Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

orca1946 — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 05:11:06 GMT

The sooner you exhale from the nose the better you will become. Try to do this when it is calm water = by blowing out in a controlled manner for about 3 - 6 sec. to get the timing of swimming.

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

Sojerz — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 12:29:47 GMT

What I'm having hard time with now is exhaling through the nose underwater - I just can't seem to do it. But I have no issue exhaling through my mouth. Should I get a nose plug? I wouldn't worry too much about quickly learning to exhale through your nose. Exhaling through your mouth works, and you can adapt over time to exhaling through the nose.

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

Bobinator — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 06:39:06 GMT

I agree with Sojerz, use your mouth. As time goes on you can move to the nose. Be patient and forgiving with yourself as you learn swimming skills. The most important thing in the water is to RELAX. If you are working a small problem too hard you will be tense. Swimming is chill and loose.

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

Former Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:59:02 GMT

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! The first week of class has gone well, and as it turns out there is quite a variety of body shapes and fitness levels there. And I'm using muscles I didn't know existed! What I'm having hard time with now is exhaling through the nose underwater - I just can't seem to do it. But I have no issue exhaling through my mouth. Should I get a nose plug?

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

Former Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:07:22 GMT

Thought I'd add my two cents. I swim at the Y and one of our life guards is easily morbidly obese. But let me tell you, if I were were in a drowning situation, I want Karen (not her real name) to be the one on duty. She out swims all the other lifeguards hands down. The first time I saw her swim I was in total awe. She's fast, powerful and incredibly graceful at the same time. Her water endurance is off the chain. Those little skinny, mini lifeguards are always asking her for tips and advice, lol. If you've never seen her in the pool, and didn't understand that weight and size has nothing to do with being a profficient or even a great swimmer you might be inclined to be judgemental. I know I was at first so shame on me! Also, if she's self conscious about her size, you'd NEVER know it as she walks around the pool deck in her one piece swim suit. Every time I think of her confidence, I smile. You'll be just fine. Even if you are self conscious the first time you go, just act like you are and pretty soon you won't be and then you'll wonder why you were apprehensive in the first place.

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

Bobinator — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 08:18:41 GMT

Hey Edude!! Congratulations for taking the plunge! Please don't worry about a thing as far as your body goes. Chances are you are your own worst critic anyway. I'd have to say my swimming friends are my favorite friends. You've got to love any adult who will show up for a swim practice wearing brief lycra and workout for 75-90 minutes with other like-minded humans. I think you'll find nothing but support and positive attitudes from the people you swim with; if that's not true I'd find another group. Have fun!!

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

Former Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:36:23 GMT

thanks for the advice!

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

orca1946 — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 06:12:24 GMT

I was puzzled when I was called "orca" early in swimming. I asked how that name came up - the reply was" You swim really fast for a big guy" Put into the pool the person you are , not the one someone else says you should be !!!

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

Sojerz — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 06:22:36 GMT

There a lots of over weight people who use the pool for exercise because buoyancy reduces the stress on joints and provides a psychological advantage too. As lots of others have learned, a pool is a great place to get started. You're engine is water cooled - no hot sweaty spandex - and you can take it easy and enjoy the weightless feeling. Take your time - a little progress each practice.

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

__steve__ — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 05:07:06 GMT

All body types swim.water never discriminates

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

Swimosaur — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 04:17:46 GMT

I like it! ... :) Thanks! But it's scarcely original. It comes from running ... google returns 468,000 hits ... :)

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

Former Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 09:42:55 GMT

Thank you for posting this! I too am overweight (and as a lady with tons of cellulite,) so I am dreading my first class, but I know I need to do this.... Will wear swim shorts/and cover up as much as I can.

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

ourswimmer — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 06:42:17 GMT

Will wear swim shorts/and cover up as much as I can. Don't wear "swim shorts" unless you actually like them. After all, covering your skin in stretchy clothing will not disguise your size or shape. Just wear comfortable swimwear and enjoy yourself.

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

orca1946 — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 04:31:15 GMT

Do this for yourself!! As an over weight swimmers myself, you are doing what is right for you, so do not worry about what others think. The skinny guy is in the same water as you. All body types swim.

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

FindingMyInnerFish — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 09:53:02 GMT

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!

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

magick17 — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 09:32:13 GMT

No..I never have any issues..everyone treats me like an athlete. I swam at a lot of different places. Just get in and do it..it's only that much better for you. good luck and enjoy!

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

smontanaro — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 11:48:34 GMT

Remember, you're lapping everybody who's sitting at home on the couch. I like it! Made it my signature... :)

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

waves101 — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 09:37:49 GMT

If there's one thing I've learned in my 35+ years of hanging around at pools its definitely that you'll see all shapes and sizes. And, with that said, I've never heard anyone say "he/she's too fat, skinny, tall, short, etc. to swim." Just focus on your objective and enjoy the exercise.

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

Swimosaur — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 08:42:13 GMT

Should I even care? Nope. You'd fit right in at the swimming classes at my club. Remember, you're lapping everybody who's sitting at home on the couch. Go for it! Get busy!

RE: Noob: overweight and nervous for upcoming class

gobears — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 08:39:23 GMT

Hey edude567! Congratulations on your new endeavor! It's always a little intimidating to try something new. I don't know about the particular class you've signed up for but I can't imagine that anyone will care about your weight or body hair. You will likely see all kinds of body types at the pool. Most of them - if they are thinking about this kind of thing at all - will be more worried about what they look like than what you look like. We all tend to worry more about ourselves than everyone else. You will definitely not be committing any faux pas by showing up at the pool. I think it's awesome you are trying something new. Go out there, have fun and don't worry about anyone else :)