Hi,
I have been swimming for a short time now, and have fallen in love with lap swimming. I am 37 years old female who is very overweight and out of shape. My weight was over 300 and I had many health problems. I made many life changes and now have lost 62 lbs. I discovered that I like to work out, but my stamina is really low right now. When I started swimming I just wanted to make it accross the pool. Now that I can do that, I want to increase my endurance, stamina, and learn how to swim with good technique.
I competed on a speech team in college, so I understand the advantage of working with a coach as well as maintaining a workout routine.
Fear has kept me from joining -- will I be laughed at when I show up at the pool? Do I need to wait until I have lost more weight to join? Am I too much of a "beginner" to join? I would rather have people tell me honestly if my weight is a problem, than be embarrassed at the pool.
Any input would be appriciated.
Thanks, Kelly
(sorry about spelling)
Parents
Former Member
Kelly,
There are many, many stories of people who were at first reluctant to join, and after having done so, they wondered what took them so long in the first place. Don't be self conscious, because everyone at the pool is there to swim. Your participation will be inspirational not only to the regulars, but to others who haven't found the courage to move past our society's silly notion that skin and bones is healthy and attractive. I have a secret strange desire to take those runway models to a Wendy's and force feed them cheese burgers and ice cream until they pop.
Being overweight is a little bit like being dressed in layers. With regular activity, very unsuspectingly, each layer fades away. Underneath is an athlete on their way up to the surface. You deserve a congratulations on wanting to join. Have fun, and make this your focus. Getting thinner will happen wether you like it or not.
Best wishes on your new beginning.
Kelly,
There are many, many stories of people who were at first reluctant to join, and after having done so, they wondered what took them so long in the first place. Don't be self conscious, because everyone at the pool is there to swim. Your participation will be inspirational not only to the regulars, but to others who haven't found the courage to move past our society's silly notion that skin and bones is healthy and attractive. I have a secret strange desire to take those runway models to a Wendy's and force feed them cheese burgers and ice cream until they pop.
Being overweight is a little bit like being dressed in layers. With regular activity, very unsuspectingly, each layer fades away. Underneath is an athlete on their way up to the surface. You deserve a congratulations on wanting to join. Have fun, and make this your focus. Getting thinner will happen wether you like it or not.
Best wishes on your new beginning.
