Exercise clothes

[SexNamesRFab]

I've signed the whole family up to a gym and need some exercise clothes to keep me motivated.

I need everything - a new sports bra, trainers, tank tops, gym trousers (what do these even look like?? I can't wear just tights FFS) and a rucksack.

Where do I start? I don't wear a lot of black, prefer bright spring colours instead (coral, bright navy, turquoise). I'm a wobbly 12-14.

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This thread is a little old now, so why not check out our round-up of the gym wear Mumsnetters recommend for something a little more up-to-date. MNHQ.

[justabigdisco]

Watching. I'm limited in the sports bras I can choose (size 30FF and into running so only an industrial strapping device will do) but am after some nice leggings and tanks for yoga

[megletthesecond]

My workout lots has been pieced together with items from TK maxx, sports direct, primark and h&m. I have an awful lot.

Gym leggings, full or 3/4 length are practical. No flapping ankle fabric to get in the way and a high-ish drawstring waist keeps them in place.

I vary my tops. Looser fit for boot camp and hi energy classes and tighter for for yoga (so it doesn't flop over my head).

Despite having small boobs I wear two sports bras. A Shock Absorber then a funky coloured one form primark on top.

[SexNamesRFab]

I am scared of those 3/4 length trousers and have been attempting to balance my bum and tum in yoga pants. They are annoyingly flappy.

[KanyesVest]

Lidl and aldi do good exercise kit. Panache sports bras are the only ones to tame my g-cups. Get decent runners too, that suit your footfall and exercise type. I spend on my bra and feet and go cheap and cheerful in between!

[Kazplus2]

TK Maxx for me too, except for sports bras which I get from m&s but must be tried on before buying as size varies by style.

[carrie74]

I like Gap for sportswear (well I LOVE Sweatty Betty and Lululemon, but pricing is insane). Gap has 30% off Gapfit at moment.

[purpleshortcake]

Matalan have some great gym stuff in now

[Mominatrix]

The kind of kit you need to buy depends on what exercise you plan on doing. Supportive bra is a must (Sweaty Betty is good and currently on sale).

Trainers are a minefield, but if you are going for a general workout shoe, there is no need to go for any gimmicks - good fit with decent support can be purchased from any major brand for a reasonable amount.

Besides bra and trainers, I find that socks are the next most important thing. A thin but chafe protecting sock is the goal - too bad I shrink them or lose one (they are L/R specific!) so I usually bulk buy the ones I like.

For the rest, start with a basic vest-style top and some capri leggings and do a couple of workouts in them. From that, decide if you prefer a longer legging or shorts, loose shirt/longer sleeve.

I am picky about fabrics and like Lululemon, some of Nike, and some of Sweaty Betty. Fabric is important as I exercise frequently and thus and washing frequently.

[chocolateshoes]

Primary & H&M are great for sports kit. Their stuff washes well and is really practical.

[WellTidy]

This time last year, I bought a load of workout gear, as my resolution was to lose a stone. I bought it all in two sizes - the size I was at the time and a size smaller, which I was going to be ever so quickly, due to all the exercise I'd be doing in my new gear, you see.

I bought it all in m and s. Sports bra, dry weave (or whatever it is called) t shirt and tight vest depending on whether I'd be running or at an exercise class, long sleeve top with thumb hole for colder weather runs, double lined socks to prevent blisters, matching zip up top etc. I didn't spend much in trainers, just bought standard Asics ones, but they were fitted in the shop.

The clothes are still pretty much brand new. I didn't do anything like as much exercise as I'd thought I would (what a shock, eh?) but when I did, I wore old leggings and an old t shirt and did couch to 5k. All I really needed was the trainers.

[KittyandTeal]

Nike have brilliant leggings in the sale.

I'm a runner but don't look like a typical runner, I have a small waist and large bum and thighs. Nike are the only brand I can guarantee will stay up while I run. I have some beautiful Lorna Jane leggings that are so comfortable and jazzy.

I buy cheap sports bra tank top things, my boobs are small so don't need much support. The sweaty Betty bras are worth the money I think.

I buy lots of last season in the sale tbh. Sweat shop do brilliant discount on last seasons styles and colours. I got a brilliant new balance top from there for £30.

Also think about what you're planning on doing. I wear leggings (full length) or capris or shorts depending on temp. Vests I like racer back as they're cooler and fitted, unless it's summer then I generally run in just my sports bra, I have some looser vests too. For yoga I like a more fitted but not slippery material that doesn't slip up over my face doing downward dog etc!

[missyB1]

Asda have got some new Gymwear stock in. I picked myself up a new sports bra and sweatshirt today, they had nice cropped leggings and vest tops too.

[madgingermunchkin]

I'm a 32F and the only sports bra I will wear is a Shock Absorber Ultimate Run. Expensive, but so damn worth it.

I have a collection of H&M, Tesco (surprisingly good, I love my 3/4 length leggings) and some Nike/Rebok stuff bought in sale. I like big baggy tshirts to cover everything.

Trainers are the big thing, especially if you're going to be running (even on a treadmill!). Get them fitted. May cost you a bit more, but will save you so, so much knee/hip/ankle/back/shin splint pain.

[ThisIsNotARealAvo]

As pp said, Nike bottoms stay up really well. I have also found that sweaty Betty tops do not move and are nice and long. I usually wear one of their vests with a long t shirt from h and m.

[DrScholl]

baggy t shirts do not hide anything

fuck it wear whqt you like

[chanie44]

Lidl will be doing sports wear on Thursday. Last year, I bought:

Tank top - it keeps the sweat away.
Leggings - they have a zipped pocket for a door key.

Each item is under a fiver. The items are okay for a starter gym kit and great prices.

[Morgan]

George stuff is also good - the leggings wash very well and they have plain or funky patterned ones .

[MackerelOfFact]

TK Maxx do a brand called RBX which is really reasonably priced and the trousers have control panels over the stomach, which are great for jumpy activities and keep everything in place.

If you're wobbly I'd really steer clear of the 'bright, spring colours' and stick to black and darker colours. Nothing makes you feel like a self-conscious giant sweat-patchy blamange at the gym like a pastel get-up, speaking from bitter experience!

[LockedOutOfMN]

Nike are the best leggings. They fit well, wash well, and, most of all, don't fall down. I wear an M and S sports bra underneath a crop top from Nike or a cheap brand called Boomerang (not sure if available in U.K.)

[carrotcakecupcake]

I agree with PP who have suggested spend on your feet and boobs, and wear whatever in between. I've always had success at TKMaxx for decent branded gear. I can highly recommend boobydoo.co.uk for sports bras - they do a huge range of styles/colours and sizes/support levels (and a good returns policy).

[stripeknee]

i like decathlon for cheap basics, we dont live anywhere near a store but when we have been to stores on holiday they have a great range of own brand and branded products depending on your required fit/style/size
out of the supermarket active wear ranges i find tesco f and f best quality and they always seem to reduce nice bits in sales

[banivani]

Looking at thread with interest. Am currently looking for a new pair of leggings that don't give me camel toe 😩 Which seems impossible. I do Pilates and would also love to find a long tight top with short sleeves - also a search for the holy grail it appears! Otherwise I agree with PPs - spend on shoes and boobs. Until you've committed, then you can treat yourself to more gear 😉 You can exercise in anything, no need to make too much of a deal of it until you know better from experience what kind of things you'd like.

[BunnyDog]

I have bought work out gear over the years that I didn't wear and gave away, I prefer the ordinary old stuff that is comfy, fits and I can get proper dirty and sweaty in. Don't buy too much to start, until you work out what you prefer and what feels good.

I have DD boobs and for running a Shock Absorber bra has been brilliant. I had trainers fitted in a running shop, they are really supportive and feel like I am running on air. If you are not running, you don't need expensive trainers. I have 3 old stretchy t-shirts that I wear all the time, I have even mended the holes in them. I need 2 types of bottoms - 3/4 leggings for running, cycling/spin. And then a straight legged pair for weight classes, yoga. I like them with a smooth wide waistband that doesn't roll over and is smooth under a t-shirt.

[SexNamesRFab]

Thanks everyone. I'm thinking I'll invest in a shock absorber and trainers, then but some cheap 3/4 leggings and see if they make it out of the changing room.

[Newbrummie]

Ted baker stuff is rubbish imo
Lorna Jane, now in Debenhams is fab, cheaper than Nike, same quality and a bit more "street"