Help me not look like Miss Trunchbull when I exercise!

[stretcharmweak]

Just started running, am really enjoying it! Large size 16 with a tummy but strong thighs.
However, I basically look like Miss Trunchbull and can’t seem to work out how people look so glam when running or at the gym.
I am a warm person so I often wear cycling shorts, also as I find they roll down less than leggings. I wear a variety of types of t shirts or vests and usually an old sweatshirt. I have a running zip top but it’s a bit tight still. Long sports socks and ghastly bright Asics trainers.
I just feel so frumpy with my thin/fine hair pulled into a top knot or ponytail.
What are the “put together” people wearing for running/gym wear? Will I feel less like Agatha Trunchbull if I lose some weight? After all the tips to look less ropey when exercising…

I love fabletics and it's reasonably priced if you do their membership plan but remember to skip months where you don't need it - not sure who needs monthly new gym gear 🤷‍♀️ lots of styles for different sizes xxx

Are you running outside? Or at the gym? Because obviously temp and weather will have a bearing on options x

I always feel more polished with a small pair of hoops in whilst I exercise

All black exercise gear- goes with everything and looks ‘together’. Bright trainers are ok though as it should be whatever is best for your gait.

i wear black leggings/shorts and i have some more interesting tops from Lululemon or sweaty Betty with tie/knot details.

Cap or visor to be a bit incognito

however, I have to say- as someone who started running (jog-walking!) with a BMI of 35, losing weight does help with the frumpy feeling…

I never look glam and put together in the gym even though Im small. I look like a sweaty mess with hair stuck to my head and my worst leggings on 😅 Miss Trunchbull lol.

Get leggings with a drawstring, they dont roll down amd won't need any hoiking. As weather improves a racer back vest top which is a little loose fitting is flattering and comfortable.
Wear a good bra which maintains shape as well as supports, some sports bras just flatten your bust or give you a mono boob look.

I wear all black with a baseball cap:
Sports bra
Racer back vest
7/8 leggings
Long-sleeved quarter-zip

I buy my running kit from Adenola, Lululemon, Gymshark, Sweaty Betty and Nike - I really shop around and take time to find styles that are comfortable and flattering. I wear my kit most days at some point and it’s part of my life - I want to feel good in it.

In my opinion a riot of colour is not very easy on the eye and patterned leggings are unflattering so everything is always, always black.

Running outside mostly. So needs to be functional as well as nice, at least for the next few months!

Ooh thanks all, I think all black sounds a lot more polished than my current mismatch vibe.
I think my zebra print leggings might need to get donated…!

Aggy Trunchbull was an Olympic athlete, I'd say there's worse things to look like. (I say this mainly because I deffo look like her when I'm working out, ratty grey sweatshirt and all. Maybe this thread will convince me to sharpen up)

You could wear looser shorts.

And forget runners socks, why do you need those.

Unitards might be an option. I am a 12/14 and wear this one- www.asos.com/south-beach/south-beach-cap-sleeved-unitard-in-black/prd/208364904?affid=30307&_CjwKCAiA95fLBhBPEiwATXUsxFbiYkgo76E2bpUNLVkKztviKFFLTXS99pRNbxCTHL19f5nFQLJPHxoCTHMQAvD_BwE&channelref=product+search&ppcadref=21661755838%7C%7C&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21661755838&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21661806142&gbraid=0AAAAADqFjODjV66W7AQJcCpZ5CG7Svl9n&gclid=CjwKCAiA95fLBhBPEiwATXUsxFbiYkgo76E2bpUNLVkKztviKFFLTXS99pRNbxCTHL19f5nFQLJPHxoCTHMQAvD_BwE

I say ....embrace the Miss Trunchbull. Lean into it, as they say. Look fit and strong and own it!

The extra weight is a big factor. I was much more purple and sweaty when I was heavier and exercising. Decathlon and Amazon had the best running stuff.

I would also say, by all means run if you enjoy it, but it can be a huge strain on the body when overweight, increase cortisol levels, make you unwell and generally be counterproductive.

I would focus on diet, doing plenty of walking, lifting weights and doing something like restorative yoga will bring the cortisol levels down.

I came here to say I love Decathlon running stuff and their exercise gear in general. I've got a few sets from them and everything stays in place while you exercise, no pulling up leggings.

i can guarantee you something like these would look much better, you also get different options of styles and colours etc but there's always other brands. i honestly think cycling shorts are an abomination, the words long and tight shouldn't be used to describe shorts, it doesn't make a blind bit of difference if you wear them running, sleeping or shopping or even to a wedding they're horrible. i would try looser ones and please make me happy and throw away the cycling shorr😂

It will be the hair, get a different haircut, colour or style. Even a sidepart with a plait instead of a scrapped back high bun. Then get a really good bra that holds them up and minimises. I wouldn't wear crazy patterns leggings, get a nice gym set that is modern looking like the stuff lululemon sell with thumbholes and all.

There is a green spf that stops your face from getting red that might help
https://amzn.eu/d/gJCyTkT

Ok for outside I second the double shorts, or thin leggings with a drawer string. Black with a single vertical stripe works well for leggings. If it's really cold (-2C or lower) I wear a long sleeved top with a thin fleece from mountain warehouse on top. Avoid hoods that flap about. I wear pretty headbands off Amazon rather than running ones. And trainer socks not long ones.

But - huge caveat here - I'm 5'9 and a size 8. I should look like a Nike advert when I run. I'm actually bright red, wheezing, with my hands flapping about. But I'm out and I'm moving and enjoying it, so I don't worry what I look like too much.

I wear gym gear 5 days a week, so am happy to invest in it.

Love Sweaty Betty always buy matching bra and leggings they last for years as the quality is so good. I wear with vest tops that I pick up from supermarkets or sports shops.
i think it’s important to feel nice in your work out clothes as it encourages you to engage.
Good luck and well done in getting fit.

I agree with all black, it’s easier. Wear a cap.
I like the sweaty Betty trousers, the ones that finish just under the knee type of thing.
As a runner, to be perfectly honest, if I ran past you I wouldn’t see what you’re wearing, I’d smile cause we’re both out there, don’t think any of us actually notice.
My obsession is not to have my knickers digging, I think that looks awful on me, we all have a thing we hate 😂😂