Swimming has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It started as a simple activity, something I enjoyed in my free time, but over the years, it has become much more than that. Now, as I’ve stepped back from the day-to-day grind of running businesses, I’ve come to appreciate swimming not just as a workout, but as a key to both longevity and mental clarity.
I’ve always believed that success in life is about balance—balancing work and family, ambition and contentment, and most importantly, physical and mental well-being. Swimming has helped me maintain that balance better than anything else. It’s a sport that keeps me strong, clears my mind, and provides a sense of calm that’s hard to find anywhere else.
The Physical Benefits of Swimming
As someone who’s spent decades building businesses, I know the toll that stress and long hours can take on the body. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to take care of yourself. For years, I saw business colleagues suffer from back pain, joint issues, and stress-related illnesses. Many of them turned to running or weightlifting to stay in shape, but I always found that swimming was the best option for maintaining long-term health.
Unlike other forms of exercise, swimming is low-impact. The buoyancy of the water supports the body, reducing strain on the joints while still providing a full-body workout. It’s particularly beneficial for people as they age, as it allows for rigorous exercise without the risk of injury that comes with high-impact activities. I’ve met plenty of people who have had to give up running due to knee problems, but I’ve never met someone who had to give up swimming for the same reason.
It’s also one of the best cardiovascular workouts out there. The constant movement, combined with breath control, strengthens the heart and improves lung capacity. I’ve noticed over the years that my endurance in everyday life—whether it’s skiing in Jackson Hole or simply keeping up with my grandkids—has stayed strong, largely because of the time I’ve spent in the pool.
The Mental Clarity That Comes with Every Stroke
Beyond the physical benefits, swimming has given me something even more valuable—mental clarity. When I’m in the water, there are no distractions. No ringing phones, no emails to check, no meetings to attend. It’s just me, the water, and my thoughts.
There’s a meditative quality to swimming that I haven’t found in any other sport. The repetitive nature of each stroke, the steady breathing, and the sensation of being submerged create a rhythm that calms the mind. It’s in these moments that I’ve had some of my best ideas, solved problems that seemed impossible, and gained perspective on things that once felt overwhelming.
I’ve also found that swimming reduces stress in a way that few other activities can. The simple act of being in water has been proven to lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. After a tough day, a swim can reset my mind and body, allowing me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective. In business, I always preached the importance of making decisions with a clear head. Swimming has been one of the most effective ways for me to achieve that clarity.
A Sport for a Lifetime
One of the greatest things about swimming is that it’s truly a lifelong sport. I’ve seen kids barely old enough to walk learn to swim, and I’ve shared lanes with men and women well into their 80s who still move through the water with grace. Unlike many other sports that require youth, strength, or speed, swimming adapts to you as you age.
I know that as I get older, I won’t be running marathons or playing contact sports, but I can always swim. The ability to stay active without putting excess strain on my body gives me confidence that I’ll be able to maintain my health and independence for years to come.
Swimming is also a sport that fosters community. Whether it’s early-morning lap swimmers, local swim clubs, or even casual meetups at the pool, there’s a sense of camaraderie among people who love the water. I’ve made some great friends through swimming, and it’s a reminder that fitness isn’t just about staying in shape—it’s about connecting with others and sharing in something that brings mutual joy and benefit.
Making Time for the Water
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let exercise take a backseat to other responsibilities. I’ve been guilty of it myself. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that making time for swimming is always worth it. Every time I get in the water, I feel better—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
For anyone looking for a way to stay active, clear their mind, and add years to their life, I can’t recommend swimming enough. It’s not just a sport; it’s a way of living well. Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or someone who hasn’t been in a pool since childhood, it’s never too late to start.
The water has given me so much over the years—strength, clarity, and peace of mind. I plan to keep swimming for as long as I can, and I encourage anyone looking for a truly sustainable way to improve their health to do the same. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding through the water, knowing you’re doing something that’s good for both body and mind.