Hello,
I'm brand new to swimming and I'm signed up for a class beginning next week. I just received in the mail: two jammer shorts that fit well (size 40 waist), two swim caps, and two sets of goggles that seem good.
I'm not scared of the water but I am concerned about my body image. Will I be glared at or is it common to see fat people at the pool? I don't really see a practical/comfortable way to wear a 'shirt' to cover up my hairy chest and belly. Will I be committing any faux pas by showing my hairy chest and back? Should I even care?
Thanks for any advice and encouragement :)
As others said, just head for that swim class and have some fun! Everyone's nervous and self-conscious at first, so they won't be thinking of any supposed flaws of yours. They'll be thinking of their own. ;)
Seriously, it's normal to be nervous at the start of anything new, including your first swim lesson. You'll be okay.
One thought: before the lesson (even a day or two before if you have a chance), introduce yourself to the instructor, let her/ him know you're looking forward to taking lessons. It might even be worth letting the instructor know you're a bit nervous and ask her/him for any tips to help you relax and be ready to go.
Do let us know how it goes!
As others said, just head for that swim class and have some fun! Everyone's nervous and self-conscious at first, so they won't be thinking of any supposed flaws of yours. They'll be thinking of their own. ;)
Seriously, it's normal to be nervous at the start of anything new, including your first swim lesson. You'll be okay.
One thought: before the lesson (even a day or two before if you have a chance), introduce yourself to the instructor, let her/ him know you're looking forward to taking lessons. It might even be worth letting the instructor know you're a bit nervous and ask her/him for any tips to help you relax and be ready to go.
Do let us know how it goes!
