TM
st re ng t hing f a m ilie s f r o m w i t h i n
POWERED BY FOUR BARREL FITNESS
By Adam &
Kristin Kleinert
Get Your
Swim On!
n the spirit of this, the
Extol Sports Swim Issue,
we thought we’d focus
on the concept of family
swim time. After all, who
doesn’t love an afternoon
spent poolside or a weekend at the lake? But
we often forget the numerous health benefits
swimming has to offer and, this month, we
want to spotlight those attributes.
I
Swimming Is All-Inclusive
Whether you’re 99 years old or just 10 months,
everyone can enjoy the water. Often, people
with special physical needs can exercise right
alongside seasoned athletes. Small children can
play happily with teenage siblings. Friends at
different fitness levels can train harmoniously.
Swimming Is Adaptive
So, some of us need a lifejacket while others
may be perfecting their breast stroke. But the
fact is, EVERYONE can get some exercise in
the water. Water is a magical vessel that puts us
all on a fairly level playing field exercise-wise.
From treading and doggy paddling to swimming
laps for time, the list of aqua activities that can
keep your body moving is extensive and can be
adapted to suit the needs and capabilities of
almost any individual.
44 EXTOL SPORTS / MAY 2017
Swimming is FUN
Sometimes it’s a battle to pick a family activity
that all ages enjoy (or even tolerate) and – at least
so far – we’ve never offered a swim outing and
caught flak for it from our crew. Even after a long
day, we find that a quick swim is often much
more enticing than getting in a workout. Plus,
we can all head out together, thus cultivating
quality family time while snatching some much-
needed exercise.
FamFitter Goals
As we write this article on the shining aspects
of family swim time, we wonder why we haven’t
been maximizing this outlet to its potential in
summers past. The usual excuses come to mind:
It’s a lot of work to get four kids and ourselves
into swim attire, sunscreen and to the lake/
pool. The water’s cold, it’s too much hassle to get
wet and then have to dry off, I hate how look in
my swimsuit. Whatever the excuse, we parents
often end up supervising water-play rather than
jumping in and participating.
This summer, we plan to approach the water
with a different objective. We plan to become
more mindful of our time spent at the lake and
pool. Sure, we want to the kids to play and enjoy
themselves, but what’s wrong with encouraging
them to actually swim a bit more in the process?
When it comes to Mom and Dad, we plan to view
it as an opportunity to be active participants
rather than deskside observers. We may have
to do some treading or some water-exercises,
but we may just be able to get a few laps in now
and then as well. And when the kids ask if we
can head back to the lake? We plan to say “yes”
as often as possible.