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Original poster

I really want to go swimming tomorrow - but I'm scared

110 replies

needakickstart · 12/01/2023 16:26

I weigh 144kg - 22 stone 9.

I'm shockingly unfit - I can just about walk 10-15 slow speed around a supermarket but even that's a struggle and I'm leaning on the trolley for support. I'm 31 and I feel like I'm 75. Tried to go for a gentle walk with my aunt and uncle over Christmas and I couldn't talk for being out of breath.

There is a reason - horrendous trauma - but as my cousin (bluntly) put it this weekend, 'you're doing yourself no favours constantly being poor me, poor me.'

My sister has recently been given a huge sum of money, and she wants to use this money to go to Disneyland Paris (she has autism/intellectual disability) ... neither of us have ever been on a real holiday - never been abroad - and I so desperately want to take her, but at my current weight I wouldn't be able to do a damn thing ... so I have the incentive to do something...

My GP has suggested I try swimming. I'm at university, their wellbeing service has offered for me to go swimming for free, for an hour at a women's only session.

I feel stupid - I'm neurodiverse and struggle with new things. I've been shown around the pool but their changing room system is a bit fancy, I can't quite remember how it was explained to me before.

I'm also acutely aware of how fat and unfit I am and I'm scared I'll collapse in the changing rooms if I try to swim even one length. The instructor I spoke to at the gym (in September) told me I can go in, and just get used to being in the water, floating, don't have to swim but just to move. It's not very deep water or anything.

I get palpitations sometimes when I exert myself, GP and cardiology have thoroughly investigated (cousin has a condition that could be inherited) and both said gentle swimming is fine and probably be of huge benefit to me.

I have a swimming costume etc, I really want to go, but how the hell am I going to make myself actually do it?

OP posts:
TravelWeDo · 13/01/2023 15:44

That’s brilliant well done!
even just walking widths in the pool is really good exercise as you’ve got so round resistance and weight taken from your joints do you can do more than on land

mumonthehill · 13/01/2023 15:45

Fab!! Well done. The one thing i love about swimming is how different my body feels in the water, much more movable! Keep going.

greenspaces4peace · 13/01/2023 15:48

Fitness is fab! Well done 👍

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PauliString · 13/01/2023 15:49

You star!

Right, I'm going to find my swimming costume and stop making feeble excuses.

JellyBeanFactory · 13/01/2023 15:54

Well done you! Great achievement.

You've motivated me to have a look for ladies seasons at my local pool. I haven't been since before Covid and although not overweight, I find it hard in some social environments. If you can do it, so can I Smile

GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough · 13/01/2023 15:57

Well done!! You did amazing!

MaverickGooseGoose · 13/01/2023 16:01

Awesome, well done!!

WorkingItOutAsIGo · 13/01/2023 16:06

Oh well done! That’s made me tear up. The first time is the hardest!

Echobelly · 13/01/2023 16:11

Take it easy, you can do it. Maybe just start by stretching out your arms and legs in the water, doing some kicking while holding on to the side, and next time work your way to doing lengths or even just widths to start.

I also think aqua aerobics might be a good idea - gentle but still gives you a workout with the water resistance. I found it good as I have joint issues with one leg.

Well done on getting this far, and good luck!

LlynTegid · 13/01/2023 16:29

Well done and good of you to let everyone know how it went.

PartySock · 13/01/2023 16:39

Can you go early or later so less people there to start with? I don't think anyone will be looking at you, but you may feel more comfortable.

PartySock · 13/01/2023 16:39

Opps- just see update! Well done OP.

WinterMermaid234 · 13/01/2023 16:44

Brilliant I’m so pleased you were able to go and find the courage good luck on your swimming journey. I taught myself front crawl in my 40s and love a good swim now, and cold water sea dips too.

frozendaisy · 13/01/2023 16:48

Fuck what everyone thinks.
They don't know your battles, just to get in the pool.
Just walking in water exerts more energy than walking out of water, your joints are supported etc. You know all this.

So what if someone says later to their shallow mates in the pub there was a big woman in the pool today. That is not a good enough reason for you to not go.

You deserve to be in the pool as much as anyone that's what it is for. Can anyone go with you at least at first? Moral support?

I was unfit after two babies and had to go and buy a pair of running shoes from a lovely but thin fit 18yr old slip of a lass in a running shop when I was fat 40! I thought I would be cringing, she was super, got me the best support bra, shoes I needed, didn't look back. A lot of people are kind.

In 6 months you will be a completely different body. Not perfect, but on the way to bring a much more super you. But to get there you have to feel the fear with those first steps. But you only have to feel that fear once, twice, few times.

Tamarindtree · 13/01/2023 16:48

needakickstart · 13/01/2023 15:25

I’m just back !

Couldn’t do full sustained lengths, although plenty of widths - but did a lot of walking, stretching and bending my knees/hips etc - all of which I can’t do easily on dry land! Hoping to be able to do a full length by the end of this month if not before, and then build up from there . Absolutely loved it though and now that I’ve been once I know how it works for next time too, so I’m delighted !

Well done. I hope you feel suitably proud of yourself. Overcoming something that fills you with dread is a fantastic achievement.

frozendaisy · 13/01/2023 16:50

Excellent update OP

Theeaglesoared · 13/01/2023 16:53

Fantastic! Well done!

Ahnobother · 13/01/2023 16:55

Well done @needakickstart you should be so proud of yourself.
When are you going back? Plan this on to your week.

I went to the gym today for the first time in two years. I am 125kg. When last there I was 106... I am stiff and unfit and I am fed up with it.
It's small group training sessions. The trainer couldn't have been nicer. I feel really up even though I hurt all over.
I was given three actions by the trainer.
Come back twice a week.
Walk 8-10k steps each day. Keep my activity level during the week, try not to have peaks and troughs.
And no 'share bag' or mad food binges but don't deprive myself stupidly either.

You'll sleep well tonight. Good on you.

Blowyourowntrumpet · 13/01/2023 16:56

You've done amazingly well. It'll get easier every time you go. Well done

flowerycurtain · 13/01/2023 17:00

You're bloody brilliant op. Well done 👏

Motnight · 13/01/2023 17:01

Well done, Op!

BertaHoon · 13/01/2023 17:07

I am you.
I am with you.

Don't feel you need to get in to a lane swim.

Get in the water - huge achievement! Walk in the water, using your arms and legs - the thinnest of folks do this. Feel the resistance. Walk widths in the shallow end, using arms and legs. Swim it back out. Walk back again.

Go you! I have been there! Was 18st and hated every second! 15 stone now. Aqua aerobics is brilliant. Also harder than it looks, so join a class and stay shallow endish...

I love you. You can do this. You are me! If I lived near you, you would be my best swimming companion!

Get there, shaking I know.

Just get in that pool.

Sending my best! You can do this.

Fullyhuman · 13/01/2023 17:09

needakickstart · 13/01/2023 15:25

I’m just back !

Couldn’t do full sustained lengths, although plenty of widths - but did a lot of walking, stretching and bending my knees/hips etc - all of which I can’t do easily on dry land! Hoping to be able to do a full length by the end of this month if not before, and then build up from there . Absolutely loved it though and now that I’ve been once I know how it works for next time too, so I’m delighted !

Well done! 💐

nicknamehelp · 13/01/2023 17:09

Well done. Keep it up and I'm sure you'll soon see the difference.

Mariposista · 13/01/2023 17:14

How brilliant! Well done you OP. How about, later down the line, getting some 1-1- swimming lessons? Instructors are used to working with adult non swimmers, and they will help you with technique and ideas to boost your fitness.