Back in the pool

I was wondering if someone could advise me.. I have suffered with severe acne over the last number of years and now have acne scars on my back. I used to be a keen swimmer but for the last 6 years haven't been near a pool as am too embarrassed to be seen without my top. I know most indoor pools frown on the wearing of T-shirts etc...but does anyone have any advice....have recently got a proplapsed disc in my lower back so would love to get into the pool again... Any suggestions?......would be much appreciated! I don't know if this will make you feel better but I don't pay to much attention to the appearance of the other swimmers at my pool. There's an older guy with a white swim cap who is usually in the lane next to me - he's fast (which is motivating). There's a woman with a red & orange suit, and another who wears black and has a big mesh bag of stuff. They're the only ones I've really taken notice of, and thats really about all I can tell you about them. I doubt they could tell you much more about me - black suit, does a lot of backstroke maybe? I do understand a bit though. I had a baby in June and I think I look awful in my suit . . . I was not excited to drop my towel and walk across the deck, but now I'd bet no one really noticed. :dunno: I'm just having fun getting back in the swing of things.

I think most adult swimmers don't really care, especially if they are in the pool to get a workout themselves and the "problem" doesn't appear contagious. The other day some very heavyset guy got in the pool wearing some bulky long swim shorts. A few minutes later when I was between repeats, I noticed the swim shorts tossed on the pool deck. He was just shy and DID have a speedo on... That's fine and I think most of us would respect the guy just for getting in to do some swimming. We have other more important things to worry about during our swim like counting strokes/lengths/repeats, keeping track of the set, trying to get some air before the next repeat. I understand the feeling ... my towel is always wrapped around me right up to the last few feet to the pool.

I'm more likely to notice strokes than bodies. I'm no vision in spandex myself, but I doubt if a swimmer has noticed or thought twice if they did.

This club sounds so cool! I wish I hadn't already started the 0 to one mile workouts! I have slowly gotten through the first 3 weeks (slowly is the operative word for me) and am just beginning week 4. My endurance has always been a strength so I knew I could get to a mile soon enough. It's after reaching that mile that I will have difficulities. I am too slow to be able to follow any of the workouts I find here, but I want some challenge to increase my speed if only just a little. There may be a Master's workout starting at my local Y, and I am hopeful with my schedule that I will be able to get to those once a week. I am enjoying the 0 to one mile workouts -- it is great to have a focused goal each time in the pool. Once I get to that mile however, it will be back to simply doing laps, is why I am looking for other similar options for workouts. Nancy

This club sounds so cool! I wish I hadn't already started the 0 to one mile workouts! I have slowly gotten through the first 3 weeks (slowly is the operative word for me) and am just beginning week 4. My endurance has always been a strength so I knew I could get to a mile soon enough. It's after reaching that mile that I will have difficulities. I am too slow to be able to follow any of the workouts I find here, but I want some challenge to increase my speed if only just a little. There may be a Master's workout starting at my local Y, and I am hopeful with my schedule that I will be able to get to those once a week. I am enjoying the 0 to one mile workouts -- it is great to have a focused goal each time in the pool. Once I get to that mile however, it will be back to simply doing laps, is why I am looking for other similar options for workouts. Nancy Maybe you could restart and see if you could better your times a bit?

This club sounds so cool! I wish I hadn't already started the 0 to one mile workouts! Nancy Nancy you can be our pioneer and still encourage those of us who start in Feb. So you will still be a valued member. :wiggle:

Week 3 is killing me. I did the first of three days with no problem, but since I'm back working now (I prepare taxes), I can only swim after 9pm. On Tuesday, I got through the 1x400 just fine, but I was dying at the end of the 4x100s. I kept going through sheer stubborness. That was 2 days ago, and I am still discovering muscle groups I didn't know I had. I am not looking forward to tonight (but I kinda am, if you know what I mean.) If tonight is as difficult, do you think I should spend more time at this distance or push on to the next level and hope the lifeguards are awake? (Does anyone else have problems keeping track of laps? I forget sometimes whether I am on the front or back 50 of a 100 yard segment. Any tricks to share?)

Week 3 is killing me. I did the first of three days with no problem, but since I'm back working now (I prepare taxes), I can only swim after 9pm. On Tuesday, I got through the 1x400 just fine, but I was dying at the end of the 4x100s. I kept going through sheer stubborness. That was 2 days ago, and I am still discovering muscle groups I didn't know I had. I am not looking forward to tonight (but I kinda am, if you know what I mean.) If tonight is as difficult, do you think I should spend more time at this distance or push on to the next level and hope the lifeguards are awake? (Does anyone else have problems keeping track of laps? I forget sometimes whether I am on the front or back 50 of a 100 yard segment. Any tricks to share?) 1) Energy drink 2) Warm shower before you swim. 3) Stick to the plan. Ask the guard to cheer you on!! 4) Hot shower after swim. 5) Eat a banana. 6) Feel mighty! Go get 'em tiger!

Thanks for the cheer, Rich. I kinda figured that since I can do the 1250 yards, I should just keep moving on and pushing myself. Sometimes you need a cheer or a kick in the behind, you know?

I guess I won't be able to join the club since I also already started the 0-mile workout this week along with Nancy. It takes me around 30 min to complete (freestyle) and then I repeat it (the workout) w/ backstroke for a total of 1400. Then I throw in several sets of breastroking 50's for good measure. So far so good. When the yardage starts to increase I'll drop the back/*** options.Not concerned about times at this point, just glad to be on track with a better stroke and improving cardio stamina. Good luck to all. Challenge yourself.