A New Exercise Regime

We are sore!

About a year ago I wrote about our visit to the Olympic pool hoping to do some swimming only to learn that the open swim was after 10:00 PM. We gave up pursuing signing up for classes because the requirements felt daunting and we had no idea where to get an EKG required for everyone over the age of 50. At the end of August we moved to a larger apartment (we can both be in the kitchen at the same time) in a quieter neighborhood that happens to be an 8 minute walk from the pool. We have learned much about the system and decided to jump through the hoops to sign up for swimming classes.

Step 1: We visited the pool again and took a picture of the requirements and signed up for a time to get registered.

Step 2: We walked a mile to a medical lab where we could get an EKG (which cost less than $10 for both of us).

Step 3: The next day we found a hole-in-the-wall photo place to get an ID photo with a white background. While those were being processed we found a doctor at a pharmacy to give us a physical. The most important thing seemed to be carefully checking our feet for any sign of a fungal infection.

Step 4: After making photocopies of our documents (proof of address, birth certificates, ID card) we went to our appointment — with some trepidation. Having just moved, we did not yet have a utility bill, and we have no idea what our blood types are. However, the man was very kind and used what we had. The website said they also have a gym with different kinds of weights, but when we asked about it we were told that it is closed for renovations. We left having signed up for a swim class twice a week.

After our first swim class (I survived because I was moved to the 25 meter pool while Charles loved swimming in the Olympic sized pool) we went to see if we could get access to some weights we had seen. We left over an hour later signed up for a weightlifting class 3 times per week.

While our swim class at noon is primarily with people over 50, the weightlifting class is with kids who are all under 18. While they are doing Olympic style snatches and box jumps that are above their waist we are doing 5 sets of 15 reps of 5 or 6 different exercises.

In the two weeks since we began this routine, we’ve both seen improvements. I can now make it the length of the short pool, though I need to catch my breath before I turn around and go back. Charles was challenged to do the breaststroke with a ball under his chin. He found it very difficult to breathe! We are also tired and sleeping well. Friday we did a lot of squats and we are both sore as a result. Charles said he did more squats in a single week than at any other time in his life (he didn’t play basketball!) Still, we are grateful to have the opportunity and health to do these activities. We are hoping we eventually have more energy!

Signs of progress in Spanish: I’m enjoying meeting with several different women on a regular basis to speak in Spanish. I’m improving. My tutor says I’m the only American he’s every met who speaks Spanish with a French accent.

The view from our balcony with the mountains in the background.