Well the right sort of exercise anyway. I was never a runner. My body, larger in certain areas, makes it uncomfortable to run. The gym - well I just find it boring. I can't stick at it.
Cycling the cycleways is very good but by the time I get home I am reluctant to venture out again.
I vividly remember my first experience with my polystyrene belt in situ, descending the ladder into a lukewarm pool.
The music starts and the instructor gets us under way. I follow others but I realise I am not making much progress through the water. I work harder to move forward and soon become tired.
I am mortified when I am passed by those older than me. I paddle harder and pull my arms and hands through the water to make more progress. I find myself clock-watching, this is the longest 30 minutes - phew. There must be a technique. On leaving the pool I quickly make the decision to persevere, realising this exercise suits me.
I love water, I am swimmer. I soon become a converted aqua jogger. I am hooked. Built into my day at lunch time - I love it.
It is hardly a nana sport and while it is not high impact and does not exactly bring on a sweat, it is surprisingly hard work.
For a start, you have to either wear a belt to support floating and or place a foam noodle between your legs. It is deep - no walking on the bottom - and for those who are really keen weights around ankles or gloves provide more resistance and consequently harder work.
There are a core group of six to eight of us who are the regulars. We are a mix, some of us workers on our lunch break, retirees, some who are recovering and using this form of exercise following an injury, those wanting to lose weight, and people like me who are realising that our jobs are sedentary so we ensure exercise is built into our everyday life.
And that is what I love about aqua jogging. It suits a wide variety of us.
While changing in the changing rooms we catch up with each other. And yes, we do have to strip off in front of each other to change, for those of you that tell me you can't bear being naked in front of others. Really?
And no, you do not have to get your hair wet although there can be some water splashing from the swimmers' lane, and some swimmers who rudely bomb/dive in the water, but this is rare. This form of exercise, like all exercise, is very much how much you put into it. Yes, you can float around if you choose to and catch up with each other. But really, I do not see the point. It is an exercise class. Not to mention the benefits that regular exercise brings to our emotional well-being. There is also strong evidence that shows physical activity helps to alleviate depression. So if you feel a bit down in the dumps or are looking to get fitter, grab your togs and come join us in the pool at Swimgym, Maraekakaho Rd at lunchtimes. It's fun and hard work - your body will love you for it.
-Ana Apatu is CEO of the U-Turn Trust, based at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere.
