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Soothing waters

A portrait photo of Susan Frankel

I like the feeling of being in water. And I think swimming is very good for me. I have been hit by cars twice. I got bad injuries from the accidents. But getting in the water helps my body. It also helps my mind. Swimming has helped me get fit. It also helps reduce my pain. Moving in the water is gentle and soothing.

Posted by: Susan Frankel, on 20/05/10

woman swimmer giving thumbs up

I come out of the water feeling brighter

I like the feeling of being in water and the sensation of moving in it. My bodyweight is lighter in water, which makes it easier to move.

I was hit by a car in an accident in 1987. I had a number of injuries. In 2003 I had another traumatic car accident when on a bicycle. The accidents have resulted in bad anxiety. Two years ago I was also diagnosed with an autoimmune problem. I was determined to look after myself and manage my life better. I have since developed ways to deal with bruising to body and soul. Moving in water has helped lighten the load.

I go to two different venues to swim. One has a variety of different pools. The other has a salt water pool and a warm hydrotherapy pool. I use a special swimmer's snorkel when I swim. It means I do not have to turn my head to breathe. I usually also wear small flippers for a bit more floatation. They help put less stress on my upper body. I also do alternate strokes.

Feeling much brighter

I come out of the water feeling much brighter after a session. I vary what I do in the water to keep it more interesting. I have slowly improved my overall fitness.

Swimming also stretches my body. I do moves and stretches in the pool or hydrotherapy pool. I learned the moves during rehabilitation after my car accidents. My chronic aches and pains are reduced when I use the pool. It eases my stiffness. I think my muscle tone is also better. But I don't overdo it.

Even floating on the water can be useful. It feels meditative. I think spending time in the water has improved my concentration. It also improves my mood so I can get on with life. I feel like I am in a different zone in the water. The sensation of the water and the rhythm of swimming lifts my mood.

Getting into the water is a pleasurable challenge I look forward to. It gives me a sense of well-being and relaxation. It also helps heal me. 

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Posted by: mark , ballarat 25/05/2010 at 09:24pm

Yes i was very much like you in a way .No way i could freestyle 10feet .But i went along to my local YMCA about 15 yrs ago as i wanted to get back into sailing where my accident happening in the 1st place. So i had to learn how to float on my back 1st incase i came out of another yacht again. Well as time went by i learnt to sail by myself and won lots of medals along the way .Come close to winning the disabled sailor in 2002. But it was time to move on so more and more swimming till i could swim 1.2km .My 1st ocean swim the Peir to Pub . It was hard work breastroking all the way , but i finished in 2nd last place in my division .But hey i got the taste for this now. So i train each week in a heated pool till about October then train in a wetsuit which is harder. then in December in to the coldddd pools in Ballarat .So the next year i entered 3 races in the ocean .Train, train, train, Till this year where i entered 5 ocean swims and finished all of them . So to me yes it keeps me fitter and healtyer .I have meet lots of people on the beaches i swim at ,that go out of there way .So next time think of a compertion and go for it . I will be there finishing last it doesnt botther me. i have finished.

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