How to Overcome Shame/Embarrassment at the Gym?

I have a paid membership to my local YMCA for going on 3 months now.  They have a pool and a weight room as well as other areas for exercise classes, walking, tennis, volleyball... basically all kinds of physical exercise.    My doctor won't clear me to do Zumba or work out with weights at this time, so I am limited to using the pool to do walking, swimming laps and/or water aerobics group classes.  

My problem is this.... I am completely ashamed, embarrassed and disgusted at the thought of putting on a swim suit.  I don't want to see that much of me revealed, so I am quite sure strangers will be repulsed by it as well.  I am pre-op so starting an exercise program now can only improve my surgical outcomes later and instill new healthy habits to replace the old "fatness" habit of doing nothing.

Did anyone else encounter this issue and how did you get past it?  I really hate paying for a service that I have yet to use.  

I can understand being self-conscious, but putting that aside could be one of your first NSV's.  My bathing suit is a two-piece tank top style with shorts.  Maybe finding something like that would help.  

You could also arrive early in the mornings or late at night, so maybe it wouldn't be so busy.  If you wanted to do an aerobics class, arrive a few minutes early, leave a cover-up close to where you will exit the pool and cover up as soon as you get out.  

There are a lot of ugly people in the world, but there are also a lot of people who will give you Kudos (even in their minds) for even trying.

Good luck! 

Maybe a swim dress with swim shorts would help you feel more covered and less exposed?  

Ultimately, no one at the gym will be looking at you because they're all too concerned that YOU'RE looking at THEM :)  

there are some really big people in my water aerobics classes.  I used to be one of them - and I weighed over 300 lbs at the time.   I never felt like the lone ranger at all.   If you're really worried about it, go in the morning (if you can).  Most of the people in morning water aerobics classes are seniors.  They don't care. But then neither did the ones in my evening classes, because a lot of them are really large.  

P.S.  I wore shorts over my swimsuit when I was really heavy.  But it was just my self-consciousness.  I doubt anyone cared.

maybe go observe a class sometime?  Even just for five or ten minutes?  Seriously, a lot of people who take water aerobics at my YMCA are really heavy.  

I go to the Y, and My swimsuit is a skirt style one piece. As others said, you have options for more coverage and to strategically place towels and coverups.

But seriously, the only way to get over it is just to do it. I can tell you no one cares what you look like (they don't) or that it doesn't matter what we wear in or out of the pool. You can't camouflage obesity. Fear and shame aren't rational. You just have to find a way to power through it. After the first time, it will get easier. 

In addition to the pool, are you able to use the treadmill or recumbent bikes? My Y also has gentle yoga you might be able to get cleared for.

you know you're doing the right things to improve your health. Don't let your assumptions about other people derail that.

Own it.  You are making strides to better yourself.  People for the most part will impressed with you for being there.  I was reading on a workout type site and one guy was talking about a HUGE dude who was running on a treadmill.  Huge dude threw up all over the treadmill.  But was back a few days later running again. All the talk was about amazing respect and 'balls' of the dude working out AND not giving up. I can't imagine anything more disgusting that vomit on a treadmill lol.  But the response was good not bad.

So own it and go for it!  I get it bugs you but most people won't care, at least not in a bad way.

i have to be honest, people who go to the gym are going to work out.  they could care less what you are wearing or look like.  that is what you need to keep repeating to yourself.  Think about it, you are at the gym not like the 75 % of people sitting on their couch at home.  Be proud, keep your head up it will all get easier with time.

here is to a healthy and happy 2017

I appreciate your suggestions and support.  I already feel better just blurting it out.   I will be checking into observing a class or two that I am interested in.  I will also be working on "owning it".   Thanks to all those commenting and I so appreciate having this site for support.