I started swimming competitively when I was eight years old and went on to spend four years on Colgate University’s Division I team. Swimming gave me structure, challenged me, and taught me how to take care of my body through demanding training days. Now that I’ve graduated and no longer have a team schedule, these are the lessons I’m carrying into my own fitness routine:
CONSISTENCY MATTERS MORE THAN A PERFECT WORKOUT.
Swimming taught me that progress comes from showing up repeatedly, especially on days when I didn’t feel my best. Now, I focus on staying consistent, even when a workout doesn’t go exactly as planned.
FUELING IS PART OF GETTING STRONGER
On days with morning practice, classes, a lift, and another swim in the evening, I could feel the difference when I hadn’t fueled properly. Carbohydrates gave me the energy to keep up with the demands of training, while protein helped me recover and build strength. I learned that I couldn’t expect my body to perform if I wasn’t giving it enough to work with.
MAKE ROOM FOR RECOVERY, EVEN WHEN YOU CAN’T TAKE A DAY OFF.
As a collegiate athlete, I couldn’t always choose when I got time off. Incorporating active recovery through stretching, foam rolling, and using a Theragun on sore spots became a regular part of how I took care of my body throughout the season.
FITNESS CAN CHANGE WITH YOUR LIFE.
For years, my workouts were built around a team and a competition schedule. I’m enjoying the chance to explore running and other ways to move while keeping the discipline swimming gave me. I don’t need every workout to lead to a race or a personal best for it to be worthwhile.
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