To start swimming?

[Giesabozie]

I weigh about 23 stone, possibly a bit less . I’m on the highest dose of mirtazapine and beta blockers . Im a big comfort/boredom eater and have had periods of bingeing as well . I eat too many takeaways too .

I’m struggling a lot with my mental health and I’m not leaving the house much at all now so I’m not exercising . I’m permanently out of breath and exhausted and noticing I’m wheezing in my sleep .

GP and MH team are saying it’s non negotiable coming down on tablets just now, or switching.

A friend has suggested we go swimming together once a week, every week, to see if that helps . I’m keen to give it a try but I’m embarrassed of my size and worried if I try I’ll injure myself .

I’m not allowed to do HIIT, aerobics etc sue to family history of heart disease but I think gentle swimming or even just being in the water night help? Anything to get my body moving a bit more would be good . I’m only late twenties, I don’t want to die young of something that would ultimately be my own fault .

Go for it! Also see if the pool does aqua aerobics classes as you will have fun moving to music and you can put in as much effort as you are capable of and no one can tell because you are submerged.

Yes, absolutely go swimming! Do all the things you can do. Each one is a gain and it all really adds up. It'll be relaxing and fun with your friend too.

I used to go three times a week and really loved it, so go for it, OP!

Also there were people of all shapes and sizes at my pool and no one batted an eyelid. Swimming is great because it caters to such a range of abilities, ages and fitness levels.

I hope you go, OP.

Friend is very upset about her (large) size at moment.
I keep trying but failing to coax her into the pool.
She comes up with one or another reason not to.
Frustrating.

Just a suggestion, but if you're concerned about your size, a legsuit with a bit more coverage might help with your confidence. I'm very large and I use the Slazenger boyleg swimsuit. It's great because it covers the tops of my legs and makes me feel better. They do up to a size 22 and they're really comfortable.

Oh please get in the pool. You’ll feel so much better. Everytime I’m in a shitty mood and get in a pool its like the world melts.
I found at my biggest I was struggling with lap swimming but walking back and forward in the pool really helped. It also meant I could chat to a friend to pass the time.

Give it a go, exercise is great for mental health. As will be getting out with your friend.

Definitely do it. It’s amazing exercise and so nice to be able to switch off (no phones/screens!) you’ll be surprised how you improve too. 12 months ago I couldn’t do front crawl, now I’m pretty good for a self-taught slow person!

I do an online tai chi class 4 times a week. It's great for mental health, and good for strength and flexibility. You'd be welcome to join it. I've got so much better. When I started I did a lot of the class seated. Now I do the whole class at full intensity and am getting really strong.

Some pools have ‘ladies only’ swims , if that would make you feel better.

Have a look at the GP referral scheme in your area. We have gentle exercise classes with support for nutrition. There are also walking groups as well as aqua aerobics, which aren't an option as they're over subscribed in my area

I'm just adding my voice to the others who have already said try it.

Are you getting any other support regarding your eating habits? I think some counselling would be beneficial if that's an option for you? What it comes back to, is the psychology of how you use food. A good understanding of yourself and a coping plan could be really helpful. Too often excessive weight is dealt with purely as a physical matter, while restrictive eating is treated as an emotional and MH issue. Perhaps there are some online resources that might help with that?

Good luck, I'm so glad you have a supportive friend 🌸

You should definitely do it. No one really pays any attention to others in the pool. I'm really self conscious about my body but you can get really great swimwear which covers you up now. I wear leggings and a long sleeve swimming top.