Should I be embarrassed - swimming..

W

Welshblade1

New member
Hi,

Im late 20s and a real gym junkie.. I am very muscular and have been training for over 10 years..

But everytime I step into a pool, I just cant swim. Im breathless after 25 metres and completely drained.. Ive felt very uncomfortable when going white water rafting due to falling out and really struggling even with life jacket.

I want to learn properly how to swim not only per personal safety and fitness but also in the event someone else needs help or a child needs help that I could help..

But im just really embarrassed to go to swim class. Most swim classes are for kids or teenagers.. To make it worse im very toned and defined which will probably bring more attention to me and my un co-ordinated swimming state..

Ive booked in for a lesson tomorrow, its with "older teenagers".. the lady said for me to bring a pair of speedos and goggles..

Im doing it for the right reason but the embarrassment of doing it.. Should have done it 15-20 years ago
 
I wish it was that way...

But when enquiring about swim classes, the kids classes are every night and there are two or three classes a day.. Adults class, Friday night only.

So there are obviously more kids taking up learning to swim.

Thanks for the support all, I will let you know how I go.
 
Don't be embarrassed at all! Many of us did not have the opportunity to lears to swim at an early age, and never learn at all because of it. I would march proudly (in your speedos :)) to the pool, and go for it.

Just think of all the enjoyment you will get once you are water safe, and a confident swimmer!

Is it ever too late to learn anything? NO. I'm sure your teacher will be totally understanding, and your classmates too. I think it's just great! Let us know how the class goes-I bet you are going to love it.

:wave:
 
Will let you know how it goes..

Im sure its possible for me to swim. Just need the right coaching. I really want to learn. In the meantime, the embarrassment is what im worried about.

Hopefully some kid can get some confidence out of this... "well im better than that big guy" or the mums will be saying to their kids.. look that big guy is having a go, you can have a go too..

Look at the reasons for doing it.. Its a no contest.

But there is that embarrassing side. what would you honestly think if you saw some muscle guy in his goggles and speedos in the pool with a swim instructor and a group of teenagers.

I dont know why its just embarrassing.. Know what I mean? I just cant bring myself to tell my friends etc. they would probably attend and laugh about it.

By the way I appreciate the support..
 
I would think that someone is learning how to swim.

Although you should be aware that people with very low body fat do not float as easily as those with higher body fat. The swim instructor should be familiar with that, though (especially if the class sees 15-19 year old boys, some of whom have very low body fat due to typical teenage boy metabolism).
 
There are only fewer adult classes because there are fewer adults. Your instruction will be designed for adult learners. Adults learn differantly than children do. Please don't talk you way out of swimming. For a few moments of anxiety, you will have a lifelong ability that you will never forget.

Should an adult never try to ride a bike for fear of looking silly? Now if you couldn't get away with the speedos, I could understand...but that is not your issue. Remember how few of us could put on a speedo...you are 90% there!

:wave:
 
I think it's awesome that you have the confidence to even sign up for the class! There's really nothing to be embarassed about, and I bet, all around, everyone will enjoy having you in the class. Maybe you'd even be like a role model to the kids?? :)
 
They might be teaching me more than I can teach them. Im just too big and heavy with all the weight training to float.. Ive tried in public pools when noone is around.

Muscle guy standing there in my speedos and goggles, the kids mums will all be smirking the whole time. Its just embarrassing.

But I must think about the valid reasons why im doing it.. One day I could have a kid and I need to swim so they can be safe in water. Its just not acceptable not be able to help them.
 
I beg to differ...big strong muscle men can swim. You just need to be shown the proper breathing technique...that's what keeps your bouyancy.

What typically happens to someone that's scared in the water is that they gulp and gasp for air, holding their breath in between. Then they begin to bob up and down, making them more panicked. If you add in some arm flailing, your done.

What you will learn is controlled calm breathing, with proper body movements to float, swim, tread water, rest, etc. I have taught many adults to overcome thier swimming phobia's, even a group of Marines!

Open your mind, and you will swim. Please let us know how the first class goes.
 
I know it can be done. body fat content or not. Just need a little help from a professional.

Im not sure that you understand how it would be embarrassing though.

Learning to swim is more associated with a kids thing to do..
 
I went to two swimming classes.. One friday night and another saturday arvo..



Fridays class: A little daunting at first using the giant noodle thing and kickboard. I had some trouble with boyancy and breathing. She said that it takes time to get the breathing right. That I need to relax in the water and not be so tense. Felt very tired in the water, much moreso than the gym routine. Forgot my goggles and my eyes burnt for the rest of the night afterwoods...To the embarrassing part, I felt like the lady instructor was perving on me the whole time. Standing there in the water in my speedos. She was definately getting a bit of a look at my pecks especially. No big issue. There wasnt too many people around so other than that no problem.

Saturday: Less people in the class. Worked solely on breathing for the hour. need some practise.. what can I do..

Ill be back until im good at it.. Planning on 3 months, they say more like a year +
 
It's Friday afternoon in San Diego, so I'm trying to figure out what time it is in Sydney! Wait a minute, my young son just informed me that is already 8:33 a.m. Saturday in Sydney.

Did you go to Friday night swimming? I am so anxious to hear. :wave:
 
Good luck with learning to swim, I know adults that can't swim and it really is a shame. People pay me out because I can't dive but lucky for me I can swim.
 
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