Last night I went to the gym for the first time since August. I pretty much only use the gym to use the pool, and I stopped swimming, regrettably, at the end of the summer. Last night I decided it was time to get back in the water, because in addition to being a really great work-out, I love it. I have always been a good swimmer, having started at a very young age, and it is probably the only form of exercise where I can completely zone out. It is meditative, and I always feel better when I get out of the pool.
Having been running a lot lately, I am trying to make more of an effort to cross-train, and build strength without running the risk of getting injured by running every day. Swimming seemed like the logical choice for me!
I swam well, for about a half hour, and then went to take a shower. And here is the scary tale and words of warning for the 2 Fat Nerds community. As I was showering, I got very light headed and nauseous, I felt like I could no longer stand. My legs gave out and I lost my hearing as I began to hyperventilate for about ten minutes. For the next couple hours, I was very shaky and didn’t feel well at all. looking back, I was probably just dehydrated and I must not have eaten enough. I felt like DJ Tanner in the episode of Full House where she tries Anorexia and passes out at the gym.
So I just wanted to take this time to remind everyone to:
Drink a lot of water. It’s so important before hitting the gym or the going out for a run to make sure you are properly hydrated.
Don’t skip meals. When you are exercising, your body needs nutrients. Don’t deprive yourself of food thinking it will help you on your next weigh in. Before you get on the treadmill, eat a banana.
Listen to your body. I came really close to passing out, but I knew when it was time to get out of the pool. Listen to what feels like more than normal exhaustion or pain!
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