The weight of the world floats away as my feet float off the ground. The water drowns out the sound of any and all noise. All that matters now is the next stroke. My mind is quiet for the first time all day. Pull-pull-breathe-pull-pull-breathe. This simple pattern becomes almost a mantra, there is nothing more important than that next wall.

For me, swimming is the only aerobic workout I can do without my brain going crazy. To run I need distractions, music to listen to and a show going at the same time, everything to take my mind off my aching legs. Swimming is easier though. There is no room or need for distractions, just me and the pool. Pull-pull-breathe. Nothing gives me peace like the feeling of water flowing down my face.

The wonderful thing is, because swimming is so low impact, I can do this forever. I have seen people 80 and 90 years old swimming laps in the pool, their hearts and lungs as strong as someone half their age. There is very little risk of injury, especially once you know the technique. Muscles are built, calories burned, mind refreshed, and all it takes is a trip to the pool.