Gym wear for larger woman

[AlexaShutUp]

I have just joined a gym for the first time in many years, my induction will be on Thursday. I have now realised that I don't have anything to wear. Please help!

I'm very large (size 18) and very self conscious. Joining the gym is a big deal for me and I want to feel as comfortable as I can. What can I wear that won't make me feel really fat, even more self conscious or out of place?

Nike is great!

Black 7/8 leggings
Black T-shirt or vest in wicking material
Best sports bra you can get your hands
Trainer socks
Clean trainers
Decent hair bobble

Really, that’s all you need and what most women of all shapes and sizes at my gun wear.

Wear any colour you want but black is the easiest by far. Don’t be afraid of course fitting items as long as they’re not too small.

Thank you for your suggestions. I have good trainers but nothing else. Where can I buy a good sports bra?

Sweaty Betty size XL and XXL are great especially for Power compression leggings that hold you in and don't roll down

Plus they aren't see through when you bend over and won't split or bobble

If you’re just getting started and don’t want to spend too much, I recommend the Good Move range in M&S

@GreenBiro

Black 7/8 leggings Black T-shirt or vest in wicking material Best sports bra you can get your hands Trainer socks Clean trainers Decent hair bobble

Really, that’s all you need and what most women of all shapes and sizes at my gun wear.

Wear any colour you want but black is the easiest by far. Don’t be afraid of course fitting items as long as they’re not too small.

I would say this is spot on. And would also agree that while Sweaty Betty stuff is good, for the price of a pair of their leggings (£75) you could get a pair of leggings (£25), a wicking T-shirt (£15) , a sports bra (£25) and a two pack of trainer socks from M&S (£8) all of decent quality,. Actuallly less at the moment at M&S because they have a sports wear sale on.

Good for you for signing up to the gym. I agree that M&S is a good place to stock up with some leggings etc. Sweat Betty is sooooo expensive, in my view. Also, Sainsbury’s and Tesco are worth checking out for gear.

@AlexaShutUp

Thank you for your suggestions. I have good trainers but nothing else. Where can I buy a good sports bra?

Shock absorber win lots of running awards, and are probably the gold standard. You might need to go up on the band size because they are ferociously tight.

That said, it depends what type of exercise you plan to do. For stuff like cross training/cycling/the eliptical machine I have a general high impact one from a high street store. Might have been Debenhams. but other places do them. I only use shock absorber for running or classes that involve a lot of jumping about.

Feel like I'm in commission but this brand is great for large if boob. I'm contemplating buying another one.

go.mumsnet.com/?xs=1&id=470X1554755&url=www.maaree.com/products/solidarity-high-impact-sports-bra

Also like others have said sweaty Betty and goodmove from M&S and Nike! I'm a similar size to you and have got in well with all of those brands. Good luck!

Sorry broken link: www.maaree.com/collections/sports-bras/products/solidarity-high-impact-sports-bra?variant=34985910730886

Joyspel high waisted leggings on Amazon. I’m a size 16 and take a L

Also Syrokan sports bra comes in bigger sizes

@stripedbananas

Sweaty Betty size XL and XXL are great especially for Power compression leggings that hold you in and don't roll down

Was about to say this. They really do hold your tummy in. They have a sale at the moment too.

Also their sports bras are good.

I’m a size 20+ and have had good bits from Sainsbury’s before.

Sale power leggings

They look better in real life. The back ground is navy, not black and they look good on. They have XXL left which is 18-20

I love sainsbury gym wear.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have ordered some stuff from M&S for the time being, but will check out the other suggestions as well as I will probably want more than one "kit". Wish me luck for my induction session, please. I'm so nervous!!

Mine is mostly Sainsbury's, with some Lidl.

Good luck!

You'll be fine OP! You might feel self conscious but rest assured no one is paying as much attention to you as they are to themselves!

PS agree about Marks being good. Sweaty Betty is lovely and it's good quality but it's very expensive!

Nike Plus Size range is so good - I bought leggings and I noticed that the shape of the calves is not straight like a carrot, as on most leggings, but shaped to fit a wider calf. Really impressed.

Sports bra - I buy from M&S, front zip sports bra, they've lasted well

Good luck op! Don't be nervous, whether you spot them or not there will be people of all shapes and sizes there. Well done on getting started.

For future ref - Bravissimo do a great range of sports bras in bigger sizes.

Other gear I normally get Nike (from Asos, nike.com or amazon). Asos does discounts every so often so when they have 20% off or something it's a good buy. I have few bits from Sweaty betty but I find them bit expensive for everyday gymming