New board member, here

[Captain.Jammer]

I did not see a specific spot here on the board for new member introductions, so here I am in the main board.

I am a swimming newbie and way out of shape. I know that swimming is about the best exercising one can do for many reasons. So, I am looking at getting into it to lose weight and improve my health. I will be adding swimming to my current repertoire of running and riding the stationary bike. Plus, there is also a teeny tiny inkling that I may eventually possibly *try* to do a very short (shorter than Sprint?) triathlon some day. But that is a long way off, as I would need to get and re-learn to ride a bike, and learn how to actually swim. Oh, I used to play in the pool as a kid.. even went off the high dive (just jumping in as kids do). But it has been years, and so I am literally a newbie at learning swimming strokes. (I know this is not a Learn to Swim board, but if you have any suggestions to send my way, please do!)

Another motivation for getting into swimming is, of course, the main theme of this board. I love spandex/tight gear. It started with my love of the 'new' fashion/colored underwear becoming popular back when I was a kid. And it has grown to a love of all things clingy and shiny and feeling fantastic. Having always been a chubby kid, I admired my classmates and friends that could pull off wearing Speedo swim briefs and bikinis. My body would look ridiculous in one of those, but I still admire seeing them. Even though I am a married straight guy, I have a great admiration and love for the human form, male and female. I appreciate seeing the differences and similarities, both in bodies, and in swimsuits (designs, colors and styles). Who doesn't like to see a great looking body in a great looking swim suit?

After reading a few of the posts here, I realize I may get some flack for my handle... as it implies, I prefer to wear Jammers. That is mainly because of my heavyset body and its affect on two factors: appearance and comfort....

First, I would look hideous in swim briefs or bikinis... nobody wants to see a big fat guy in a tiny swim brief! Second, and warning, this may be too much info... but with bigger thighs, there is this problem with friction... so Jammers alleviate that between my legs and make swimming much less painful. (While I am completely new to learning to actually swim, I have been in the pool somewhat in recent years and have done a lot of kicking with the kickboard.)

But in addition, because of my love of the feel of Spandex, having it surround my thighs feels great. I really enjoy it. So that is actually a third reason why I like Jammers. And, I wear both Jammers and a rash guard to swim at the community pool. Maybe it is stupid, but I feel less like a beached whale if my huge belly is also covered... plus, again, love the feel of that snug rashguard on me!

Sorry to ramble, but that is me in a nutshell. I look forward to interacting with you on the board. I love to make new friends and chat, so if you want to talk, please do so.