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 have used walking as my main exercise but you do have to push yourself. On the walk home, try to do it a little faster and feel yourself working hard while you do it. I found although I'd always walked a lot, when I started walking as exercise, I was shocked how quickly I got tired but now I have to walk really briskly for 30 minutes before I even start to feel it. I was walking with a friend the other day, slower than normal because we were chatting, and I was surprised at how heavy her breathing was. It really showed me how much progress I've made.

Having said all that, if you think you'd go to gym, then get a membership and try lots of classes etc. I think in almost every case, while there are some posers at gym, most people are just impressed when they see someone overweight giving it a try. I know I've only ever had positive feedback from people when I brave the gym.

I think it's unhelpful to use phrases like 'brave the gym'.

Gyms have come a long long way since the days of posers in lycra and extortionate membership fees. With the explosion of all the much cheaper pay as you go gyms they are much more accessible to everyday folk from all walks of life. Mine is really representative of everyone and people just get on with their own workout, usually headphones on and oblivious to what anyone else is doing.

As of this morning I have lost 3stone 10lbs. Was size 20 and now a 14. I walked and walked and walked. Then when I was fitter, I climbed and climbed and hiked. I do roughly 7 miles every day. I started July last year and I have 2stone left to lose. I have spent £0 on the gym and I workout all outdoors. Maybe £50 in the last 6 months on good outdoor clothing

I would recommend working with a personal trainer at your gym. They’ll help you settle in and get to grips with different machines and exercises, help you get the right posture etc. They’ll be able to give you a tailored plan. So you’ll feel much more comfortable and confident when you get started.

Our personal trainers cost to use them. They take the gym fit classes I go to which are included in the membership fee

Our gym had 3 free half hour sessions available with a trainer for working on a personal training plan. You book a slot but no picking who you get. I used one slot I think right at the beginning for help with equipment as I couldn't work out what was appropriate for what I wanted to achieve. I didn't want to waste time on machines that weren't going to help achieve the outcomes I wanted if that makes sense.

I agree that sports bra is very important - I swear by Shock absorber, if you can afford it (they last forever)

Gym bottoms from M&S, sometimes H&M and F&F at Tesco. gap if on sale.

Is there a Pure Gym near you? or similar? Mine is only £19/month (Central london) and honestly bigger and newer equipment than the nearby Virgin that costs over £90. Plus because it's cheap there is a slightly broader range of customers (so I don't feel as self conscious because it's not just full of skinny rich women in size 8 Lululemon)

Agree with PP who reminded that food is super important. You prob do know this but I have even had a couple of personal trainers admit that weight loss is 80% diet, 20% exercise. It's great for motivation and MH though, so def don't ignore it (which you are not, obvs)

Good luck!

oh and I find podcasts much better at keeping me motivated at the gym than music - i tell myself I am only allowed to listen to my favourite podcasts when I am working out, so I actually weirdly sort of look forward to getting to the workout. Sort of

So you're already walking 2 hours a day op?

Sorry but I think you need to look into food again, the gym is great and good for you, but that's a lot of exercise.

Primark and Matalan are great both for sportswear and for cheap tshirts & joggers. Check the men’s section for joggers as well.

Yes, I agree that Matalan is a good place to buy sports gear. I have lost 2 and a half stone and XL was the right size for me when I was size 22/20.

I would also recommend wearing 2 bras, I have one for the support and one for the coverage. Needs must.

Be careful with the running if you're not used to it, I started running last year it was great at first 3 months later I slipped a disc in my neck, I'm doing power walking now.

I'm just getting back into exercise - a combination of 'lazy' food/alcohol and a general 'can't be bothered' attitude have combined to push me up to a size 14/16 (more the 16 if I'm honest).
I've gone back to our weekly Zumba class, a weekly yoga class and I'm starting adult ballet next week. I went out and bought some bottoms in Sports Direct, with cheapo long t-shirts/vest tops from H & M over the top to hide belly and bum. Also champion Primark and Matalan sports wear.

I agree with all posters who stress getting a good sports bra. I'm really full in the bust and need support otherwise I feel like everything is pulling. I got mine from Peacocks funnily enough, which for me compare favourably with the more expensive brands I've bought in the past.

Good luck OP, let us know how you're getting on!

Op - I'm a similar size to you (possibly bigger). My advice to you is:

• sports gear from Sainsbury's (sizes are generous too), Tesco or Matalan - they all have plenty in at the moment (primark is always a struggle for me to fit in)

• I get the impression you'd go to the gym in the day, is that right? If so, try to get into a routine of going on the way back from the school run, or just before lunch - habit forming is the best way to keep going with exercise

• swimming is great exercise for building up general fitness levels & strength without worrying about your joints etc. I would really recommend that - it's what I do when I can't be bothered to do anything else

• look up RH fitness on Facebook - they are great at helping you understand nutrition and exercise - not everyone likes their sweary approach, but there are lots of success stories

• book a gym induction/workout plan - the staff should be able to tell you what's the best exercise for you, intensity etc - this way you won't get put off by not knowing what you're doing

Good luck

I absolutely agree with the poster upthread who said about the matalan longline vests. They're only about £4, and I wear them as vests, pj tops, and under a looser gym t shirt, so I don't inadvertently show off my flabby tum. This is particularly important for me during a downward facing dog .

Good luck with your gym plan.

Yes, I also have Matalan vests (about £3 I think)

And I love exercise now, got hooked on nice gym classes and the encouragement from other people. When I have not been for a week, people say they wondered where I was.I like that . Also sense of solidarity during hard class

I would recommend leggings rather than joggers, which will feel very heavy and sweaty. Most exercise leggings are v high waisted and if you put on a good bra and a big t shirt you'll be supported and well covered.

Well done on doing this op- honestly you won't regret it. Take small steps and in a few months you'll feel so much better! Starting out is the hardest bit.

I was a size 20, now a size 16.

I agree - start with the food. I lost 2 stone just by eating more healthier (I did SW)

I told myself I would start exercising when I got to the 2 stone mark, but it's important to start slowly. I went to one dance class but made sure it wasn't a fast paced one. Then I introduced a second dance class and now I do 2 or 3 a week and I'm almost at 3 stone weight loss.

So start with changing your food.

I'm a size 18 and I've just restarted an exercise programme. I'm 52, I also have asthma and very big boobs plus psoriasis on my arms which makes me hate showing any skin. But I take the view that I don't care because I am taking steps to make myself healthier. I personally think big baggy clothes don't flatter and actually make you look fatter. I got some nice workout clothes from M&S but as others have suggested you can get even cheaper from Sainsurys etc. I got a bra from ebay I like the Freya underwired workout ones. I also suggest getting a session with a trainer to help you put a plan together, not just cardio but some weight training, things like body weight squats, maybe have a go with some kettlebells. It's awful at first, feels like such hard work, but I promise that after a few weeks you will start to feel better and even enjoy it a bit (or at least the feeling afterwards). It does get easier and as you go more often you will feel less self conscious, there are all ages and shapes and sizes in my gym (a lot of GP referrals there). Mind you I do see so many people in my gym just spending hours walking on the treadmill or on the stepper but not putting any effort in - just plodding away, chatting to a friend - I'm not sure they are getting any benefit, you do need to get a bit hot and sweaty, no point being half arsed about it. Good luck and I am sure you will find your mental health improves. My DH suffers from depression and finds the gym helps enormously.

I also think that having your gym kit ready and to hand is important. My good intentions if I have to faff around searching for stuff. Now it is gym card on the console, trainers in the hall, a gym bag packed ready to go and I also separate gym stuff as it comes out of the laundry to keep it in a basket and out of the drawers. This has helped so much.

Hey walking like others have said,squats and girly weights for home until u feel ok to go to the gym,i do all that at home costs nothing,i do have a treadmill so i use that too. Download a app to count your steps and it will tell u how may cal etc u have burned. I wear my normal clothes (a dress) to go walking so no new clothes needed. A ipod or music on your phone would help. Getting out in the fresh air makes me feel better i enjoy it and my legs do tone up if i keep it up.

I think going for brisk walks is a great way to start! You don't need any gear for that either if you can fit it into your day. You could put some money aside each week as a reward for some gym gear? Good luck with whatever you choose. x

I've seen a few threads where people are saying that they're starting jogging/exercising and feel self conscious about their weight and exercise clothes. As a regular runner I can assure you, all other people are thinking when they see someone new to exercise is 'well done you!'

We all start off without the right gear and struggling. The important thing is that you're getting out and you're doing it. Well done.

I agree just put on something comfy - a good bra and tight fitting vest to keep your boobs under control, then a t shirt and joggers.

Have you looked at Couch to 5K? I literally couldn't run for a bus a few years ago I was so unfit. But it really works and now I can run for half an hour no problem.

I agree with pp, don't worry about being judged.
Get a decent sport bra, supportive trainers and everything else doesn't really matter and is a personal preference.