hideously embarrassed asking this...

[MathsMadMummy]

but any larger ladies out there who exercise, what do you wear?

I'm 5st or so over my ideal weight, size 18. quite big framed so not massively flabby IYSWIM. Really want to get into running (have posted on Liz Yelling Q&A) but my tummy feels a bit too... wobbly and it's quite annoying...

so what should I wear when bouncing around? am I going to have to get lycra and massive pants?

I do need to get a huge sports bra (am BFing) so any recommendations would be great too.

help!!!

[MathsMadMummy]

nobody? please don't tell me I posted this for nothing

[munchkinland]

Hi mathsmadmummy....sorry not really in the same situation as you but didn't want your post to go unanswered, You say you are BFing....do you still have some over the bump lycra trousers/sweat pants - they might make you feel more 'held in' for running or did you own a bump band??

otherwise, combine your running with some sit ups and swimming might help to get the wobbly bits toned up quicker?

[PrettyCandles]

Likewise.

I can't remember the make of sports bra, but John Lewis sell it and it's probably the most famous one (slogan a few years ago was 'only the ball should bounce). The maximum impact bra is very good for the all-around well-endowed.

As for the bouncing buttocks, I was told to try wearing cycling shorts, or even Spanks - if I found them comfortable and not too sweaty or constricting. Haven't tried this as I've not yet gone faster than brisk walk.

I find high-waisted soft trousers mre comfortable to exercise in than lower-slung, as they don't slip down as fast nor do they cut into my belly roll.

Don't be embarrased to ask these questions. We are bombarded with images of 'perfection', and shops label size 16 as 'large', but I've just been on holiday among 1000s of swimsuit-wearing families and I didnt see a single mother who fitted either of those criteria. You are more perfect than you realise.

[Makingchanges]

I wear capri pants for running as they stop at my knees but I'm too hot in trackies and too self-conscious in shorts.

For bras - I tried shock absorber level 4 but they didn't do anything (I'm a 38GG so I need scaffolding) - I'm currently wearing Freya Active and thats not too bad although I am suffering a little so suspect its no where near as good as I first though.

I've just bought an enell bra (Expensive but supposedly one of the best) - You may not want to pay mega bucks if you are just starting out and likely to lose weight quickly - my chest doesn't hardly move in it (although I have to lay on the bed to fasten it as its front fastening and snug to get the not moving effect)

I wear a sleeveless gym nike top - I did wear baggy t-shirts at first but was too hot and then realised no one was really looking at me anyway and I wasn't the biggest person at the gym either (I'm a size 18 as well)

Hope that helps

[sparechange]

Hi Math,

I always use a website called Boobydo for sports bras. They have a massive selection, especially for large chests
It is really worth investing in a good bra (or two) because it makes exercise SO much more comfortable

Clothing wise, anything comfy will do, but be aware of seams, especially with cotton, because they can chafe a bit on sweaty skin. If you are worried about your tummy, maybe some spanx type pants will make it more comfy for you?

Lycra/technical fabrics are good because they wick sweat away and are 'smoother' on the skin so don't tend to rub, plus they have fewer seams/itchy bits

If you do find you are getting chafed skin (tighs, insides of knees and bingo wings are the usual bits) then you can buy something called Lanacane, which is an anti-friction gel thing and stops rubbing. You can get it in boots, or sports shops and it is good stuff - it is what marathon runners use...

Or failing that, a bit of vaseline should do the trick

[MathsMadMummy]

aww

this might be the brand you meant. will have to get to the shops though I think!

thankfully my bum isn't wobbly

hmmm I do have bump band things but they didn't fit that well, for some reason in 2nd PG all the weight went on my hips so they ride up!

[MathsMadMummy]

ah more posts thank you all

I think my mum has spanx so I'll ask her.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

If you have problems finding a sports bra that does the job, apparently wearing two at once can help...

[munchkinland]

I am fairly average breasted (unfortunately!!) but used to be a professional dancer and we always wore 2 sports bras at once in rehearsals - feels so much more secure.
Mind, you we also used to gaffa tape our boobs down

[KnitterInTheNW]

My rugby playing cousin wears 2 sports bras, one 'normal' one and one racer back type one.

[anchovies]

I run in longer length dri fit tops, sweaty betty or Nike disguise my stomach the best and nike capri pants that pull up quite high. Oh and a shock absorber sports bra, the running ones are supposed to be best but debenhams do 2 of the level 4 D+ ones for £34 which work well for me.

Best advice though is to just crack on and get running, the changes that 6 months of running have made to my body are fab (size 20-22 to a size 16) and no one really looks at what you're wearing anyway. Good luck!

[MathsMadMummy]

Thanks for all the advice

my mum is bringing some Spanx (I feel weird writing that word!) so I'll try them and see if they stop the wobbling. then I guess I'd just wear normal clothes over the top?

I've got good trainers so now I just need to find a sports bra and I'm all set.

[Naetha]

I wear 2 bras as well - a sports bra over a normal non-wired one. The support is much better than just the sports one.

I tried wearing magic knickers for excercising / running and found I got horrendous wedgies, so I just wear normal knickers but a really tight t-shirt under my normal t-shirt. This helps keep the belly, back and muffin tops from wobbling uncomfortably.

I never bothered with anything for my legs, even though for the first couple of weeks the wobbling was horrendous. If you wanted, you could wear a pair of leggings underneath a pair of yoga pants I guess.

And finally...best of luck. You can really do it - I've lost 2 and a half stone in 4 months, and still have a stone to go. It is really hard, but is definitely doable. Don't give up if for whatever reason your weight loss / exercise is stalling, just try something else. I tried: low carbing, calorie counting, low fat and am now using Alli. Each of them had their benefit, and when the weight loss slowed (or if it really didn't fit in with my lifestyle) I tried something new. Same with exercise - started off just walking, then Davina DVD, then badminton, then running and now I'm doing the 30 day shred. I'm now so much thinner, so much fitter and so much happier than I was before.

You can do it