So many of the things I love to do – running and spinning first come to mind – really work out your lower body but rather neglect the upper (although I’ve been to some fun spin classes that incorporate weights, which absolutely kill me but in a good way).  Consequently, my upper body is really rather weak. For example, I cannot do one full push up.

What I’ve found I really enjoy about swimming is that it’s full body workout, and I can really feel it. I’ve always loved that achey-muscle feeling the day after exercising but I’m extra satisfied when I feel it in my back, shoulders and arms because I know that’s where I need it the most. Front crawl is a pain, quite literally. But that makes me love it even more. Call me masochistic but the more it hurts, the more I feel compelled to do it.

I have some weights at home, and I used to do some routines with them, specifically aimed at the arms and back. I think I’ll get back into that. There’s no excuse really, considering the number of free workout routines on YouTube.

Perhaps by the time I swim the Henley Mile, I’ll be able to do a push up?