I posted this at the Total Immersion forum: The more I learn about TI, the more I realize that it's as much a mental discipline as it is a physical one... perhaps more so! I was just interested in hearing other's thoughts on how they use or simply appreciate the mental aspect of TI and/or the solitude of being in the water. It's very therapeutic for me both physically and psychologically.
Another person posted this:
I'd have to agree that it's more mental than physical. After completing 8
weeks of T.I. lessons in 2005 (essentially a stretched-out weekend
workshop), I could only manage about 30 minutes at a time. I wasn't tired physically, but just couldn't concentrate any more. It's taken about 18 months to reach the point where I can concentrate for an hour, although working on a different stroke can stretch it out to almost two hours.
I've never done yoga or martial arts, but in some ways T.I. is similar to the track cycling I did years ago. I would spend hours just working on my standing start, or doing one-legged pedalling drills in the winter to learn to bring all the pelvic muscles into the pedal stroke. A track cyclist has only one gear to work with and needs to make the most of it. Trying to get the most out of every swim stroke feels like much the same sort of process.
I'm still exploring this facet of swimming but it occurred to me that this could also apply to other types of workouts. My experience in the weight room is normally listening to music (my own) although, if I didn't have on headphones, there would be music, noise, talking, conversations with friends, etc.
Do others enjoy their workout for the "alone time" like swimming provides or is it a social event for you?
My situation is that at a very small gym in a very small town, the people there at the same time as I am are very familiar and most of them I care for dearly. However, even with this closer-than-usual relationship, I really just what to nod, say "hi", and do my workout. I often enjoy the more extended conversations when they happen but the start-the-conversation-in-the-middle-of-the-bench-press-set drives me nuts.
I work out at a Y that gets busy (the machines and cardio stuff does, not so much on the free weights). When everyone is working out it's quiet except for the occaisonal "hey, can I get a spot?". If the morning crew is done working out then they'll sit outside of the gym in the common area and shoot the bull.
When I was swimming heavily it took a few weeks to get into the zen state. It was odd...one day I was forcing myself to finish my laps, the next I was just going and going and going and would have kept swimming had their not been a class that used up the whole pool.
Speaking of swimming, 1 more hour until it's time.
Found it interesting timing that you posted this thread. I was, just this morning, finding myself "meditating" as I swam. I used to get into this same state when I was running (before knee issues)..but there's something about the tranquility of the water that is like nothing else I've ever done. Very calming.
I need to start lifting again but haven't. Just enjoy the swim so much..
Swimming as MEDITATION
Linear Mode
