Question:
Does anyone swim regularly for exercise?

I'm struggling with finding a mode of exercise I can stick with. I'm thinking of joining the YMCA, because I have always liked to swim. (Though all I do is a glorified dog paddle.) I have lost 80 pounds, but I currently weigh 305, so I have far to go. I have not had surgery, and am hoping I can avoid it. So I won't have any surgery-specific issues, if there are any. Anyway, I wish folks who have done it would talk about swimming - did it help you tone, did it make you hungry, did it affect your weight loss pattern, etc. What I'm thinking about the whole horror of being seen in a bathing suit is - this is something I have to do for me, and people who have nothing better to do than stare at me can go jump. Of course, I might change that tune after one visit. Thanks in advance for your replies!    — Kim A. (posted on February 9, 2003)


February 8, 2003
I started going to the YMCA regularly at about 275#. I could care less what people thought, since I knew the weight was coming off. I started with water aerobics (Which I still do 3x week) and kickboarding. I love it. I say go for it! Once I am in a little better shape, I will start lap swimming. You will do great! Renee D
   — Renee D.

February 8, 2003
I have been swimming for the past four weeks. I am now just over 8 weeks post op. I swim about 35-40 lenghts in the pool each time, averaging about 3 miles of swimming per week. the inches re comming off if a little slower than the pounds but Im not complaining. swimming is great exercise, It works all the major muscle groups so keep it up. Annette.
   — Annette K.

February 9, 2003
WHen I weighed 500 lbs I tried to do water aerobics at YMCA. I was very self conscious until I got into the pool. After the first 5 minutes I as so exhausted I didn't care who was looking at me. Go for it. Pool stuff will help with joint problems. It didn't make me hungry it actually helped me feel full. I was tired the first couple of times though
   — snicklefritz

February 9, 2003
I love to swim and can't wait to be able to do it again. I've had to have me legs wrapped 24/7 so It was hard to figure out how to fit swimming in since I couldn't put the wraps on myself. Anyway a couple years ago I began to swim at out hospitals fitness center. I began walking laps then after awhile I tried to swim (my modified version) a lap and I could. With in two weeks I was able to swim/walk a mile! I weighed over 500 at the time. I would wear a pair of shorts with my suit. But I soon realized that a lot of the people there were very supportive of what I was doing for myself.
   — Sarahlicious

February 9, 2003
Kim, I have been visiting the pool since I was 4 weeks postopen RNY. I stared out slow with some stretching exercises and gradually increased. I usually spend an hour using leg weights and paddles to increase resistance in my arms... I use noodles to help with bicycling... and now I ahve added 15 minutes of cardio workout (cross country skiing,bicycling, jogging, and jumping jacks) in the water. The reason i like water workouts is two fold...it helps on the joints nd it really gives you a good workout. I am working on buiding up to 60 minutes of cardio 3 x a week and weights 2 x week...all done in the water. I belong too Health Works Fitness and Rehab... and enjoy every minute. I am down 80 lbs in 4.5 months. I have toned up a lot and can really tell the difference in my leg and arm muscles. I can also tell in my endurance with other forms of exercise!!! Good luck!!!
   — Susan H.

February 9, 2003
Kim - I have joined a gym and I do Deep Water Aerobics 4x's a week and I think it has really helped me. I'm 9 weeks post op today and down 62 lbs. If you live in the Dallas, TX area, a great place to workout would be the Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center located on Washington. If you have any questions, please let me know. Have a good one. James Malone [email protected]
   — James M.

February 10, 2003
I do water aerobics every Saturday morning and the good thing about this program is everyone is there for the same reason. So it doesn't matter what you look like in a bathing suit because nobody cares. I usually put my swim suit on before I leave home and wear sweats over them so I won't have to get naked in front of everyone. But I absolutely love it! I wish I knew how to swim, I would spend my entire day in that pool. Go for it girl!
   — aprilbaree

February 10, 2003
Good afernoon my sister, first of all you are right, you have to do this for yourself. I was 331 lbs and I loved to swim. I did it for myself and didn't care who looked. It works wonders for inches. Before I had surgery I use to do water arobics and swim and I lost inches quickly. It helps your entire body tone, because you use every muscle that you have. Take care of yourself and I'm very proud of your 80 lbs loss. God Bless, Lenay
   — Dortheria B.




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