So, brief back story.

I swam competitively from 8 yrs old through till I was18. I haven't swam a lick since then. Every now and then when we're somewhere with a pool I'll bust out the butterfly for like .5 seconds and then I'm wiped. I still feel like I could do all the strokes in my sleep, but I'm scared to get started again.

I bought myself my swimcap and goggles, got a new Speedo swimsuit just hanging in my closet waiting for me to join the Rec Plex and just do it.

I have no idea why I'm so intimated when this is something that I did throughout my whole childhood. Part of it is I hate me in a swimsuit, another part is the dreaded being judged by people syndrome.

I guess, I need you guys who swim for exercise to kick me in the ass. I know once I get in the Water and get started it'll be old hat....it's getting me INTO the water that I'm petrified of.

Sorry for my semi-rant/motivation post.

Just do it. One of the advantages of returning to an exercise that you used to do is that you will quickly feel very comfortable in that environment again which makes it easier to keep it up. I enjoy swimming and have found a quiet pool with few lap swimmers and am loving being back in the water.

Thanks, Tracey. A quiet pool sounds lovely. Just to be able to get in and do your own thing without getting in anyone's way.

I told my b/f that we should at least try a day pass at the pool by us and go from there. He needs the exercise too. Need a cattle prod for the two of us.

Swimming is one of my favorite exercizes. I love when my pool is open for the season. Every single night, when I get home I swim laps and then lay on a float and read. Keeps me outside relaxing instead of inside eating everything in sight. You obviously love swimming, so just do it. You will be more likely to stick with an exercize if it is something you like.

Go on girl! Put that Speedo on and get in that pool.

I am starting an auquasize program in the morning. I have been working out at the gym for 3 weeks. The treadmills overlook the pool, and I just want to dive in. I have lost lost 22 lbs, but I am still insecure. I bought a new suit yesterday and tomorrow I will start my croos training. Jump in the pool and enjoy your time excercising. Good luck!

I love to swim and have been doing it for 2 weeks now. you just have to remind yourself why you are there and what it is you are acomplishing. and not worry about anyone else but you. at least you are there and working toward something amazing!! dont let other people keep you from doing something that you love to do!!!

I've been doing Water aerobics since January and LOVE IT!! However, I got banded on the 9th and not allowed in the water yet I can't wait to get back in. At first, I was so worried about how the other people would see me. (I go to a pool at the gym on a Military Base so most that go there are in shape). But I have found people to be kind and most aren't even found interested in what I am doing since they are busy working out themselves.

Good luck! GO! Just dive right in!

Swimming has always been my favorite exercise. I don't even consider exercise. And it was swimming that got me really active post surgery.

I belong to the Y so I can swim during the winter but my favorite is to swim at about 6 p.m. on a really hot summer day outdoors. (I keep my suit in the trunk of my car and go after work.) I spend 45 minutes doing laps. Treading Water is incredible at burning calories. I think I really like it because I am in my own thoughts with no interruption and get a lot sorted out.

Tracey - go swim! There is nothing better than engaging in an activity you like and excel at!! I love water, I love swimming, and I have had no weird looks from the other lap swimmers about my size. Lap swimmers are an elite club, and they welcome anyone who can stick with it! Good luck.

Thanks everyone for your motivation and support!!! I really am excited to get back at it again. :wub:

Looking at your ticker if I can swim in public so can you.

Picture this: At 365 pounds I bought myself a fat lady swim suit, complete with skirt. I can swim but figured it would be easier with a snorkle. So swimdress, snorkle, swimcap and waterproff MP3 player (A MUST); walking out to the pool in front of the high school swim team using the rest of the pool. Presurgery lowering food intake and lapswimming I got down to 282 the day of surgery.

If you must wear a towl to the pool and take it off right before you get in do it. Big deal. The way I look at it is they can't comment about the way I look working out AND complain that I'm fat because I don't work out.

I've even had people come up to me and say they convinced a loved one they could go swim because they could use a snorkle which would make it easier.

Again Water proof MP3 player is fabulous. Makes time go by so much faster.

Ahhh, Honk, I was trying to remember who told us about the waterproof MP3 player. Thanks again for the reminder, sounds like a must have!! You're a great inspiration!