I've loved swimming ever since I was little. I've had a wide number of weight problems and emotional problems and am currently 5'3" and 257 lbs. I decided to start an exercise program and joined the local YMCA a few days ago. I bought a swimsuit, swimcap, goggles, lock, etc. I'm ready to begin. The thought of being in the water and swimming laps makes me deliriously happy. But whenever I try to go, I stop because I'm so embarrassed about coming out of the locker room and looking like a fat cow. I also fear getting into the water, looking stupid as I start swimming, getting tired after 1 lap, etc. How can I get over these fears?

Does anyone have any thoughts or tips on combatting fears? I could really use the help!

The only way to overcome your fear, is to face it head on.

Go through a check list.

Write down what the worst possible outcome of facing your fear might be, go ahead, think of as many as you can, and write them down.

So you end up with something like, people will make fun of me. OK, like that hasn't happened to you already in your life, and you made it through it, didn't you? I will look stupid. OK, maybe you will, but who cares, you are doing what it takes to better yourself, anyone who does that is NOT STUPID. People will laugh at me when I swim. OK, but you will be so busy swimming, and getting in shape, how will you notice?

The only person who can help you with you is you. Go for it, you've really got nothing to loose, but some weight and a body that may be a little out of shape, but hey, YOU have decided to do something about that now, haven't you!

Gem07... check into their water exercise classes. Most of those classses are comprised of over weight people, disabled and elderly. It may make you more comfortable than if you jump right in with buff slender people.

Also certain times of the day there are fewer people there. I know at our Y around 9 to 11 it is almost empty and around 1 to 3. That is Monday thu Friday... You could ask the workers what the off hours are during the weekend.

Ok, if you wear a thong or skinny two piece, you may well not want to come out, but if you wear a decent swim outfit there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Thank you so much for the encouragement/ideas, I really needed it. I went to the Y today but did not yet find the courage to swim. I did, however, manage to fight some of my fear and get onto an elliptical trainer for 10 minutes. (I had to stop because I felt like I was going to die.) I made an appointment with a personal trainer for Monday! I have a 1-year membership and feel I can get down to a healthy BMI in that time. I'm going to make another attempt at swimming tomorrow. Will keep you posted and let you know if/when I achieve success.