Ok where is everyone today?
I need help! I went to the gym today for the first time not as a physical theraphy appointment. I had to use the regular gym locker room. Talk about killing a girls self esteem. Not that mine has ever been high but geesh. Either it was 80 year old women walking around with nothing on or Barbie.
The pool was actually pretty empty but I don't know how I am going to force myself back in that locker room to change. When I was leaving I saw a larger lady that works at the front desk change in the bathroom stall I guess I could try that.
I need to find some type of shoe to wear also because I don't like to be barefoot in there. But the floor is so wet in ther and around the pool I am worried about falling. I have some Crocs, I don't think they would be slippery.
I also need to find some type of cover up to wear back and forth to the pool, the hallway from the locker room to the pool is fixed so everyone on the treadmills is automatically looking. I am sure seeing my huge self in a swim suit is great motivation for them to keep walking . Just trying to laugh to keep from crying. My back is so freaky looking I have always hated anyone to see me without a shirt, not that it hides it really. I am ranting sorry.

I did have a point to all this with some questions? Any suggestions for a cover up...I have never been to a gym in my life so this is all odd to me.

Also my period showed up today,, it has not been but like 14 days since the last one. I have something called PCOS which makes me usually not have a period unless I take progestrone pills. Every time I take one of the epidurals I get like 3 cycles very close together. Do an of you who have taken the epidurals have that same effect.

Sorry for the long rant my back is just killing me and my meds are making me goofy.

Boy did you bring me back to my Catholic school days with the whole locker room thing. But we had private showers and semi-private areas to dress. It was still embarrassing because I had a flat chest and wanted to die.

First, I saw really cute cover ups at Walmart at sale price the other day. I mean, that was here in Nevada but you could check at your big box stores like Walmart, Target, Penneys, even Sears. If that doesn't work, try the internet - you'll find something there for sure and cheap. And change in the bathroom stall if you feel more comfortable, there is nothing wrong with that! Your Crocs should work fine. And use the net for a new swimsuit maybe too, if your budget allows. There are some that come high up the back, you may like those. If I see something, I'll let you know.

BUT, foremost you should ignore everyone and concentrate and the reason why you are there - to make yourself feel better!! If other people make you nervous, use the trick that actors and public speakers use when they first come out to perform and they are so nervous - imagine everyone else is naked! If anything, it will put a smile on your face.

Keep us posted and let us know what we can do to support you! Don't give up!

Go get 'em,
nancy-h

I went to the "Y" for years and I know what your talking about. I have seen people that hardly came back. Then some just didn't let it bother them. It is most you feeling this way, any one that would act decent shouldn't think nothing. We shouldnever judge others or the Bible says, the same will be done unto you.

One thing you could do is have a big beach towel with you. I have several that are almost as large as a table cloth. I too don't like to be barefooted. They make water shoes and sell them at Walmart or K mart for 5 or six dollars. You willfind them right in with the shoes. This time of the year it might be a little harder to find, but just ask a clerk. I keep 2 pair around just for a pool.

You can get skirts that snap at the waist, that are made of terry cloth. Again it might be harder to get them this time of the year. Impossible where I live. they have sales earily Fall. You live in a warmer climate than I tho, so check and see.
Hugs,
Billie

Nancy i don't want to imagine them nakid the ones I had to see nakid today were enough for the rest of my life.

thanks for the good ideas ladies.

Dear Karen,
You could just wear a pair of old flip flops...
Good for you for going!!!!!!
You can do this....
I recently joined a gym and have found that I really like wearing ear plugs/headset to a radio and listen to music when in the locker room.
It was very hard at first seeing naked ladies....I am sort of getting used to it..I suppose.
there should also be dressing rooms seperate from the locker room...have you investigated the entire locker room?
Keep us posted....
One day at a time...that is all we really have.
(((HUGS)))
bizi

Thanks for the suggestion . They told me I could do the recumbint ( doubt that is spelled right) bike....if I promised to stop when it started to hurt my hip. So I am going to steal my husband MP3 to take when i try that. My dad actually has to go over tommrow I think I might take him and try the bike.
Seems I should get a discount since I am only allowed to use two items in the place don't ya think.
I found a good exercise video on sparkpeople site using my balance ball, it is all about strenghtening the core muscle which is what I need. I think I can do most of it.
I think I can I think I can.
I know the surgeries are coming and not being able to walk is not something in the far off future anymore but..my main concern is to lose some wieght so it won't be so dangerous to have an operation.
Thanks again.