Shes swimming with the guys now

One womens rewarding experience with a gay male swim team

Long Beach, CA. (PRWEB) January 28 2004--- For many women, team sports provide a great way to meet other women, a place where they can make new friends and bond. So why would one choose to join a gay mens swim team? Anne Jacobus did just that.

Anne is 53 years old. She was a competitive swimmer through high school and then she retired from the sport for the next 35 years. She was planning a trip to Peru and was looking for a way to increase her endurance to handle the high altitudes.

Then she heard about a new local swim team: The Grunions. Long Beachs only all-inclusive, gay and lesbian swim team. Jacobus has never liked to run and swimming was a natural choice for her.

I don't like solitary lap swimming. What I discovered about the Grunions is that I get a structured workout in a fun, relaxed, non-competitive environment. I especially love the workout times, its very civilized!" infuses Jacobus.

Swimming is a total body workout but without the joint pounding of so many other aerobic exercises. Swimming has increased my endurance. I have more energy and I sleep really well after a workout. I have even lost weight! The best news is I can eat anything I want! Well, within reason." Jacobus says with a laugh.

Swimming with the Grunions re-ignited her dormant passion for the sport and now she hopes to get other women as excited about swimming with the Grunions as she is.

In fact, Jacobus is having such a great time swimming with the Grunions that she has taken upon herself the role of Womens Development Coordinator" in order to boost the ranks of women on the team.

When asked what might be a good way to encourage more women to join, Jacobus is quick to respond. Get the word out about the physical benefits of swimming. Weight Loss! Want to learn to swim? The Grunions is one of the few Master's teams that encourages and nurtures the beginner. Body image problems? The Grunions is a team that doesn't care what you look like in a swimsuit. You can be yourself. I would like to welcome back the competitive swimmer who, like me, gave it up. I wasn't interested in competition initially because too many years had gone by. However, now it's something I look forward to! No matter how old you are you never lose that thrill!"

Jacobus has been working hard to encourage women to swim with the team. One of the great things about swimming is that it really rewards diversity. Its really simple, the more women on the team, the better the team does at swim meets. So you can bet that when a women shows up at swim practice shes treated like royalty!" laughs Jacobus.

When asked why are there so few women on the team, Jacobus responds. To be honest, I think it takes a certain person or personality to join a gay mens team without feeling intimidated or uncomfortable. I think older women are more accepting and that's why the team demographics are as they are. Also, I think younger women have more family and career demands on them and may not have the time to join. Younger women may also be 'looking for love and frankly, the Grunions isn't going to provide that type of social outlet right now," explains Jacobus.

I think some women might also be intimidated and think that they have to be excellent swimmers and dont come at all. What I like about the Grunions is that its not an all guys club for jocks! It is a team of people, a community of swimmers, some fast and some slow. Its for anyone who loves to swim and wants to improve in an atmosphere that is supportive and friendly!" says Jacobus.

When asked if shes been treated differently because she is a women, Jacobus smiles. They don't cut me any slack in the pool and always encourage me on. I'm far more comfortable and having much more fun swimming with the Grunions than I would with a group of straight guys.

No one looks down at me because Im a woman. Everyone goes out of their way to encourage me, to help me improve and to make me a better swimmer. Because in the end I guess thats what being part of a team is all about. They are my teammates and thats why Im still here!"

The Long Beach Grunions is a Masters Swim Club located in Long Beach, California. The Grunions meet 5 times a week at local area pools for swim practice. Women are encouraged and very welcome. For up to the minute information, practice times, days and location contact visit www.lbgrunions.com or send an email to: info@lbgrunions.com

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