Freshman Swim

I have officially been a college student for just over week today, and it is not surprising that I am already quite busy with schoolwork and extracurricular opportunities. Every day since classes have begun, my schedule has been filled to the brim and I am sure it has been this way for a majority of first year students. However, I still set aside time to work out at least every other day. As a student-athlete year-round in high school, I created a balance between working out and schoolwork that allowed for exercise to feel energizing, rather than tiring. Although my varsity career was officially over once I chose to come to PSU, my love for fitness continued. In college, fitness is just as important as it serves as a healthy way to relieve stress, and of course, prevent the freshman fifteen.  

Yesterday, I worked out at the pool in the White building, which is in South by Atherton. The pool is a 25-meter (in length) lap pool with 5 lanes. 

Image I: White Building pool. Photo taken: 9/3/2019

There were kickboards, pull buoys, paddles, and fins provided to users. Since I am about 5 months out of my swim season and I have never practiced in a meter pool before, I began with a light workout. The workout took about 45 minutes from start to finish and was enough cardio and arm work to make me feel good. The workout is as follows:  

Warm up:  

100 meter freestyle swim 

100 meter freestyle kick with kickboard  

100 meter freestyle pull with pull buoy and paddles 

Main workout:  

25 meter butterfly, get out of pool for 10 pushups  

25 meter backstroke get out of pool for 20 crunches  

25 meter breastroke, get out of pool for 20 air squats 

25 meter freestyle, get out of pool for 30 second wall sit 

1 minute rest  

6×50 meter freestyle sprint on a minute 

Cool down:  

100 meter freestyle swim (easy) 

 

A large concern for me with swimming is the effect of the chemicals, especially chlorine, on my hair and skin. I try and lessen the adverse effects by using what I now call my “holy grail” products. For my hair, this would include the Herbal Essence Argan Oil Repair shampoo and conditioner along with the Aussie 3-Minute Miracle Moist deep conditioner. I use these products in the order listed, and they help keep my hair feeling smooth and healthy. For my skin, I make sure I moisturize after the shower with Neutrogena Hydroboost Body Gel Cream. All these products can be found at the drugstore and are very affordable.  

Image II: Products: (from left) body lotion, deep conditioner, shampoo, conditioner. Photo taken: 9/3/2019