Containing the fat (and skin) to improve exercise

[Queen ApisM 426]

Alrighty hive mind, I could use some advice. I've lost 120 lbs, and while I still have a long way to go, my exercise game is improving greatly. I've been challenging myself and slowly starting to add in some plyo/jumping moves. I'm very cautious and careful about it, because I haven't jumped in years but I can do it a bit and I am slowly pushing my boundaries and comfort levels, which is awesome.

Less awesome? How my extra skin and fat literally flap when I try to do anything involving jumping or even anything too quick, like if I am doing some agility work. It is uncomfortable and sounds awful. Any ideas or recommendations on how people have reined it in? Wearing tighter exercise pants isn't enough, at least not the ones I am wearing from the common US plus size shops. Does anyone have a good brand they feel helps with this? Or any other recommendations on compression gear to help with this? I don't want to feel like a stuffed potato while working out, but the flapping doesn't really great for bringing out my exercise best.

[MountainClover 81]

The only thing I can think of is compression leggings for exercise. They also have compression tops too. I have never worn these because I am pre op but maybe they will work. Good luck!

[KimA-GA 540]

Congrats on the weight loss! You have done amazing!

I am pre op and just starting to see skin issues due to pre op weight loss, so no in your boat yet. I have used bike shorts or compression shorts for years to help with my tummy during exercises. I have bought through Amazon and woman within. Also going to get some compression sleeves (Amazon has them for about $10) because I have massive arm fat that’s starting to dangle and will probably get in the way soon. There are also some zip front full bras made for exercise that look like it may tame the side breast skin and fat that I have starting to be floppy.


Don’t have any specific brands but I try to look through reviews on Amazon before buying.

[Queen ApisM 426]

Thanks for replies! I may need to start wearing extra layers to squish it down/contain it. I don't want to let that extra fluff to impede my exercise advancement. It's a bit disheartening.

[Jeanniebug 472]

Great job!!! The only thing I can think of is something like Spanx.

[SuziDavis 544]

Get some good High Waisted Leggings, Torrid has some good ones.

But do not work out in something like Spanx. That will restrict way too much and can cause issues.

[Queen ApisM 426]

3 minutes ago, SuziDavis said:

Get some good High Waisted Leggings, Torrid has some good ones.

But do not work out in something like Spanx. That will restrict way too much and can cause issues.

I cannot imagine working out in something that constricting. I've got to be able to move!

[SuziDavis 544]

3 hours ago, Queen ApisM said:

I cannot imagine working out in something that constricting. I've got to be able to move!

Me neither, but I have seen stories about circulation being obstructed and issue happening. I will stick to my leggings.

[GopherCup 1]

I have a nice pair of compression workout pants from torrid that are great. They are snug to get on but great for holding everything while moving/jumping around. Enell also has great sports bras for "well-endowed" persons. They are really the only one I've found that can hold the girls while bouncing around. A little pricey but so worth it.

[Queen ApisM 426]

4 hours ago, GopherCup said:

I have a nice pair of compression workout pants from torrid that are great. They are snug to get on but great for holding everything while moving/jumping around. Enell also has great sports bras for "well-endowed" persons. They are really the only one I've found that can hold the girls while bouncing around. A little pricey but so worth it.

Torrid came up twice in this thread, so I will check them out. Thanks!

[ShoppGirl 3,340]

Can’t really suggest any particular garments but if you have that much extra skin you may want to mention it to your team and see what your insurance requires to cover it. I think for some it just needs to hang down a certain amount and for others you have to document that it is causing you issues over a period of time. You may want to get the process of documenting it started cause it sounds like you may have enough of a case to get removal covered by insurance. 🤞

[kaylee50 61]

I think it depends on the type of workout. For yoga, compression clothing won't work. But for high impact plyo/jumping like you are doing, in my experience, the tighter the better. You do not want any bounce whatsoever in certain body parts, mainly the chest and waist/hips. Google images of Olympic shot putters. Those ladies are rock! At my heaviest, I used to run and lift in plus-size Shapewear (Maidenform Flexees, or Just My Size - the cheaper the better) under my shorts, then graduated to compression tights (Under Armour, Athleta, Gap, Nike all have plus sizes). The key is to find tights with a high waist that will not roll. As for sports bras, if the ones you already have feel too loose, wear two of them layered before you buy a smaller size. But above all, the most important thing you need for any high impact activity is Body Glide, to prevent chafing where you bra and tights meet your skin.

Also, HI! I am new here. Long time lurker, first time poster. So glad to have finally joined!