Times of the Islands Winter 2018/19

Although I could already swim, I wanted to improve
my technique, so I contacted Ben Stubenberg, a TCI swim
coach and founder of the “Race for the Conch” ocean
swim event (www.caicunaniki.com). I started off slowly
and very soon improved my technique, allowing me to
swim farther. The good thing about swimming is that you
don’t need to be an expert—even a short swim will give
you a great workout. If it’s confidence in the water you
need, there’s no better teacher than Ben, and he offers
his services to any age and any level of swimmer.
“Open water swimming provides a workout experience like
no other. When you swim in the clear turquoise waters of
our islands, you not only engage the whole body in fluid
motion, but you enter a different world. There is no other
exercise that so completely utilizes every muscle group.”
—Ben Stubenberg
The training regime
Now that I had the best information from professionals
in their fields, I embarked on a 12-week program of
health and fitness. My goal was to lose my excess weight,
become fitter, leaner and more supple. I initially set
about training three to four times a week. Primarily, this
was gym-based as I wanted to ease into the training to
avoid any injury. I started off with light weights and built
up gently as my strength increased. John Wright was a
constant source of advice and inspiration. Under his guidance,
I found myself using free weights, boxing punch
bags and cardio machines.
I soon added a weekly swim into my program. This
was actually on my “rest day” from the gym. Rest is as
important as working out and without good rest days,
injury and fatigue will soon follow. Swimming is the best
exercise to limit stress on the body, so it’s perfect to start
Swimming in TCI’s exquisite turquoise waters is exercise good for
body, mind and soul.
off with while you strengthen joints and muscle.
After a number of lessons at The Retreat Studio, I
was able to practice yoga at home. It is one of the few
exercises you can do anywhere! At home, on the beach—
there’s no excuse once you have learnt the basics and it’s
also a great way to relieve stress.
54 www.timespub.tc