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

[HighwayDragon1]

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?

[ScarlettFreestone]

Well done!! That's a real achievement.

What a nice lady in reception too!

You'll feel so much better next time.

[Hissy]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/exercise/2878311-Swimming-for-fitness-part-2-Jump-in

Here we are!

[QueenofLouisiana]

OP you are amazing! To go from shaking to swimming 650m in an evening. Well done.

[Hissy]

Well done!

I'm a swimmer

Wasn't able to describe myself as that until recently. Took adult lessons 2yrs ago, and this month I've joined the local masters group.

It's addictive!!

I was larger, now I'm not quite as hefty, and I have amazing arms and legs (well i think so, boyf thinks so, and DS is just so proud of me) so I'm happy!!

Nobody cares what you look like. There are literally all shapes and sizes in the pool and actually, when you swim better/well, it's so satisfying to show em what your made of...

Even better when you overtake em

Come join our swim thread!!!! We'll be delighted to hear about your journey!! I'll find the link and post it!

Well done you! You will grow to love it!

[NoSquirrels]

25 lengths! Bloody brilliant - no wonder you feel a bit wobbly, it's the exertion

Seriously, well done. And how nice the receptionist was. Will make next time much less scary.

Highway dragon vs anxiety = 1-0

[CMOTDibbler]

Well done! 25 lengths for your first go is amazing

When are you going next?

[floatingfrog]

Wow well done!

[Muchtoomuchtodo]

Brilliant! Hope you're feeling proud of yourself.
X

[Sparklingbrook]

That's brilliant. Well done!

[HighwayDragon1]

Ok so I went. It took​me 15 minutes​to walk through the porch. I then said "i wanna swim" to the woman on the desk, then had a full shaking cry. She was lovely about it, told me her daughter gets anxiety attacks, talked me through where the showers and stuff were.

I swam 25 lengths.


Still feel wobbly

[applespearsbears]

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.

[floatingfrog]

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

[harderandharder2breathe]

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.

[topcat2014]

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.

[LondonStill83]

Ps we go all the time now!

[LondonStill83]

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!

[Doman]

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!

[Honeybee79]

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.

[AgentCooper]

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!

[MOIST]

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!

[Sparklingbrook]

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

[MrsMotherHen]

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

[PetalMettle]

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

[FreeSpiritJen]

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.

[HarveySchlumpfenburger]

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.