in the water has a calming, meditative effect, which I love.
Having a buddy like Helen helps too. She knows the struggle of finding motivation and checks in with me from time to time, which makes all the difference. After today’s swim, I felt so much better and was glad I went. A relief I can enjoy until next week? lol.
If you’re looking for motivation to exercise, remember that consistency and effort are key. And if you already have an active routine, I’d love to hear your tips! Share how you stay motivated and what exercises you enjoy in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to keep moving!
🙏 I have a personal trainer at the gym. Having a PT sessions keeps me going forward. He helps me a lot with technique and what to eat