Pool
October 23, 2019

I wish someone had told me how relaxing swimming can be

“I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. Each week we hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that’s recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so. This week’s post is by our newest swimming sensation, Rikus.

I’ve always been a busy child – growing up my family called me “busy body”! I was always running around, skipping around, climbing trees, riding on my bike with my brother but, I never liked to exercise. Even when we had to try out for athletics in high school my strategy was – what has the least running in it, and it was high jump! I happened to be quite good at it and even jumped for South Africa with my highest jump being 2.08m high.

Now I am 27 years old and I still don’t like exercising ….

Pool
Pool at Alice Lane Virgin Active

I decided to try out swimming at my gym recently. Partly because Johannesburg was heading into a heatwave and partly to try out something new and different.

My first attempt I thought that I might die as I tried to look cool and like this wasn’t my first time trying out swimming. I quickly realised that swimming is a complete different “fit” than running fit or dancing fit. I finished my 15 lengths at a very, very slow pace.

Now I have done 15 lengths a few times and it has gotten much easier. The last session I did I realised how relaxing it really is. During your lengths, it is just you, the water, your breathing and your thoughts. It’s a time for me to break away from the business of our day to day lives and just be in the moment with myself. No cellphone to distract me, nor email.

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to try something new or if you just want time for yourself. It’s also one helluva a workout because you work every single muscle in your body!

I don’t see myself doing the Midmar mile anytime soon – for now, my 15 lengths is all I need.

Talented in music and the arts, Rikus not only has the voice, but also a natural eye for events. His attention to detail, organisational skills and ability to keep things moving are unique. He is also a people’s person and is always ready to embrace the festivities and the dance floor!