it's good exercise but also meditative because all you have are your thoughts, especially meditative since I bought ear plugs (my ears always let water in...), I get to think through a new topic every week - or just focus on clearing my mind if needed. It's relaxing and I sleep like a baby afterwards. I go once a week after work and it makes me feel proud and also comfy. I smell like chlorine and have goggle rings around my eyes while sitting on the train home eating a snack feeling incredible!!!!!!!