I really enjoy swimming and just signed up at a gym with a pool. However, I haven’t gone yet because it seems really intimidating. The sauna is right by the pool, and people are always coming and going, which makes me embarrassed to step out and swim. I’ve gained a bit of weight and have lipedema in my legs. I’m shy about how many people would notice my bare legs. Ladies, what’s your routine? Do you wear your bathing suit under your clothes, go to the locker room, braid your hair, and get in the pool? Do you have special flip-flops for poolside? Is my anxiety making this worse than it really is?
First off, forget what others think. You’re getting there to break bad habits and start new, healthier ones. If they have comments, they can keep them to themselves.
I wear my bathing suit under my clothes because I swim at my community center at specific hours. I don’t want to waste any of my swim time. I put on a bathing cap and I have a dedicated pair of flip-flops for pool workouts.
When I started, I mostly did breaststroke. I’d swim in the slow lane (they have different lanes for speed) and took a lot of breaks initially. As I went more, I added front crawl and backstroke. Eventually, I could do front crawl for the whole hour, but to keep it interesting, I mix in some breaststroke and backstroke. For Christmas, I got hand paddles and fins that have helped me improve my skills.
Trying swimming as exercise is fantastic. It has many benefits, and if you’re like me, you might love it.
I started when I was 45. Good luck!
@Winter
This could be my routine too. I’m 45 and have been swimming three days a week for almost a year now, regularly covering over 2000 yards in an hour. I may not be the fastest, but I keep improving and most importantly, I love it.
I braid my hair and wear a swim cap. I swam with just a French braid for a while, but now I have layers that won’t braid. I enjoy swimming at my community center since the crowd is older and more accepting. I know one lady there with lipedema who walks in the river, and it helps her a lot.
If you’re really self-conscious about your legs, consider getting one of those towel ponchos. You can wear it to the pool’s edge and leave it there while you swim. This way, you only have to reveal your legs for a short distance, and once you’re in the water, no one can see anything.
@Keller
Do you find that wearing a swim cap really helps your hair? I’m curious if it just keeps hair out of your face or can help prevent it from getting soaked.
Dylan said:
@Keller
Do you find that wearing a swim cap really helps your hair? I’m curious if it just keeps hair out of your face or can help prevent it from getting soaked.
It helps a bit. My hair still gets wet, but it minimizes chlorine damage. I’ve noticed I don’t need two shampoos after swimming anymore, which is a win. Plus, it prevents my hair from tangling around my goggles, which was damaging.
@Keller
I apply leave-in conditioner to my hair before putting it in my cap, hoping it adds extra protection.
Dylan said:
@Keller
Do you find that wearing a swim cap really helps your hair? I’m curious if it just keeps hair out of your face or can help prevent it from getting soaked.
I have thick hair and the cap protects the top of my head. My roots still get wet, but it definitely helps protect the ends.
@Winter
I agree! Good for you.
I’m a fellow swimmer here! I wear my bathing suit under my clothes mainly for convenience. I wouldn’t wear your suit before swimming though. I have pool slides because pool floors are usually gross.
Don’t let your insecurities hold you back from swimming! It’s one of the best cardio exercises for anyone, especially those who carry extra weight. It’s low-impact and can really boost your fitness.
Don’t let the thought of a gym bro seeing your legs shorten your life span (a bit of a stretch, but you get the idea). Just get in the pool and start swimming!
Loving the responses here. I used to be a triathlete but now I’m disabled and chubby. Now it takes more courage for me to wear my suit and swim than it did when I used to race. You should do whatever works for you to make it to the pool. It can be tough at first, but it gets easier over time. You deserve to be yourself wherever you’re at. Keep your head high and smile at others. If they feel comfortable in their own skin, they’ll probably smile back at you.
One cool thing about the swimmers at the gym is they don’t care about other people’s bodies. They often don’t even notice. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you what other people are wearing at the pool. We’re all there to swim! We focus on our workouts, and looking at others can disrupt our speed. When you’re in the water, you’re in your own zone.
@Franz
Exactly! Lap swimmers, fit or not, don’t concern themselves with others as long as everyone respects etiquette. They just want to finish their workout and leave.
Try to not overthink it. Swimmers are usually among the most accepting people at the gym.
I think it’s because we can’t hide our physical flaws in swimsuits. In other gym areas, you can wear clothing that helps hide your insecurities.
“Is my anxiety making this worse than it really is?” - Yes. No one cares about your legs. Just dive into the pool! Maybe get a swim cap to help protect your hair as well. I keep flip-flops in my swim bag to avoid slipping on the pool deck.
Depending on my plans, I either wear my swimsuit under my clothes or change at the gym. I have flip-flops for walking to/from the pool and take my gear bag with my cap, goggles, earplugs, and towel to the pool deck - no wraps over my suit. No one cares what you look like, and once you’re in the water, no one sees anything. I just walk back to the locker room wrapped in my towel to shower and change.
I used to compete but have gained a bit of weight. I love seeing different body types in the pool. Own your body, rock those legs, and enjoy your time. Everyone at the pool wants you to be comfortable and have a good time.
I usually go to the gym after work. I wear work clothes, then change in the locker room. My routine is to take off everything but my bathing suit and store it. I put on my flip-flops, bring my shampoo, conditioner, body wash, my swim cap, and goggles.
I walk to the poolside in my suit and flip-flops, pull out my gear, get in the lane and swim my workout!
After, I use the hot tub for a bit, then shower, rinse off my goggles, cap, and swimsuit, and return to the locker room to get dressed.
Honestly, no one cares about how you look or what you’re doing. As long as you’re respectful, you’ll find all sizes and ages swimming.
Just do it! Don’t sweat the small stuff; dive in and see how much you enjoy it.
I usually change at the gym because I walk to the pool. I go during less busy hours since I often swim backstroke and prefer having my lane. I get ready at the pool based on my preferences, but it’s not a must.
Just showing up is the first win.
While it’s true that most people aren’t looking or judging, you can cover up as much as you’d like. For instance, you can change in the locker room, then wrap a large towel around yourself as you walk to the pool. Enjoy your swim!
You’re definitely overthinking this. When anxiety kicks in, acknowledge it and just move on. (Thanks for the input Brenda, but I’m going swimming anyway.)
I often wear my swimsuit under my clothes for convenience. If I work out first, I change into my suit afterward. Either way, I shower in my swimsuit before getting in the water to rinse my hair and minimize chlorine exposure.
I change into dry clothes after swimming. I have dedicated flip-flops for the locker room and pool deck, and I also wear a swim cap and goggles.
You’ll notice a range of ages and bodies at your pool. My YMCA is very inclusive, with therapy swimmers alongside lap swimmers. No one cares about anyone else’s appearance, and many don’t have their glasses or contacts so they can’t see clearly either.
Some folks wear robes on pool decks for warmth. I just wrap myself in a towel.
You’re there to improve your health, and other people’s opinions don’t matter. Most people at the pool are there to work out too. Use the sauna and hot tub to warm up as needed. Definitely wear flip-flops! Just focus on getting your heart rate up for 20 minutes a day, and you’ll see progress. The positive changes in your brain chemistry will keep you coming back. Good luck on your journey!