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I need a quick swift kick up the arse... Swimming, anxiety

35 replies

HighwayDragon1 · 15/05/2017 19:33

I tabs this might be the best place for it but I've decided I need to lose some weight and health issues means swimming is the only option.

Women's only session starts in 30 minutes. I want to go. But I'm anxious and nearly teary, will they look at me? I'm a crap swimmer, what if they laugh at me? What if I'm the only one the and the life guard is watching? What if it's really busy?

Fucksake. I teach teenagers! What is wrong with me?!

Please tell me I need to go?

OP posts:
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KatyN · 15/05/2017 19:36

Go. Put your cossie on, swim one length and if you still feel shit come home again.

I find with anxiety it's the making a decision that's the worst. So decide to go. And hurrah you are done.
And in an hour it will all be done. You can be home again and feeling righteous.
Good luck kxxxx

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Sparklingbrook · 15/05/2017 19:36

Just go. Stop thinking about it.

Come back and tell me all about it.

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tattychicken · 15/05/2017 19:36

Do it. You'll feel fab afterwards! Just crack on and don't let yourself think of all the worst case scenarios. Before long you'll be basking in post swim smugness.

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Sparklingbrook · 15/05/2017 19:37

Tips for anxiety. Ask yourself-

What's the worst thing that can happen?
What's the best thing that can happen?
What's actually likely to happen?
Will you still be worrying about this in a week's time?

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FunnyBird · 15/05/2017 19:38

No ones watching.
You'll feel fab after.
Go. Enjoy.

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HighwayDragon1 · 15/05/2017 19:38

I've been pacing getting stuff ready, dh asked why I was faffing when I stand in front of hormone filled teens 5 hours a day!

Leaving in 10mins


Maybe.

OP posts:
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Sparklingbrook · 15/05/2017 19:39

Oi! No pondering! Go now!

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chickendrizzlecake · 15/05/2017 19:40

Just go - it's NEVER as bad as you think it's going to be.

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ScarlettFreestone · 15/05/2017 19:40

Have you ever seen anyone laugh at someone in a public pool let alone a woman's only session? Of course not!

The life guard sits in their chair loijubg at people if all shakes, sizes and swimming ability all day long, they don't care

You won't find out if it's busy unless you go.

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NoSquirrels · 15/05/2017 19:42

Off you go.

If you don't, you're guaranteed to feel shit about yourself.

If you do, you may or may not feel better/worse after for a variety of factors, but you'll certainly be proud of yourself for going in the first place.

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HarveySchlumpfenburger · 15/05/2017 19:42

No go now. If you're leaving in 10 mins you'll still be there in 15 trying to gather up the courage to go.

Honestly, no one will look at you or laugh.

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FreeSpiritJen · 15/05/2017 19:43

Have a gander at this 'highway dragon.'

www.better.org.uk/thisgirlcanswim

Contact your local swimming pool or sports centre to see if they do it there.

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PetalMettle · 15/05/2017 19:43

Go. I went when I was really big to an early morning session with all the keen types. No one cared or paid me any attention

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MrsMotherHen · 15/05/2017 19:43

go get a move on!
hope it goes well let us know how you get on. x

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Sparklingbrook · 15/05/2017 19:44

If it was your teenage pupils you would tell them to get on with it.Wink

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MOIST · 15/05/2017 19:45

I went this morning. First time in about 10 years. I am old, wobbly and it was really hard to force myself to bloody do it.
But I did. And it was ok. And I will be doing it again

Good luck!

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AgentCooper · 15/05/2017 19:46

Oh love. Nobody will laugh at you and you'll feel like a weight has been lifted afterwards! I had the same nerves when DH got me membership at our local baths for my birthday, not having swum in public in years. A year and a half on, I go every evening after work and I just love it.

I am currently swimming with legs and thighs as hairy as sasquatch as I'm pregnant and can't be arsed doing anything about it. Nobody gives me a second look!

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Honeybee79 · 15/05/2017 19:47

Go.

People are totally self-absorbed, so they'll all be worried about themselves, what they look like, their own problems and concerns etc and won't be looking at you! Honestly, it will be fine. You will feel great afterwards and it will get easier and easier.

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Doman · 15/05/2017 19:47

I'm in a similar boat. Need to lose (lots of) weight and I assure you that nobody judges you when you get in the pool. As an aside, swimming really helps with my anxiety, too. So definitely go!

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LondonStill83 · 15/05/2017 19:48

It really won't be awful.

I live in a yummy mummy area and am of the more rotund, stretch marked, cellulite covered, recently-had-a-Caesarian ilk. I was so worried about being surrounded by gorgeous slim women when I took DS swimming for the first time 9 weeks post partum.

The oool was filled with all body shapes and sizes; no one even looked at me. Then I went to the baby pool and made friends with two lovely mums who were so helpful my first time swimming with a baby. We had coffee after.

Do it!

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LondonStill83 · 15/05/2017 19:49

Ps we go all the time now!

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topcat2014 · 15/05/2017 19:51

I go swimming, and sometimes think the same. Different gender but similar issues - ie have flabby tummy, bad eczema, am actually a bit crap at swimming.

Feel virtuous afterwards though.

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harderandharder2breathe · 15/05/2017 19:53

You'll feel worse if you don't go, plus exercise is good for mental health so double the boost cause endorphins and you'll be proud of yourself for doing it

I'm a size 22/24 and a shit swimmer and I still do it! And have never had anyone laugh at me or make rude comments or any of the things you're worried about.

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floatingfrog · 15/05/2017 20:01

I can honestly the only person I can ever remember in the swimming pool was a women treading water in the fast lane.

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applespearsbears · 15/05/2017 20:07

Oh lovely! Go! I can honestly say when I'm doing any exercise I'm not paying attention to anyone else - no one will be looking. Try to enjoy some you time.

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