Conquer that fitness fear
We all have that wish list of stuff we’d love to do, but fear holds us back. We’ve passed up rock climbing because we’re afraid of heights…or missed out on snorkelling because we’re scared we might drown.
I can relate. My fitness fear was swimming, especially in deep water. See, I’ve always wanted to be a good swimmer. Not like pro or anything, but just competent. I wanted to be that person who could swim in the surf without panicking or swim in a water hole without freaking out. You know, that person who is a good enough swimmer to avoid adversity.
At the bare minimum, I wanted to swim 100 metres continuously without gasping for air in the local pool. One thing that stumped me was how could I be so fit out of water, but in it, be so bad?
So, I decided to do something about it. It took time and a lot of determination, but I got there.
Here are my 5 tips to help you conquer whatever it is that’s holding you back.
1. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. This is something I was taught at yoga. It means knowing and experiencing how your body reacts and being aware of the sensations. So with me and swimming, it was knowing my breath would quicken because I felt panicked and knowing my stomach would have knots. By observing how my body was reacting, rather than being caught up in it, I could calm myself down and do a bit of self talking – ‘this is normal, you react like this, it’s ok’.
2. Seek knowledge: i.e. research the hell out of it! My biggest fear with swimming was breathing. I’d get out of breath after 50 metres, start to panic, lose any form I may have had, and would have to drag myself to the side of the pool. So like any rookie, I turned to Youtube. I watched videos, I followed blogs, I downloaded swim guides – I read up as much as I could on how to master breathing and improve stroke technique. I talked to people who swam regularly for pointers and I kept telling myself I could do it.
3. Ease in by doing something complementary. This was water aerobics for me. Sure, it wasn’t swimming laps but it was doing two important things: getting me used to a water environment, and getting me down to the local pool regularly. After class, I’d try out a few of drills I’d learnt to build my confidence.
4. Move to the real thing. I wrote down a date that I would start swimming laps and circled it in red. I’d told my partner about my swimming goal so he came down to the pool and sat on the sideline for that first swim. Having him there as my silent cheer squad made all the difference. Let someone know about your fitness fear so they can encourage and keep you on track.
5. Persevere: i.e. sign up for something that will push you to keep at it. For me, that was sprint triathlons. I signed up for the Corporate Tri Series with a team from work so not only did I have the support of others but I had the additional incentive of not wanting to let my team mates down.
Three triathlons later, I haven’t looked back. Sure, I still feel a bit giddy and I have to do some serious self talking when I’m swimming out in open water (especially out in croc country!), but it feels great to be able to do something I’ve always wanted to do.
Have you mastered a fitness fear and have some great tips to share? Please post in the comment box below.
Until next time!
Maryanne K
