What do you wear to run/gym?

[Hairytangerine]

I am a 40 year old, size 14 wobbling mess and have just started couch to 5k and also joined the gym.

Everyone I see looks sleek and put together, me I have old leggings and husbands T shirt.

Any recommendations for cheap flattering workout stuff.

Thanks

I have some running gear - cheap stuff from Asda, Tesco & Primark. The Primark leggings are a bit see through so I wear a pair of under armour running shorts over them.

I still look like an absolute mess at the end after 5 minutes though.

As long as you're comfortable I wouldn't worry about what you look like - I used to think everyone was staring at me but they're not they're too busy concentrating on their own workout.

I need to get back out there... had a few weeks off & now it's too cold & wet 🙈

I wear cheap Karrimor stuff from Sports Direct for running. It's comfy & it's lasted me quite a while.

The only kit I spend proper money on is running shoes.

I wear capris, Nike are good, these are nice and cheap www.gooutdoors.co.uk/nike-dri-fit-essential-capri-p332349?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk_-v_Knw3gIVDETTCh2ouAZSEAQYBSABEgJPYfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds and a nice not too tight top. Again I like Nike or Adidas, have a look round. Good sports bra essential! Nice kit makes you feel better deffo, tho no ones looking tbh x

Cheap running gear here too. I'm on week 5 of the C25K, keep going OP as it really does work - I've just come back from six 3 minute runs and I wouldn't have believed a few weeks back I'd be doing this.

Got a running jumper from Amazon for about £12 which is great, and then most high street shops have 'active' leggings, mine are from New Look. It does feel better running in this gear, but honestly you can get a jumper and leggings online for less than £30, it's worth doing

It was even cheaper than I remembered - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B077D3SC3Z?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title&tag=mumsnetforum-21 £10 for this top and its absolutely fine

Invest in running trousers with ridiculous Lycra content and a thick waistband to avoid jiggle. Matalan do really good ones although you get what you pay for - have had a Nike pair that are still great quality after 4 years and god knows how many miles.

For tops I tend to buy from Asda or new look in the sale, or when aldi or lidl do events and my favourite running jacket is from Aldi - £5 in the red baskets! - which has the all important zipper pockets, reflective strips and underarm mesh.

I buy things like running belts or armbands from amazon or decathlon and have recently invested in a beanie with a usb rechargeable headlamp for evening runs.

Tkmaxx good for sports leggings and tops

Cheap running kit from Sports Direct, Tk max, trespass sales etc.

I sweat a lot when I exercise and cotton T-shirts display this for everyone else to see.

Kalenji running gear from Decathlon is cheap but actually pretty good.
I dont find Karrimor wicks particularly well but I'm a very sweaty runner.
I like Ronhill myself - there are bargains to be had if you look.

If you try & think about colours things look more 'put together' I think, hence most of my gear being black or blue. I still look like a sack of spuds, but a more coordinated one...

I got these after someone on nbrown recommended goid for outside when it s colder
FDX Women Super Thermal Base Layer Compression Leggings Fitness Running tights Gym Pants (Black/Purple, L (UK Dress Size 12-14)) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0193E58M8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_PjW-BbQ8R82BG?tag=mumsnetforum-21

Expensive gym clothes is my secret splurge...

I love lululemon stuff, i really think the quality makes a difference, particularly with the leggings being flattering.

Also got some nice stuff in H&M!

Spent a fortune on my gym trainers as well though.

I like the Matalan stuff too, great waistbands on the leggings. My current favourite leggings are from Sainsbury which I usually wear with a loose Matalan top, which hides my belt thingy which carries my phone, inhaler, hanky (I'm a wheezy sneezy runner).

I didn't buy proper trainers until I'd done my 20 minutes. Good luck with Couch to 5K, I loved it!

I agree that TK Maxx is good and they do decent brands. I’ve got stuff from Sainsbury’s, Gymshark, Zulily too. I have full length and Capri leggings, racer back and sleeveless vests and short sleeved t shirts. What’s really important I think, is industrial strength sports bras.

I find Karrimor stuff sweaty as well, and then when it’s sweaty it chafes - if you’re prone to this too I find the yellow tubes of Lanacane boots sell are magic, and much cheaper than ‘sporty’ bodyglide (had to sort a chafing fix because after couch to 5k I ended up doing half marathons up mountains on purpose for fun, so definitely stick with it; running is magic once you’re past the first bit of learning curve)

My best gear comes from TKmaxx too - just try things on til you find something that you feel good in. And now I’m breastfeeding and big of boob I’ve also splurged on an underwired Panache bra which is brill.

CadiM I’m impressed with your hanky carrying. (May have blown my nose on the hem of my vest when out running yesterday )

Most of my gym stuff is either Primark or H&M. The gym I go to though does seem to be pretty non-judgemental. Lots of people in t-shirts and tracksuit bottoms too. It's not a 'poser' gym.
Primark usually have lots of gear in January so keep an eye out then.

Decathlon have a great range of reasonable priced stuff.

I also have a few bits from sainsbos and Asda.

Recently brought running leggings from primark and spent the following park run holding them up, had primark before but never again now

Most of my stuff comes from Nike, Primark or Matalan, although I’ve just bought a pair of running leggings from Lucy Locket Loves and they’re fab!

I am mid 40s, much much fatter and wobblier than you. I wear leggings and a t shirt to my classes. I have started wearing louder and brighter and bolder though.

I figure I'm going to look a ruddy fat mess in lycra anyway, so may as well wear it big-style!

Not yet got the guts to wear a clingy top though. Not with my gut and fat arse.

I find the yellow tubes of Lanacane boots sell are magic, and much cheaper than ‘sporty’ bodyglide

I've got a roll-on deodorant for that. The other must-buy for me was Hilly twin-skin socks to stop blisters.

Thanks so much!

I love the Capri pants

Gap fit are also really good.