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METRO WORKOUT

Plunge and splash for fun and fitness

Photo: S.S.Kavitha

Refreshing Take a dip in cool blue waters

With a merciless summer sun burning my skin, the thought of a cool dip in the neat and well-maintained swimming pool at the Race Course Grounds, somewhat elevated my spirit.

The idea of a splash refreshed my mind and I was there in flash 10 minutes for a physical rejuvenation.

I was high on enthusiasm but at the same time a shade shy too. I know swimming but haven’t really flapped my feet for long. So I silently tiptoed into the coach’s room where he was admitting and briefing the newcomers. I too joined the gang listening to the precautions, rules and regulations to be followed and the life-saving gadgets available. He also insisted on the dress code and offered me the basic swimming kit consisting of a cap, suit and goggles. And here I am all geared up to take a plunge in the recently renovated pool.

Once in, it felt heavenly. I wouldn’t bargain for anything else other than this cool dip at 1 O’clock in the afternoon. I tried to stay afloat as long as possible and when my legs gave in, I opted to walk in the chest-deep water. Promptly, the coach Mr.Vijayakumar told me: “Walking in the water helps in healing knee pain.”

After the stationary moments, I am asked to swim a lap which I do eventually manage but with lot of hiccups. I end up swallowing a few gulps of water, my breathing accelerates but the coach cheers me and I refuse to give up, howsoever slow I may be.

Seeing my performance, Mr.Vijayakumar advises me to join the 14-day course on “Learn To Swim” that has sessions on floating and cycling.

Floating will keep panting at bay as it helps in the perfect functioning of lungs while cycling (inside the water) allows you to stand at rest for a while in deep water and prevent drowning, he shares.

And of course, the benefits of swimming as most of us know, it works as a wonderful stress buster, weight reducer, pain healer. Certainly, it is a good way to stay fit and cool.

Incidentally, I have enrolled myself for the course.

If you too are interested in taking a plunge and enjoy cool summer afternoons, dial 99949-44166 for more details.

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