Look, it’s everywhere. Healthy is the new skinny. Skinny was the old fit. Curves are the new whatever… Blah blah blah. The assumption is when you work out that you’re doing it to look a certain way. Usually to get thinner. Which, even in 2017 is still a widely held goal. 5kg, 10kg, 30kg… Whatever it is for you. That could totally be your motivation. You do you.
It’s a hard old world out there.
Wanting to fit in by having your body look a certain way to be accepted by people is completely understandable. As a fat woman, I completely understand the pressure. I understand wanting to fly in an aeroplane, ride on a bus or go to the cinema without being reminded of your size, wouldn’t that be nice? So sure, I can get changing your body to make it fit is appealing. I’d rather the world changed, but you do you.
However, there ARE people who are just out for a walk, hitting the pool for some laps or working out just because. You can’t assume that everyone exercises for weight loss, or to be smaller or to get a bubble butt. Sure, they are some of the reasons. A very small amount of possible reasons. There are infinite combinations of reasons why. None of them better or worse than the other. Just reasons, based on decisions you made with the information you had.
Heck, Ashley Graham made a list!
You just don’t know, what someone’s motivations are.
To assume you know, well, that’s just going to make it awkward for everyone. Plus, you really need to figure out why you’re sitting there wondering why someone is working out. If you want to start a conversation so badly, try starting with hello. Instead of ‘good on you, you’ll be there before you know it’ or other such comments.
You see, working out when your fat means people assume a lot of things about you. They assume you’re new to here. Then there are the assumptions about your abilities or overall health. After that, when they get used to you being around, they assume you’re disappointed that you aren’t yet ‘skinner’. After that is usually unsolicited diet, workout or healthcare advice.
See what I mean about assumptions. Made any of those yourself?
Yeah, me too. It happens to all of us because we are conditioned to believe that thinner is better. That exercise is punishment for the food we shouldn’t have eaten. A chore to be managed to prove ourselves worthy of ‘health’. But it’s just not true. There is a host of benefits to your physical and mental health from getting moving. Activity and being active, if within your capabilities, is something that will enrich your life. Guaranteed.
So, my friend, next time you see someone exercising, walking along the beach or cross-fitting {probably not a word}, let those judgements and ideas you have about what their motivations are, go. They won’t serve you and they certainly won’t serve them. I mean, you know the concept of ‘Mansplaining’, right? I call the habit of assuming fat people want or need your advice ‘fatsplaining’.
Don’t be that person. No one likes that person.
In the end, let’s face it, why they are moving their body, on their own time, in their own way is absolutely none of your business. See how weird it is now that I say it like that? Start pulling apart the thoughts you have about bodies, whether they are similar to yours or not. Question everything. Don’t ever assume you know someone just by looking at them. Then, we all get to live happily ever after. Someone tell the internet.
To kick off swimwear week, I’m talking about swimming as exercise. Because I love it and because there was a long time that I didn’t swim because I was weird about being seen at the local pool in my swimmers. Maybe that’s you too. But trust me, it’s madness for us to give up such a great outlet for getting your body moving JUST because of the clothing you have to wear to do it.
Right? So yay, it’s that time of year again for me, my local pool has opened. Like I said earlier, swimming for exercise is my favourite thing, a go-to love from my days as a kid spent staring at the black painted line on the bottom of the pool. All that time to think, plot, plan and chill, perfection.
Plus!
It’s easy on the body and it develops strong lungs, cardiovascular fitness and gives you long lean muscles. And I know it’s not really a thing these days, but from the early morning sun I always get this golden glow. Sounds good, right? I’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions I receive about swimming for exercise below. I hope that helps!
Swimming for exercise FAQ.
Do I need special swimwear? Yes and no. Helpful, right? But the thing is you don’t need special swimwear, you don’t need to buy some Speedos and resemble an Olympic athlete to get into swimming laps for exercise. But what you do need are some well-fitting togs that won’t more, bunch or distract you.
I own a few pairs of chlorine resistant pairs now and I love them, so if you’re looking for new swimmers start with a pair that won’t wear out in the chemicals of a pool. Keep in mind they go on FIRM but they won’t move. My hot tip? Pee before you get into them. Haha.
Speaking of which, what gear will I need? You don’t need much to get started. A simple pair of goggles and a cap (especially if your hair is colour treated) will do the trick. I also have a kick board, while some people use flippers. Again, it’s about your personal preference and I’ve found most pools sell a small range of products for purchase, so add to your gear as you want it.
Got the gear, now what?
Won’t people be looking at me? If there’s one thing that I’ve learnt about swimming for exercise, it’s that most people there are there to swim, not gawk at anyone else. My favourite part about swimming laps in the morning is the diversity of bodies, ages and stages of fitness there. No matter what, you’ll fit right in, seriously.
What do I even do? It’s as simple of swimming back and forwards. Whatever stroke or method you find comfortable. There are folks at the pool that swim non-stop laps, some that stop every lap or two, some that use a kickboard and people who walk laps. Whatever works. Just get in and get started.
I’m not a strong swimmer. My tip for people who aren’t strong swimmers is to get a kickboard or some kind of a float to assist, stay close to the edges (hanging off the lane ropes is frowned upon) and stop for a break whenever you need to. As your fitness and confidence in the water improves you can rely less and less on these strategies and just get out there. But don’t be afraid to do what you need to do in the beginning.
If you’re really not feeling confident, speak to the pool attendant and see if they do swimming classes for adults. You may not need to be in the class for long, just long enough to build your confidence. Sometimes it’s worth spending an hour or two with a professional to find your feet.
And in case that isn’t enough (when is enough EVER enough?) check out these older posts on the blog about swimming, swimwear for swimming and get your butt in the pool! Maybe I’ll see you there.
