I can’t lie – there are days when I don’t feel like going to the pool. My Afro-textured hair is delicate, so I really need to wear a swimming cap.
But I’m also neurodivergent, and I don’t love the feel of a cap stuck to my head. My swimming bag is always packed in the front room, but sometimes I don’t pick it up.
Of course, whenever I do get to the pool, I always love it. There’s something therapeutic about being in water.
It’s one of my happiest places. I have a busy life, freelancing as a DJ around the country, balancing that with caring for my aunt, being there for my son and husband (who are both neurodivergent) and looking after my mum, who lives with us.
Swimming is my quiet time, when I can zone off into my own world.
I’ve been a swimmer for years, but I never thought I'd get into aqua aerobics. To be honest, I thought it was for frail, elderly people, not for mums in their 40s like me.
But one day, a few years ago, I decided to give it a try.
I knew I needed to move a bit more because I've had a few health issues, including gestational diabetes when I was pregnant and a blood clot in my calf more recently.
Spinning, Zumba and gym weren’t my thing. So, what could I do?
I was scared the first time I tried aqua aerobics. I even told one of the ladies I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do all the moves.
She smiled and said: “Oh love, get in the pool, follow the moves as best you can, and if you can't do them, just paddle around!”
Then the class started and – well, it was amazing.
I could feel myself working out, but I didn’t feel stressed. I didn’t feel self-conscious. And I didn’t even feel sore the next day. It was brilliant.
I now try to do a session every Sunday.
Whenever I come out of the pool, I feel pumped. I know that when I pick up my son from school and he’s chatting away to me about his day, I’m going to feel excited about it too.
I wish more people my age and younger would give it a try.
My husband always knows when I’ve been to aqua aerobics because I walk through the door with my head held high and this aura of confidence – like I could conquer the world!