I'm a size 18/20 and want to start exercising.

[BrendaUrie]

I don't have a large budget, I've just found out my local gym does a 33% discount for people on benefits. I think I should really do this.

I have no clothes that I could work out in. I have a large tummy I need to control.

Does anyone have any suggestions that aren't super expensive?

[Nomdejeur]

Food is your first step, no point putting all the effort into exercising if you have a terrible diet.
Running is one of the cheapest as you can do it anywhere, you just need a pair of trainers, leggings and T-shirt. Ease yourself in, don’t go in too hard or you’ll hurt and ache and won’t do it again.

[MustBeDueSomeBetterFeet]

When I've ever needed motivation to exercise, I've always preferred some new workout gear, but I've also tended to wear things a bit too tight to encourage more hard work!!

For cheaper bits I like Gap's GapFit range (there's always discounts - there's 35% off online at the moment) and I find the M&S exercise stuff OK too. It's just a bit short in the limbs for me.

[WisestIsShe]

I've had sports leggings from Primark which are very good and cheap (I'm a 16). All of the supermarkets have a range, check out the websites, I like George at Asda.
Trying to find the motivation to put them on and get exercising is something I can't help with

[BrendaUrie]

Where did I say I wasn't tacking the food side?

I have depression and my GP suggested the gym for my mental health and as an incentive to keep on track with my diet.

[BrendaUrie]

I only wear dresses and tights. So I don't even have leggings and tshirts apart from pjs.

I think I'll have a shopping trip this week.

I didn't even think of primark

[danicar]

Don't wear leggings or gym trousers, got for a pair of £6 joggers from ASDA. Comfy, absolutely not see through, and much more flattering than right anythings.

I started in the gym at the same size; wore these joggers and a t shirt and they were fine.

[Chocolatepeanuts]

I second asda. They are the thickest, comfiest most supportive workout leggings i have. Come up nice and high and dont ride down when you're exercising. And don't show what colour ykur knickers are when you bend over!

[TantricTwist]

Honestly I would just start by going for an hours walk and doing sit ups every day. Start with 20 moving up to 100.

[BrendaUrie]

How are you doing Danicar? On your journey?

[Bebe03]

100% exercise don’t understand other post you need both, try ASOS curve they have good stuff.
Not that anyone ever cares how you look in the gym & some places have beginners classes to ease you in & all trainers go at own pace!
Good luck xx

[DianaT1969]

I agree with the going for a 1 hour walk. I really need to do that myself.
But perhaps you walk a lot already, or are short of time due to work?

By the way, I don't think Nomdejeur was being unhelpful in mentioning food. Some people don't realise that exercise can only do so much.
Personally, I think running can be a bit hard on knees when carrying extra weight - at least at the beginning. Walking uphill on the treadmill is good fir getting the heart rate up.

Have you got a tkmaxx nearby for gym leggings? H&M also do some nice baggy gym t-shirts.

[dementedpixie]

I like Matalan leggings. My tops are from curvissa as I need size 22/24 to fit my boobs in. You would need a decent sports bra too. Mine are from boobydoo

[HJWT]

Myself & DH lost 3 stone eating healthy & walking every other day! Xx

[GraceMarks]

Asda do some £6 joggers in their basic range, but they go baggy-kneed quite quickly. Its worth spending a bit more and going for their activewear, as they have some great stuff in all sizes - jogging bottoms, sports bras, vests etc.

[BrendaUrie]

I already walk an hour twice a day.

School is 30 mins walk and I don't drive. There and back twice.

[BrendaUrie]

It kills me though :( am so unfit

[mommybear1]

Keep at it @BrendaUrie walking is great exercise I second pp re joggers don't go for leggings if you're a bit self conscious. At my largest (around size 22) I wore xxl men's t shirts and bigger joggers I felt I could move a bit more. It worked I got down to a size 14 then had a baby 👶🏻 so I'm starting again

[MoltonSilver]

The item of clothing that will make the biggest difference to any work out is a sports bra.

[Alexandra2018]

I'm the same size I wear leggings and a men's top to the gym I want to keep my tummy covered!

[LoisWilkerson1]

Soulux stuff from Matalan is good and reasonably priced. It's quite nice too.

[LMBad]

Good for you OP. I started my exercise journey at a size 18 and am down to 14/16 now.

I also have a big stomach and don’t recommend jogging at all, for me it is so uncomfortable with my gut flapping around and my trousers always fall down Also hard on the knees when you are of a certain weight.

I have really enjoyed body pump, it is weight lifting exercises but gets your heart rate up in places too. I wear leggings that are quite tight around my belly for support then a long loose t shirt from H&M to cover it up. All the best with it!

[theonetowalkinthesun]

Agree, get some gym clothes from Primark that are comfy and you feel good in. Try on the clothes and ask yourself 'will I feel silly in this wearing this out?'

I know from personal experience, that it doesn't work out for me to only own skintight racer tops because when I'm feeling not good about my body and all I have is the skintight tops, then I have ended up not going because of feeling self conscious. When I'm feeling self conscious (and to be honest, even when I'm not!), i can throw on the baggy t shirt or the baggy vest top and go because it makes me more confident.

So clothing wise just go with buying something that makes you feel confident. I personally would say, Primark has lots of gym tops between £3.50 - £7, made of this great material that stops sweat patches and dries really quickly. Get a sports bra that you're comfy in (£5ish from Primark if a Primark one is enough to keep your boobs in check, if not this is where you may need to go to m&s or an online retailer), some some joggers or some leggings (£6-10ish from Primark) and a pair of trainers (Sports Direct/JD sports do cheap ones).

[BrendaUrie]

I wouldn't wear anything revealing. I'm gross and huge.

But I do need support as I'm very jiggly.

So maybe a good sports bra and tight top with a big tshirt over?

[tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz]

Some great suggestions here OP on what to wear.

I agree Body Pump type classes could be your friend too as when you get comfy with the technique and the instructor can make sure you're doing it safely, it can really gobble calories.

How about when you're going to collect kids after school you leave the house a few minutes later? That way you really have to tank it to not be late!

[RubyViolet]

Brenda if your GP has diagnosed you with depression they may be in a position to offer you a free 6 week fitness course at your local authority gym. You do 6 weeks of classes that lead to a heavily discounted gym membership. I have friends who have benefited from this in London, l don’t know if this would apply in your area if the Local Heath Authority would have an arrangement that’s similar with local council gyms.
Might be worth checking out.