HELP! Belly slap when running!

[Burntmybiscuits]

I know this isn't the most glamorous topic...

I used to run 5ks twice a week in 2017, but hurt my hip so I stopped. I've since put quite a lot of weight on (about 3 stone, although I was never 'slim' to start with). I went for my first run for a long time this morning. Took my headphones out mid way through and all I heard was "Slap! Slap!". Realised it was coming from my belly slapping when I run! Oh my goodness, I was so embarrassed I could have died right there. I know that it will go away gradually once I start losing weight, but I really don't want this to put me off running! Has anyone out there had a similar experience and can recommend some garments that might constrict my belly a little to hopefully lessen the noise? Thanks so much for reading!

Also posting in Style and Beauty for the garment advice

Spanx!

Shapewear, I wear the biggest hold-it-all-in pants I can find to stop my c-section belly flapping about.

I go for firm control ones but go up a size so they support rather than squeeze, otherwise I find them too uncomfortable to wear for long.

M&S do cotton ones which are ace.

Thanks guys, I will be browsing this morning! I had my ovary removed when I was a teen, sadly I will always have a little overhang where the scar cut across the muscle. Any extra weight I carry makes it bulge even more. I feel self conscious about it at the best of times.

On another note, would you all recommend a mixture of running and Hiit to help tone my muscles? That's what I plan to do.

You need some leggings with enough Lycra to hold it all in. I speak from experience!
They are ££ but Sweaty Betty power leggings would probably work. Or something with a really wide waistband.

Well done for getting back into it!

Just what Oo say, or I have a mahoosive bit of tubigrip that I had to support my pelvis in pregnancy. Sometimes I wear that. But it’s quite thick & hot.

I've a pair of high waist running lycra that helps me

I really wouldn't care if you ran past me and there was a slapping sound or whatever 🤷

Most people have headphones in anyway.

What are you wearing to run in? I wear nike running leggings and they hold in everything quite snugly. I’m not mi ideal weight at the mo but whether I’m in slim mode or have put on a bit of weight, my mum tum never leaves... proper running leggings work for me though.

My leggings are just bog standard Primark exercising ones, so I'm definitely looking to invest!

High waisted leggings, best quality you can afford and in the smallest size you can squeeze into. Sweaty Betty are great but pricey, especially since you are losing weight and won't fit them for long. I have H&M ones that seem reasonable quality for the price.

I would - I can definitely feel the difference. There are some seriously pricey (but lovely) ones around by Sweaty Betty and the like but I’ve got a few decent Nike pairs for around £40. Worth it in my opinion.

Definitely buy some good quality compression running leggings, they will keep it all in. And also yes definitely to HIIT as well as running and also weights if you can

I can afford a pair of Sweaty Betty if they will make me feel good! I can probably JUST about squeeze myself into a 14. I'm probably more of a 16/18 at the moment though!

@CodenameVillanelle I don't have any weights and I've been wondering what to do. If you can recommend a home video or anything that would be great. Would definitely buy some!

You don't need to size down if you get good quality ones as they will do the job - sizing down means you'll get a tummy ache from too much pressure

OK, that's good to know. And when I lose the weight I can just wear them as comfy leggings round the house

I've got a PT who is doing live workouts so I haven't got any recommendations for weights but there are loads of quarantine workouts on YouTube using household things for those who don't have weights. It's hard to get hold of weights at the moment though maybe shops have stocked up since I last looked!

Definitely sweaty Betty. Power leggings. Put in POWER20 just now and get 20% off.

I never thought I'd say this but the fabletics two for £24 are fab. Get the high waisted ones and just remember to cancel or skip the month.

Agree on fabletics. They are my favourite leggings by far. Just cancel after you receive your 2 pairs.

Amazon do a brand called Aurique that do high waisted leggings that hold everything in and not expensive, about £20. I have the ones with a side stripe and they come up to my ribcage (I'm 5'4), they do them in a cropped version as well.

I have found Pilates to be really good for toning up muscles. I do 5k run 3 times a week for cardio and Pilates 3 times a week as well and have noticed a big difference. Not lost any weight as I'm still eating and drinking too much but I'm definitely more toned.

All my fitness pants, or yoga pants (so may different names for them!) have high waist bands (very flattering!)

I LOVE the Queenie tie ones on Amazon. Really comfortable.

I think Sweaty Betty are very overpriced for what they are.

I would recommend night waist compression tights, and think the best brands are 2XU and UnderArmour.

Best VFM would be Decathlon - unbeatable erformance for their price

Between those two are Ronhill and Nike

Lululemon running tights - v expensive but absolutely wonderful holding power.

'night waist' = 'high waist'
(DYAC - sorry! Not recommending running in night fighting kit!)