Gym gear

[sofakingcool]

Hi

I'm joining a gym/health club this week so In need of all the gear that is required!

I'm a self conscious size 22, particularly blessed in the boob dept, so really need to get myself leggings, tops, sports bra and a swim suit

Any tips on the best brands? I'm apple shaped, not particularly curvy bottomed and relatively slim thighs - im all stomach and boobs

I'd be very grateful for ideas! Thanks

Not best as in most expensive or very best quality but I bought all my original gym gear in Primark
Thinking as I lost weight I'd maybe purchase nicer better ones , however , I love them all !
Wash well , dry quickly , modern designs and colours

Good luck !

@coldfeetmama

Not best as in most expensive or very best quality but I bought all my original gym gear in Primark Thinking as I lost weight I'd maybe purchase nicer better ones , however , I love them all ! Wash well , dry quickly , modern designs and colours

Good luck !

I came to say the exact same thing

Go to bravissimo or booby doo for your sports bras - it's absolutely not worth saving money in that area if you're blessed in the boob dept.
LAP Activewear make squat proof leggings, but I've also had nice ones from primark, tk maxx and even aldi.
I'm really fussy about bras and trainers, leggings are important as they need a comfortable waist, not to be see through and not to fall down, and literally any old T-shirt and socks are fine.

Sorry just realised you also said swimsuit - definitely bravissimo. You will feel so much more confident with decent boob support and their costumes are actually flattering.

Decathlon are one of the better quality cheaper brands.

Primark, next, M&S, decathlon, H&M all good stuff. Invest in some decent bras.

Also please dont be self conscious everyone's far to busy worrying about their own issues just go for it!

Next and m and s both do plus sizes in their activewear. I’m very short as well as very appley and the crops are just right. To begin with I just bought some second hand on eBay. I am also “blessed” with large boobs and have found the Bravissimo wired sports bra to be the best for me. The material in the band/back is so firm that at first I needed my husband to help fasten it!🤣🤣🤣 Good lick it really has helped my mental and physical health enormously.

Just bought a gym top from Next. It’s good quality and was inexpensive.

I rate Shock Absorber for sports bras and you can get them on Amazon as well as plenty of high street places including Bravissimo, although I think they only go up to G or H/HH.

I get virtually all my gym clothes from TK Maxx apart from that. I've just bought a very nice Adidas one piece swimsuit for £16.99 in there because my old M&S one was so threadbare my arse was showing through it .

You lot are amazing! Thank you!

M&S are very good for sports leggings and tops.

I bought my swimsuit from Pour Moi and it's beautiful and supportive

I bought a pair of Simply Be gym leggings not expecting much, but they are now one of my favourite pairs, they are high waisted with pockets and really comfy www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/chi-chi-london-panelled-legging/vc291/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=5014

Try H&M, I'm a size 22 and their 3XL fit me well. I'm 6ft if that helps

Please don't be self conscious. No-one is looking or judging. Curvy women look amazing in sports gear with head held high! Check out Jessamyn Stanley or Google 'gym gear for curves' to get the idea

Please don't fall into the trap of getting loose, cotton t-shirts as a 'cover up'. They look awful, are hot and uncomfortable and get sweaty and heavy quickly. You'll also find yourself pulling them down all the time as they fall up around your neck during burpees or floor work.

I was a similar size and quickly realised that a long just about fitted sleeveless tank was good. Excellent sports bra is a no brainer and I'd also often double up with a bralette type thing. The layers keep tits in place and looks good under a tank.

@Smorgasborb

Please don't be self conscious. No-one is looking or judging. Curvy women look amazing in sports gear with head held high! Check out Jessamyn Stanley or Google 'gym gear for curves' to get the idea

Please don't fall into the trap of getting loose, cotton t-shirts as a 'cover up'. They look awful, are hot and uncomfortable and get sweaty and heavy quickly. You'll also find yourself pulling them down all the time as they fall up around your neck during burpees or floor work.

I was a similar size and quickly realised that a long just about fitted sleeveless tank was good. Excellent sports bra is a no brainer and I'd also often double up with a bralette type thing. The layers keep tits in place and looks good under a tank.

Ooh great tip about the sports bra and bralette! Thanks

I got all mine in Matalan. Sports bra, leggings and t shirt £25 for the lot.

@Cheesymonster

I got all mine in Matalan. Sports bra, leggings and t shirt £25 for the lot.

Hadn't thought of Matalan! Thanks

TKMaxx often has really good stuff

Contra is really good for ethical sportswear in larger sizes
contra-movement.com

Panache (wired) sports bra is really good

Decathlon is a fabulous place for sports kit (and best VFM by a mile) but I don't think they have much over size 20.

Bravissimo is a good call for swimsuits. Also try Lands End (though their prices seem to have shot up of late - but the stuff is good)

I think spend money on sports bra's and gym leggins, save money on vest tops, hoodies etc.

Swimsuits with built in bra's in your bra size rather than just dress sizes are generally much better.

i've had some really good stuff from TK Maxx but its a bit hit and miss as to what they have in at any particular time.

Do a squat in the mirror when trying on leggins, some are a lot more see through when stretched than others!

I have found matalan and sainsburys the best.

I was a size 20 when I started at the gym. I got great leggings from Matalan and Asda. These are £10 a pair and excellent!!! Try the XL.

I agree with the advice to avoid the T-shirt trap.