In the Pool

Over the last few weeks in North Carolina, the humidity has really increased.  My motivation to walk outside has therefore decreased.  One of my good friends in my neighborhood had a baby last summer, and I recently remembered how she used to go to our local gym to swim for excercise while pregnant.  This seemed like a perfect solution for me: a physical activity I enjoy that doesn't involve sweating!  Plus, I bought a cute maternity swimsuit that I want to get my money's worth out of.

This week I became a card-carrying member of our local gym.  I've never joined a gym because I'm not a big fan of working out in front of others, and I'm tight with money!  I'd rather walk for free in our neighborhood or a park.  I only joined this gym for two months so that I can use their Olympic-size indoor pool.

I've swam there several times this week and have really enjoyed it, although it's crowded at times.  One thing that was appealing to me when I joined is the "family swim" times on Friday nights, all day Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons.  Tonight Brendon and I took Maggie to swim, and I found out that this was key to a good work-out!  It was so much more fun with them that I wanted to stay longer and swim more.  I didn't feel the need to rush through my swim to go home and fix supper.  The pool was a lot less crowded tonight, too, which also motivated me to be more active for a longer period of time.  Although Brendon entertained Maggie most of the time, I held her some to walk the length of the pool, which provided good resistance.  Since she's gotten heavier, and my baby bump has gotten bigger, I don't pick her up very often.  The pool was a great opportunity to carry her without straining.

On dry land I feel weighted down, but I feel very free and graceful in the pool (and I don't notice my "bump").  Swimming comes easily to me, so I questioned whether I was getting a good work-out.  Once I get out, though, I can definitely feel that my muscles have been challenged.

I think babies in utero have the right idea . . . a comforting body of water is a great place to be!  I didn't want to get out tonight when the pool closed, but hopefully Baby Boy will want to get out of his "pool" by August 21.