How to get over my embarrasment to go swimming?

I want to get fit and i would love to join the local swimming pool, but im too embarrased to get into a swimsuit in front of people cos i hate my body. I have cellulite on my thighs and a bit of a pot belly. I enjoy swimming,so it would be something i would stick at. How can i get over my embarrassment?

allie <33	Join the club right now. Then you have 3 months until summer when you can start swimming! Because you've already joined the club you'll feel motivated to work out so you don't feel embarassed while at the pool. But remember, when you work out there is no such thing as "spot toning". You can't just do crunches and all of a sudden obtain a flat, sleek stomach. Cut down on high fat foods and get out and get moving! Even if its only for 30 minutes a day, if you are running around or even playing with the kids you'll see results. And if you add some weights and toning too, the results will come along even quicker! Good luck!

Catie luvs ya!!! ;)	same thing with me what i do is try to forget and if that doesnt work i think to myself that these people dont know me and most likely never will so it doesnt matter what they think of me it usually helps alot!!! good luck

littlepunki1010	just don't care what other people think! seriously.. put on your swimsuit jump in the pool and do what you love

runhappy2007	Go to the pool first clothed. Look around & look for somebody who u think is far worse than u, I am sure there are a lot. The fact that they are there in their bathing suit tells u that it is perfectly OK to be in a swimsuit even if u r not Miss Bikini Open 2008. This will give u enough motivation to go to the dressing room, wear your swimsuit & go to the pool & have fun.

needlewings	Just don't care about what other people think! You are there for you! If you want, wear a towel around your waist until you get to the pool. No one's going to gawk, they may look pretty funny in a suit too. I know I do! lol You wouldn't believe how many people won't swim because they are too embarrassed. The ones that do go, I see them as doing an initiative and more power to them! oh and I swim 4 to 5 days a week at the college pool and a lot hangs out as I am about 100 lbs. over weight, but that doesn't stop me, it keeps my joints mobil and that's all that matters.

amy	walk wit your head high, love who you are cause at the end of the day its you that decides how you feel... atleast you wont be at home sitting around eating and being lazy adding on to the problem u already have..go to the pool its a step for you!!

katherine	don't worry what other people think! conquer your fear, and convince yourself that you won't have to look like you do much longer, and that what you are doing is going to get rid of the fear and the uncomfortable fat. p.s. try lots of kick (like around 1000-2000 yards/meters) and lots of fly kick, because both should get rid of fat on your legs and belly

~<33~	believe in yourself who cares what anyone else thinks??!!

EddyJ	I've convinced people to do this before if you love going swimming enough you'll know in your head that you don't care what others think. And if you do have a bit a pot belly going swimming is obviously going to help that. So instead of sitting there thinking about your body get out there, believe in yourself and change that. Be happy

Mitsy	Can you dress at home and just go to the pool in your bathing suit? Or maybe your local gym has private dressing areas? Or is it actually being in a swimsuit in front of people that bothers you? There are actually some great swimsuits out there that will slim your tummy and hide your thighs and are still really cute (think vintage/retro looking rather than dowdy). I think if you find a suit you really like, it will make you feel more confident about going. Congratulations on getting active! Good luck!

Cappo359	You know, most people aren't really going to pay much attention since they're into their own issues. The ones who do notice are most likely going to think something along the lines of "good for you!" That's what I think anyway, good for you. Nothing else really matters and you can do this.

Stoltz - E	Just be yourself. I look for a girl who is beautiful on the inside and if people can look past your body flaws, you will be more comfortable around people.

twirlgirlsk8r13	if youre really that embarrassed join a team with just a few people, it will limit the people you are worried about seeing your trouble areas. or buy a swimsuit with boy-short bottoms and a tank-styled top. also, some one pieces or tankinis have skirt bottoms which could make you feel more comfortable. also you should try to accept that you are unique and your body is beautiful in its own way. you should never hate your body, you should respect it. i know people hear that a lot, but it is true. try some simple toning exercises if you really want to make a healthy change. good luck. you seem to love swimming. don't let a little fear hold you back from something you love.

MaryisHERE	how about joining a swimming group designated for older men and women? I bet you won't care what your body looks like if you're in a pool with elderly women. :D just a suggestion though. I know how you feel. I've got a bit of a tummy too.

laulbow	A)Shop till you drop to find a flattering suit. They are out there. B)Most of the times I have ever been to the pool during lap time, it's mostly older ladies, and they sure won't notice or care! C)Once you're actually in the water, nobody can see your cellulite or pot belly (both of which are probably not as bad as you think they are), so wrap a large fluffy beach towel around yourself, and just drop it on a chair or whatever at the last possible minute. No biggie. Good for you for getting healthier!!!

Holly H	I am the same way. No matter what people tell me I'm still not comfortable. I think we just have to find the most flattering bathing suit and try to get over it....=( I know this isn't much help. I'm sorry.

Lucy	dont worry about it! I've seen people who weigh over 200 pounds in bikini's strolling around the swim centre as if they own the place. Have confidence~! good luck.

horizon	even if u get looks, just go through with u want to do and swim!! u will get so healthy since swimming is a great exercise. and u'll lose weight and tone up. even if people stare, just hold ur head high and keep with it! show them that u wont let them bring u down! lol.

Apryl L	Weare board shorts and a sun shirt until you feel comfortable enough to go in a suit

Reva	Think of it this way... If you swim you lose the thighs and belly!

eeksdeeks	for now, wear a 1 piece bathing suit with frills under chest area. show your cleavage if you got it. definitely go swimming because swimming will help trim your waist.....lessen your eating of carbohydrates, more veggies and fruits, and proteins like chicken and fish. know that you are a beautiful person as you are, and swim and enjoy ! cheerio !

froggyontop	Go on a river, tubin.

lostblackjackqueen	Darlin. Everyone is to a certain extent...self consious about putting on a bathingsuit especially in front of people We don't even know...It doesn't matter how great U look...I would start w/ the attitutude...that U started w/ when U wrote Us asking for answers to this problem...U want to achieve something...So right now...just go either way a full 1 piece w/ a skirt...that is also 1 color perfably in black...that has a illusion, it hides more. 2. wear the suit w/ a pair of bermuda shorts...that will stretch on water...loose material...Soon, U'll feel that U can handle just the suit alone....Good Luck!!!

thebigd	Put on a diffrent swimming suit one that dont show as much full body fit.

jromeo12@sbcglobal.net	Everyone gets embarrassed at some point just think of the other people around you some of them aren't comfortable in their skin either i also was afraid to show my body at pool parties and all but once you think that everyone has had that fear before its not that bad

mike	Stop hating your body and love your self for who you are!=]

kenyadigthemusic?	Get it into your mind that "I don't give a ****, I love my pot belly" Act like you don't care and then you will start not to and soon after swimming so much you'll lose that pot belly. Just act like everyone else is Jaba the hut and you're kate moss!

gunsnroses13	you shouldnt care what other people say your probably a really prettie girl

missmary	i worked at a day camp and we went to the pool everyday, and let me tell you, there are plenty worse things to see at the pool. a pot belly and cellulite do not even compare, so just put on your swimming suit and get in that water! swimming may help lose weight, if that is what you are looking to do.

bellamente	most people have cellulite, it's normal and quickest way to mask it, if you wish to, would probably be to tan if that's feasible. i have cellulite and don't like it but don't stress because those people looking THAT close shouldn't be! get a swimsuit you look really good in, and that should help motivate you to actually go out and use it. and don't hate your body, there's really no point to it, plus why hate it if it helps accomplish so much for you?