The wonders of Aqua Jogging
Fit to burst
This is the first edition of a fortnightly blog for Wonderwalkers. As a friend of Susan’s I mentioned to her that I would like to write something for the website as I am embarking on a new fitness regime, namely aqua jogging.
Now I hear you say “Why aqua jogging and not walking?” Well it’s a long story but suffice to say my knees are stuffed and I have a dicky back so I was told that this might help being low impact thus good for joints.
Now the first thing I had to do was BUY THE TOGS. As any middle-aged woman knows this is likely to be a horror show in the middle of winter when you are at your pastiest and flabbiest. However a girl must do what she has to do so off I went to a lovely shop that sells swimwear and lingerie.
The shop assistant thin, gorgeous and YOUNG (all of 16 years old I am sure) tried not to snigger as I grabbed a three pairs of togs for a try on. Now I’m not one to complain BUT WHY IS THERE NOT A LAW AGAINST YOUNG, GORGEOUS SHOP ASSISTANTS IN SHOPS MEANT FOR THE CHRONOLOGICALLY CHALLENGED?
I am still in therapy but I have recovered sufficiently to tell the tale.
The first pair had a wee ticket on it saying that it was a “miracle suit” that would take INCHES off my stomach. That may be so but it took me 20 minutes to get it on and I resembled a sausage in a skin that was too small for it. The waif-life assistant pulled back the curtain and struggled not to laugh as she caught a glimpse of me back lit by florescent light.
What I want to know is: WHO EVER INVENTED THIS TYPE OF LIGHT AND WHY AREN’T THEY HUNG, DRAWN AND QUARTERED??? Surely it can’t be too hard to have candle light in dressing rooms? Is that too much to ask when you are 54?
Anyway the assistant covered her laugh by trying to turn it into a cough and suggested that a bigger size might be in order? I grimly replied that it wasn’t quite my style and I would try the other two on.
The second pair were easier to get on but somehow the bright floral design made me look like a sofa – not the look I was after. Desperate by now, I grabbed the remaining pair without trying them on, rushed out of the dressing room before she could come back in for a laugh and bought them.
I am now ready to begin my aqua jogging!
BACKReady for Action
Janet’s aqua jogging
And so (with a swimsuit that looked remarkably like being encased in a sausage skin) off I went to the pool (Baywave at Mount Maunganui).
My physiotherapist (all 30 years old) said ‘It might be easier if I get in the pool with you to show you the correct movements?” Hello? I think not! There was no way I wanted a Brad Pitt look-alike in beside me while I did an impersonation of a beached whale.
It took me 15 minutes while I wrestled with my buoyancy belt (or water wings as I prefer to call them). Finally I was all ready: togs – check, water-wings – check, cellulite- check, feeling like an aging blimp – check.
Into the deep end of the pool I plopped. I would like to say that I slid in gracefully – but no, a plop it was.
“Just run in the water and use your arms to pull through the water” says ‘Brad’. So off I went running furiously with my legs and pulling furiously with my arms – I went flat out and got approximately a metre.
Ok so my style wasn’t quite what was required. After a lengthy description of the proper movements of arms and legs off I went this time with his approval. Meanwhile a small audience of children had formed. “What are you doing lady?”asked one. “Can’t you swim?’ asked another.
“Unlike Amy Winehouse I am in water rehab” I replied – but it was far too witty for them and they moved away.
My new exercise regime was underway. Look out Janet has got her water wings!
BACKMental Health Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is here!
On a more serious note for a moment – this week is mental health week. I would like to promote the Mental Health Foundation’s work called the Winning Ways to Wellbeing (developed in the UK).
The five concepts are:
Connect
Develop your relationships with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours as these connections support and enrich your life!
Give
Do something for a friend or stranger and see yourself and your happiness as linked to the wider community. Volunteering helps you meet people and helps you feel good about yourself.
Take Notice
Be aware of the world around you and see the beauty in everyday and unusual things – reflecting on them helps you appreciate what matters to you.
Learn
Try something new or rediscover a an old interest, or take on a new responsibility or challenge – learning makes you more confident and can be fun
Be active
Physical activity helps you to feel good so find something that you enjoy and suits your ability
Back to aqua jogging and humour soon!
Janet
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