Shorts one, basically like swimming Spanx except they come up to my belly button instead of my bra line. Top notch belly holding, though, which is nice since my core muscles are basically mush. And look at the pocket eating my whole hand!! AH!
Shorts two, similar to typical mens swim trunks. It had an option to add a built in panty or not, I took the built in panty. These may take getting used to after a lifetime of being used to swimsuits that fit like a second skin.
I have shorts 2 and I love them! My mom always bought Lands End stuff when I was a kid but they totally fell off my radar until a couple years ago. They make good stuff.
Those first ones are exactly what I have and I second your assessment on all counts! My other pair were the shorter board shorts, and were really weird to try wearing because theyāre hydrophobic instead of regular swimsuit material so they like, inflated as I waded in!
I was talking with some other people here about On shoes, and I have a helpful comparison/review now. So this is my go to pair, which I really like because it is well cushioned but light:
I decided to try this pair because they are even more cushioned, I ended up returning them and hereās why
While these are very cushioned the angle is super strange. Because of the cushioning and shape they put me off balance, so that rather than my weight resting easily in the ball of my foot it was pushed back onto my heels. The toe of the shoe is higher than the heel and I really didnāt like that. The only exception I could think is that maybe if I were heavier this would not be a problem? Like it might be easier to keep your weight forward in that case, which could make these a really good buy because the cushioning is legit, but I think if youāre on the slight side these are probably going to push you backwards.
I re-ordered a new pair of the Cloudflyer (first ones listed here) and they came and are as comfy as always, so Iāll be sticking with those until I find something better!
I want to shout out decathalon- especially for trying a new sport or if you know itās temporary (kids and maternity size stuff). Like any fast fashion, use it up wear it out, but weāve had some great finds
My phone shut down about 30 seconds before I finished todayās run, which means the run didnāt get logged. I spent all day putting the stupid run off, and dreading it, and generally dragging my feet instead of just doing it. And the phone shut off.
EVERYTHING IS STUPID AND ALL IS LOST.
I seek no advice. Iām just logging my inappropriate rage re: fucking exercise.
Apparently I need better sports bras. I have one that is adequate for running but it feels like it doesnāt want my ribs to expand. The other ones let me breathe - theyāre not loose, theyāre like one piece swimsuit tight I guess? Do I have to choose either breathing or boob containing (B cup)? Also I vaguely remember seeing all sports bras on hangers in such a way that didnāt encourage trying them on in the store, but this was shopping like ā¦ five? seven? more? years ago. If I have to go into a store instead of conveniently having it brought to me, then fine, I guess.
Target has a wide variety to try on. (Oh and old navy) Iād probably start there to get a sense of what cut and style works well for you. They label them by support level. I find the front zip and molded cup shapes letās me have a more supportive one with less squeezing, I dunno if thatās universal or not. (Pre kid was 34DD but I havenāt measured the floppy coin purses since weaning, haha).
I like the kind that have several layers. The top layer is attached at the bottom and then clips on at the top to the shoulder straps. Thereās several clip locations so the compression is adjustable. (i have no idea what this style is called, lol.)
Seconding the suggestion to try them on in store! Iāve done that at Target and REI.
For some reason Iāve only had good luck with bras at Kohlās, and you can try on everything in the store. Iāve used these Tek Gear bras for years (so OF COURSE theyāre discontinuing them looks like, but they have other styles): Tek GearĀ® Keyhole Medium-Impact Sports Bra
I definitely do, and I choose breathing, lol. Luckily my boobs arenāt so big that they need lots of support. I have a massive scar going across my ribs and a lot of asymmetry in that area, so even non high impact sports bras hurt me a lot of the time. I like Jockey and Calvin Klein for low impact non racerback sports bras; they definitely donāt suck me in super tightly but they provide coverage and I donāt run/jump anyway (more pilates/climbing stuff) so itās not a big dealbreaker. When I have needed stronger support Iāve found that tight support tank tops (or even those marketed as ābindersā) are better than bras because they donāt cut across that rib area so much; itās more like shape-wear.
One less discussed aspect: if you are petite in the torso (ie you have to cinch your regular bra straps quite short) adjustable shoulders are a must for support. Or tailoring, or finding a brand that accommodates that (if possible).
Other than that I agree with above, Target and REI are great, and you should be able to try them on. Iāve never had a problem with trying on bras anywhere ever and if I did I would leave.
I like the stretchy style sport bras from Target, the ones I got from old navy were sewn very flat and didnāt conform well. I still wear them at home, though, the material was comfy. For running, Iām a fan of Brooks, but want to try SheFit. But Iām lugging around 36DDā¦
The only problem Iāve had with trying on sports bras is when I tried on one with too much compression and got stuck. I was shopping alone and had to get the store clerk to help me out. Luckily she had a good sense of humor about it. I was mortified!
As a former retail worker I can assure you that itās not that uncommon when you get hired you donāt know youāll be undressing strangers, and then there you are.
Hahaha thank you! I had an actual job in a dressing room as a teenager (long story, but it was expected that we WOULD be dressing / undressing people). It helped me get over fears of being awkward waaaaaayy fast. After a few weeks of that I was like, oh, I get it, literally nobody is judging me because we donāt have time for that shit. COOL.
Iām almost healed from top surgery and I want to dip my toes into athleticism now that my body creeps me out less, but I donāt have much idea where to start.
Anybody have some good resources for bodyweight exercises?
There are so many types of bodyweight exercises and it really depends on your background and what you like or donāt like. I think the most important thing is consistency in working out and thatās best achieved if you enjoy yourself. Pilates is, IMO, a killer workout and you donāt need any equipment to do a lot of it. However, itās very easy to cheat the movements and get a bad workout, so if you are someone without a lot of previous athletic training, I think itās not the best route unless you are going to do a class with a hands-on teacher.
Calisthenics are incredible and much more accessible for people at all skill levels. My husband does calisthenics without weights exclusively and he is ripped and has gone up several shirt sizes due to shoulders/chest increases. He works out in the bathroom, which I know sounds insane and we donāt have a big bathroom, but heās an intense dude, lol.
There is some equipment thatās helpful, like dip bars (which I personally love and use a lot too) and pull up bars, and youāll want a yoga mat most likely just for grip and stretching. Having a real and actually challenging stretching routine is super important too. A lot of people overlook that. If youāre interested in workout routines I think this guy is legit and my husband does his stuff a lot, itās very based on high rep numbers which I think is a super effective way to build muscle using bodyweight only. You truly donāt need weights.
Iād skip his more lecture-y videos and go to the workouts (he has some labeled for beginner). His build is legitimately achievable with the workouts heās doing, which is notable because a lot of fitness influencers are fake (I can explain more if youāre unfamiliar and interested). It is important that you have good form though, bad form is bad always but especially so when youāre in high rep territory, plus itās cheating yourself. So I think itās ok if youāre using a mirror at first or looking up and watching the form over and over again in the beginning, etc. LMK if youāre interested in pilates stuff too!
wow, great response, thanks! Iāll definitely check out that YouTube channel. I also want to try yoga since there seem to be several good studios near me.
Yoga can be very helpful for balance, hip mobility, and general body IQ. I think especially if you are less flexible/balanced itās beneficial from an athletic standpoint. My personal way to gauge if a class is good or not is based on specificity in terms of how the teacher teaches and explains movements. Do they say, āput your arms up at the side of your head and stretch!ā which is actually not at alllll specific, or do they say, āput your arms up at the side of your head, imagine a string going through your whole body from the floor into the ceiling, your spine should be straight and your hips square, and most of your weight should be in the balls of your feet. As you lift your arms press your shoulders down, donāt let them come up to your ears! And breathe deeply, in, out, etc.ā THAT is extremely descriptive.
I also prefer teachers who do hands-on adjustments but I know some people arenāt comfortable with that. From a purely athletic standpoint it is a huge advantage, so if it doesnāt bother you and they donāt do hands-on adjustments, ask! Itās becoming more the norm for teachers to not touch anyone until asked (it used to be the reverse) so especially if you see them hands-on with others, just letting them know, āhey Iām open to hands on adjustments!ā will give them the go ahead on that front.
I was shopping alone and had to get the store clerk to help me out. Luckily she had a good sense of humor about it. I was mortified!
when you get hired you donāt know youāll be undressing strangers, and then there you are.