Starting swimming tomorrow

[TheresABearOverThere]

I've put on a huge amount of weight due to medication I'm on and I'm now 5 stone overweight.

I know swimming isn't going to make me lose weight and I know I'm not a fantastic swimmer but I am desperate more than losing weight to feel fitter, to move my body. I haven't exercised in ages (work from home, two kids, maternity leave ended a year ago and my body was destroyed) and I just want to do something I enjoy doing to get started.

So I'm gonna go 3 times a week at lunchtime and do what I can and do Ring fit the other two days and hopefully from there, build up.

Anyone else unfit as fuck and want a buddy?

Swimming is great. The water drag is so strong, you have to work a lot harder than walking. Go for it, girl!!

I was an open water swimmer till I had this youngest baby. Still waiting on the bleeding to stop properly so I can start again. I gained 2 and a half stone in pregnancy so hoping the winter water in the North Sea will help me shift it faster

I’m sure you can lose weight swimming, maybe n not a few leisurely lengths but there are some great apps with programmes of x lengths this, x lengths that and if you go into it aiming to build up to push yourself and can go three times a week it will make a lot of difference. If you keep it gentle it will have much less impact. Look at the bodies of serious swimmers…

That's awesome! Just doing what you enjoy is key - my approach to fitness totally changed once I discovered the thing that lit my fire. I like swimming, I find the water really calming. Have a great swim.

Go girl!
Swimming is fab for mind and body. You can lose weight if you work hard, but while you're getting into a new routine it's good you're not thinking about that but the other benefits.

I swim 4 mornings a week, I have lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment and it really helps to keep the swelling down.

I always like closing my exercise ring too before 8am, it makes me feel better and you do see the same people at the pool so there is always someone to say hello to.

Enjoy Op. I swim several times a week & daily in the summer and it’s the best exercise. Slims me down and shapes me up like no other exercise. It’s great for you physically & mentally and low impact, go for it!

I found some adult swimming lessons which I've really really enjoyed and have helped me feel like I'm making progress and achieving something each week. They've made a massive difference to my motivation to keep going each week.

I had my little girl 8 weeks ago and I’m honestly at the biggest I’ve ever been.. it’s so frustrating cos I don’t seem to be shifting any weight at all I know it can take time but some people literally have a child and go back their pre-pregnancy figures more or less straight away. I carried a lot of water with LO and put on about 4 stone so far I’ve managed to drop 2 stone but there’s still and extra 2 hanging on in there I’ve never been skinny but right now I just feel fat and unfit 😞

8 weeks is no time at all. Please don't be so harsh on yourself.
Keep in mind what you want to achieve, and set small, realistic goals.

I needed to hear that thank you x

I nearly said the same thing but didn't want to bombard you. 8 weeks is so soon. Please look after yourself and don't put pressure on yourself. It really is so soon (I was still mainlining cake!)

Good for you OP.
Swimming has been my sanity-saver at times.

Yes swimming has saved my sanity many times - I started outdoor swimming a year ago and it's awesome! Enjoy

Size 18 swimmer here, swim 4 times a week and love it. I am sure I would lose more weight if I stopped eating biscuits but hey ho!!! I love how I feel as you get to stretch out and move at your own pace. I hope you enjoy it!

I’m fat and unfit too. I started going swimming a few months back, having not been in over 20 years. It was fantastic! I’m going tomorrow, I’m working up to a mile: I have to keep stopping and starting again, but it gets easier each time I go.

How did it go @TheresABearOverThere

Good for you. I find swimming very relaxing and also toning. I hope you enjoyed it.

Your attitude is great OP. Have you managed to start yet? What's this Ring fit? I'm off to goggle.

Sorry for the lack of updates, I got the flu along with my kids! Still recovering, haven't been swimming yet but will be.

Ring Fit is an awesome Nintendo Switch game, if you Google there are subreddits devoted to it.

I went swimming today! I'm still under the weather so only managed 7 lengths but it's better than nothing!

That's great! Well done! You've got a baseline, so next time you can see if you can beat 7. (Or not, trying to beat what I did last time motivates me but might not light your fire)

Excellent news @OP. I'd love to swim 4 times a week but I'm worried about the effect on my hair. At the moment I can get away with only washing it twice a week.

Do any of you wear a swimcap and does that help?

Good luck OP.

I'm pregnant (nearly 25 weeks) so have switched to swimming as it's low impact. I do 20 lengths or so 4 times per week and it keeps me from feeling like a lump.

Me! I’ve started swimming and I also need to lose 5 stone. I’m trying to improve my diet this week too.