Like in a nightmare....

[LOWCARBINCLEVELANDOH]

....I had a horrible experience today. I feel like I need to share it here because you guys would understand how I felt.

I went down and joined a gym so I could start swimming again after being compeltely incapacitated for months due to weight gain and severe bronchitis. I got into the pool and swam for 1/2 hour and when it was time to get out, I couldn't.

My poor arthritic knees couldn't reach into the steps that are small and carved into the side of the pool like a ladder. I tried to beach myself like a whale by lifting out of the water but all I did was hurt my shoulders.

I was humiliated. There was no one else in the pool area so I started yelling for help. I worked myself up into a bit of a panic. Finally someone heard me and I was rescued. They brought a lawn chaiir and stuck it into the pool and Shamu finally was able to beach herself.

UGGGGGGGH. I was so upset I just sat in the hot tub and cried for about 15 minutes.

I am going to the luxury YMCA in DOwntown Cleveland to check the p[lace out tomorrow. They have stairs in their pool. Luckily I have 14 days to get out of my contract with the killer pool people.

Unfortunately, at the moment I am unable to exercise on dry land due to back problems and 2 knees that need replacing.

I have felt so guilty when you all talk about your exercise goals. I want to get back in the game.

On a good note, I bought a dress a month ago that fit very snigly. The event I bought it for is tomorrow. It now flows very nicely!

SOmething good is happening. I know that no bad things happen without a reason.....Maybe I belong at the Y.

[nikki_e]

Re: Like in a nightmare....

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. On the brighter side, at least you were the only one there and there weren't people to make you feel any worse. I hope the YMCA has a better set up for you.

You shouldn't feel guilty when you see other's exercise goals. Swimming is one of the best exercises out there! Plus, everybody just needs to do what they can do and do their best. I learned long ago not to compare myself to other's exercise, weightloss, etc. You are making the changes for you and your health and that is it...nobody else matters! Good for you!

Let us know how the YMCA is!

[allierw26]

Re: Like in a nightmare....

Awwww...that was a terrible experience! But you can't be the only one that might have a problem with those steps. When you cancel your membership, I would tell them why. Maybe those steps could be adjusted somehow. Everyone that wants to work out should have a safe and accomodating environment in which to do so. I hope you have a better experience at the Y!

[Terry]

Re: Like in a nightmare....

That was horrible for you.

I agree. Let them know why you are cancelling. It is hard to believe that they dont already have it set up for anyone regardless of what physical level they are at.

Swimming is the best exercise for someone with arthritis. Ive always told my husband when our ship comes in a pool wont be far behind. And if that ship is big enough then its gonna be a heated indoor pool!

[Sarah1341]

Re: Like in a nightmare....

Oh, Lowcarb, that just sucks. But you know what, you got out there and you did it. Everyone is right, you need to complain about those steps! You should not feel bad at all - you were doing something great for yourself and your arthritis.

I started exercise in baby steps too. I started out walking around the neighborhood as long as I could go - so like 10 mins, then 15 mins, now 30 mins and I have just made it through the entire WATP 2 mile tape this week. Baby steps. I still cannot do a proper situp and surely don't feel as if I'm doing proper crunches, though I try. Just hang in there and start small. Don't rush into anything for any long period of time until you are comfortable.

[Finelly]

Re: Like in a nightmare....

Ok, well, today I was swimming laps in the pool at LA fitness. The pool's far wall is a giant window that looks into the main check-in counter and the workout area.

So I'm sharing a lane with this guy and the middle lane opens up, so I decide to switch. The stupid thingy that divides the lane doesn't lift up high enough for me to duck under without getting my head wet and I didn't feel like going completely under water, so I thought ok, I'll just push it down slightly and slip on over.

Except that I lost my balance, floundered, flipped over backwards, *** in the air, flailing. Right in front of the window.

And 10 people were in line to check in, I'm sure. When I left, I waved to the girl checking people in, and she laughed and said "have a good swim?".....

So I'm with ya on this one. Embarassing, to be true. I still cringe when I think of it, and your situation was worse.

HOWEVER.......having had a kid who worked at a gym, I can tell you that they are very used to this. A LOT of people come in recovering from surgery or injuries and need help getting in and out of the pool. Sometimes people get back spasms while swimming.....

So go over to the Y, see if their pool is more accessible, and take care of yourself! You are absolutely right to focus on how that dress fits -- keep reminding yourself of that. And the whole "shame attack" thing, where you are mortified over and over again? It'll pass. I promise.

We think you are fabulous. Not just for coming this far, but for getting right on this board and posting about it instead of heading for the nearest See's candy shoppe and buying out the entire stock!

[knicknack]

Re: Like in a nightmare....

I think the important thing to take away from this is....

YOU WENT SWIMMING!!!!

who cares if they had stupid steps that you coudln't get out of? It might have been embarrassing (although as an ex-lifeguard here there are a lot of people who have bad joints who swim because it's the only thing they can really do, so don't feel like it is unusual), but you went and did it and to me that is the most important thing. You should be proud, that even WITH your bad knees you went and swam - and swimming 30 minutes is nothing to sneeze at!

I bet the Y will be much better, and perhaps it's lifes way of telling you that you need super luxury in your life right now!