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?

I find exercise brilliant for mental health.

Things that helped me initially were finding regular time-slots each week for exercise, and trying out lots - before committing much money! - and finding things I enjoyed most and looked forward to. Eg yoga and classes online at home, walking, gym, swimming, group classes. Walking was my main one for ages and is free

Kit wise , would initially prioritise shoes and bra. supermarkets are good, would recommend stuff designed for workouts, rather than traditional cotton tracksuit bottoms/T shirts as those get too hot. Also something to reduce chafing, eg barrier cream.

People of sizes, including much bigger than yours, look good in budget sports gear at my local leisure centre. There is great stuff available.

Also just wanted to say: please don’t worry about what you look like. Genuinely, nobody is giving any thought to your body except you, everyone is too busy worrying about themselves, or focusing on what they’re doing.

I have gone from a size 16-18 to a 10-12 through boring cardio and calorie counting using my Fitbit. I aim for between 1000-1500 calories a day but have the odd relaxed day too. I second what people say about a good sports bra (try the Boobydoo website and EBay) the other stuff doesn’t matter just what you feel comfortable in. I like compression tights (HM do some) as they stop the “jiggle” then a baggy top (I like cotton oversized t shirts stolen from my DH). Good luck it took me 2 years in total. Remember one salad never made anyone thin overnight same as one takeaway never made anyone fat.

I forgot to say I also got some v longline vests from Matalan they held in my tummy and went down to mid thigh length I wore them under my t shirts so even if my t shirt came up no one saw my flab . Agree with other op re trainers and sports bra being your best investment everything else go cheap as chips.

Could you not consider spending the £60/70 and buying a cheap 2 in 1 cross trainer for at home?
Then you need not worry about sucking in the tummy or wearing clothes you don't need as you can do it in your pyjamas if you want!
I think it takes the stress out of going to the gym or finding the time but of course, its only good for cardio and eventually you may want different options / strength training.
Good luck on your journey!

How about swimming?

Tankini top and swim shorts gives good coverage, i wear mens swim shorts from primark, cheap, bright pink so not mannish and the benefit of zip up pockets for locker key.

Waterproof mps player and swimming earphones, loaded with upbeat shouty rock music.

With those and super blurry vision from not wearing my glasses i feel comfortable and 'alone' to just swim up and down, back and forth.

Works out the whole body without putting too much wear on any joints

I wouldn't have the motivation to do it at home. I go to classes for the class itself and the socialisation aspect too. I have made friends through classes I think that's a bonus too. I do 2 gym fit classes, 2 body pump (the first class I ever went to) and 1 body attack. My trainers are from sports direct, bra from boobydoo as I need a sturdy one(36GG). I wear big pants from m&s

Part of it is actually getting me out of the house so I wouldnt want to do it at home.

The 20 a month gym membership inclused swimming and all classes so I can try some different things.

I am a new convert to the gym - after years of 1 class or 1 lot of swimming a week and hating every minute I now go 5 times a week for 50 mins of cardio (tread and cross trainer) and come home singing in the car. It has done wonders for my mental health and has helped me drop 2.5 stone since September. You just need to expect a few visits before the endorphins kick in. I wear supermarket kit (inc trainers) and m&s sports bra. Plenty of people in baggy t-shirts.

I was a size 22, now down to 18. And it is a power walk rather than a run on the treadmill for me, my knees won't take running yet.

Hi. I'm currently an 18 but have exercised in some way or other all my life. After a while you realise that other people exercising around you take no notice whatsoever of your body as they are concentrating on their own. As far as clothes go, invest in a good bra and shoes, the rest is irrelevant. Primark is good and cheap.

With that in mind, the best sort of exercise is something you enjoy and you can put into your daily life. The walking is a good start. Have you thought of starting running on your way to the school for the pickup? Take it slowly. Use the couch to 5K programme www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week/ and don't be ashamed to repeat weeks if necessary. I seem to remember staying on week 5 for nearly a month. There's also cycling, swimming if you don't mind getting wet and into a swimsuit (I find this the most calming type of exercise) and then there's the great overlooked exercise...dancing. This one, at least, you can do with the kids.

I was going to suggest swimming as well, really great exercise.

I can't run. I'm so out of breath even walking.

I'd be so embarrassed turning up at school sweaty, out of puff and red faced.

I don't do running either. Try a few classes and see if there are any you enjoy. If you enjoy it you're more likely to keep going to it. It takes a few weeks to become part of your routine and then you feel bad if you don't go. I never started going until i was in my 30s and have now been going regularly for 10 years.

Maybe time how long the walk home takes you after school drop off in the morning.
And try and do it slightly quicker than the day before each day.
I find writing stuff like this down really helps as you can see the improvement in black and white.
Even if you don't time yourself regularly it will be a really helpful baseline to see the improvement in your fitness over the coming months.

You don't have to run. When you're just starting out, you really need to go slowly and not worry about what anyone else is doing - if walking is your limit for now, then walking it is! Try to walk a little faster than you normally would or keep going for longer if you can. I know you feel self-conscious about getting sweaty or red or out-of-breath, but that's actually what exercise is supposed to do to an extent. It means your body is working harder and you're burning energy. Obviously you don't want to be gasping for breath or feeling dizzy, but you do want to have visible outward signs of exertion for the exercise to benefit you.

why not try the coach to 5K app - it's free & the outdoors is free.

I was very very overweight & my knees aren't good so replaced the running sections with speed walking instead

Primark stuff is great. Also you are not gross you are awesome! Enjoy the gym - it sounds like a great deal

ASOS go up to size 20 I think. You can start with a good sports bra and anything else you feel comfortable in. Don't worry about wearing matchy matchy work out gear you are more likely to stand out.

I hope your gym is like mine: all ages and sizes and no one cares how they look. It isn't full of posers just ordinary people tackling their fitness so don't feel self conscious!

Tesco is great for exercise stuff, cheap and lots of nice non clingy stuff

Echoing the others who say you don't need to run. Just walk at a pace that's suitable without injuring yourself. You really will notice the benefits in a matter of weeks.

You could start with chair exercises at home - I did this when I was really unfit and a size 20/22 after a long bout of chronic fatigue - literally a couple of minutes a day. Then 15 minute walks, then half an hour, then up to an hour. I think you're amazing getting started actually.

I also did the XBX plan for women which is 12 minutes a day, it's in the house but it can be combined with a walk/other exercise. I like it because it starts small, doesn't take long, needs no equipment or special clothes, and you really notice the benefits quickly - worth a Google.

I like decathlon stuff and mountain warehouse- the leggings are really good. I’m a 16. I think my favourite sports bra was from Sainsbury’s.

I tho m the gym is a great idea if you’re really unfit. It’s all very well people saying to start with an hours walk and sit ups at home or similar but it’s so easy to let that slide whereas once you’ve done 2 or 3 sessions at the gym it becomes a routine and physically going somewhere to exercise makes it harder to put off and pretend that you’ll do it after you’ve cleaned the fridge out/hoovered/cooked tea/insert any excuse.

Just buy whatever you feel comfortable it. If you sweat a lot when you exercise, sweat wicking fabric is a must but not everybody does so you may be ok without. But definitely buy decent trainers and a good sports bra in the correct size (do the bra intervention method if you’re not absolutely certain of your bra size already).

Just to warn you that exercise clothing come up ridiculous small, I wear two sizes bigger than my dress size to get a t shirt that isn’t skin tight. So don’t think it’s just you when you can’t squeeze into a size 22.

Defo go to the gym for the social side as well. Ask reception which teachers / classes are good fo beginners. Go 10 mins early and introduce yourself to the instructor and say you are New and nervous. She will be pleased to help you.

If you go during the day it will be mostly women, usually of all ages and sizes . As PP have said, no one cares what everyone else looks like, they are too focussed on themselves.

I’d also recommend C25k. It starts off running for just a minute or 90secs IIRC. Then once you can walk or jog for the 5 km you can go to parkrun. Which is free, Local and great for making friends.