As a seasoned swimmer, I have long-reaped the benefits of an aquatic lifestyle. Now, let’s not jump to conclusions, we can’t all be superhuman swimming machines like Michael Phelps, but I have no doubt that everyone can enjoy the health advantages of swimming, especially PR professionals. With the release of CareerCasts’ annual Most Stressful Jobs list, it’s no surprise that Public Relations Executive was ranked 7th this year. If you can find time between handling crisis communication situations, pitching top-tier media, preparing RFPs and everything in between, swimming is a wonderful way to not only get in shape physically and mentally, but also a great way to maintain long-term health, so you can be a PR pro until you’re 90!
You have 30 seconds to pitch me. So what are these so-called advantages you speak of?
Not only is swimming one of the best total body and cardiovascular exercises out there (since it involves continual endurance), it is also one of the most low-impact sports you can find. Recovering from knee surgery? Can’t lift weights? Or just plain loathe the treadmill? Jump in the pool! …or carefully get in.
Many people don’t know, but asthmatics (yes asthma can afflict even PR pros) have long used swimming as a way to control and improve symptoms-including myself. According to the folks at Livestrong, “The Asthma and Allergy Foundation recommends swimming as a good exercise option for people with exercise-induced asthma since the warm, moist air found in indoor pool environments can improve their ability to breathe during exercise sessions.” So for all you scaredy-cats out there that don’t want to jump into a pool mid-winter, you’re in luck because indoor pools yield the best results!
Do you have a busy day ahead, or are you stressed out? (Come on, you work in PR, you asked for it!) Enjoy-Swimming says, “Swimming is also a fun way to relieve stress from a workday. The contact with the water is very beneficial and helps to loosen up the body and the mind. The regular rhythm of the stroke, the immersion in the water and the concentration on the technique quickly feel like a relaxing meditation in the water.” Please be cognizant that you don’t get too relaxed, swimming into walls can happen, flip turns people, flip turns.
How do I get started?
Step one. Get out of bed. Step two. Put on swimsuit. Just joking. Believe it or not, swimming can be a very inexpensive hobby, since all you really need is a swimsuit and a pair of goggles to get started. Waiting for that big call from Good Morning America to cover your story? There ARE waterproof cases for your iPhone click here to eliminate the worry of missing your big break while you’re doing laps. Once you get your supplies, I recommend looking into your local pools. Many recreation centers have public pools, which is a great and inexpensive way to pursue your swimming career!
If you’re looking to get really serious about your swimming routine, U.S. Masters Swimming is a great organization for adults (sorry kiddos) who are looking for a competitive swim club atmosphere. The comprehensive website even allows you to enter your geographic information to find your nearest Masters swim team. Whether it’s lap swimming you’re looking for, or open water swimming (a.k.a. swimming in the brisk ocean-sea life included) joining a Masters swim team is a great way to get involved with others who are passionate about the benefits of swimming and hey, it’s great for networking!
So remember, whether you’re barely staying a float (both literally or metaphorically), can manage to get a few freestyle strokes in (don’t forget to breathe), or you’re already doing 100 IMs like it’s your job, you can’t go wrong with swimming for a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle, PR pros!