S/O can you run if you have a tummy?

[Sweetum]

I have a large tummy. Yeah, not fun, not pretty, and not comfortable. Clothes are a big problem, but exercising is too. It hurts my back, and I always feel like I need "support". The problem is that my skin is way too loose and jiggly from pregnancy and not being able to exercise has added weight to the equation. So, now I am stuck with a heavy, jiggly tummy that causes my back to hurt when I run or sometimes even walk fast. Any ideas anyone?
sorry, i this sounds gross to some...

[hellokitty]

Yes, you definitely can. I have a friend who lost 150 lbs by running and a sensible diet. She was morbidly obese. Today she found out that she is under 170 lbs, which she is so happy about. It has been a two yr journey for her. If you want to find out more about her story and ask her questions about how to start running and find clothes that are comfortable, while doing it, you can find her on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/fromfatmomtofitmom

[AnnieW625]

I wish I had the stamina to run, but I don't. I don't feel good doing it (my calves hurt, my feet hurt even with proper shoes and decent aftermarket insoles, sometimes my back hurts, and unless it about 55-65 out my asthma acts up) and I walk almost as fast as a slow jog so I just do that. I occaisionally do a 5k though. I am hoping to lose 35 or so lbs. so maybe once that happens I will be able to run a bit better, but I know plenty of people who are heavy and like to run so IMHO it is a stamina and pacing issue.

[SnuggleBuggles]

What about compression pants/ capris/ shorts? Would they offer enough support?

[hellokitty]

I wish I had the stamina to run, but I don't. I don't feel good doing it (my calves hurt, my feet hurt even with proper shoes and decent aftermarket insoles, sometimes my back hurts, and unless it about 55-65 out my asthma acts up) and I walk almost as fast as a slow jog so I just do that. I occaisionally do a 5k though. I am hoping to lose 35 or so lbs. so maybe once that happens I will be able to run a bit better, but I know plenty of people who are heavy and like to run so IMHO it is a stamina and pacing issue.

Annie, have you heard of the walk/run method. It's intervals of running and walking. If you are not concerned about speed, it may be a good program for you. It is the same program that is promoted for the Disney marathons.

[AnnieW625]

Annie, have you heard of the walk/run method. It's intervals of running and walking. If you are not concerned about speed, it may be a good program for you. It is the same program that is promoted for the Disney marathons.

Oh yeah in general that is what I do when I do run. I have zero interest in serious running though, just more for fun (which it isn't IMHO....I know I should turn in my BBB membership now:bag) and to do an occaisional 5k with friends or family for charity or a local organization.

eta: I like trail running though. I like being challenged a bit vs. just running on a flat surface.

[egoldber]

compression pants/ capris/ shorts

:yeahthat:

This is what I wear when I do any vigorous exercise: running, step class, jumping jacks, etc. Even when I was in my best shape, after 3 c-sections my tummy is pretty jiggly.... I can wear loose clothes to lift weights though.

And Annie, I've done 5Ks but I have little interest in running more than that. I think running is incredibly boring.

[sunshine873]

:yeahthat:

This is what I wear when I do any vigorous exercise: running, step class, jumping jacks, etc. Even when I was in my best shape, after 3 c-sections my tummy is pretty jiggly.... I can wear loose clothes to lift weights though.

And Annie, I've done 5Ks but I have little interest in running more than that. I think running is incredibly boring.

:yeahthat: I'm not a huge runner, but when I do try,compression clothing makes all the difference in the world. Both compression shorts and a top (sleeveless.). I'm in pretty good shape, but have rolls of excess skin which makes it painful to run, but compression clothing really helps to keep things from flopping around.

[fedoragirl]

I don't run either but I love the elliptical. I lost all my baby weight with the elliptical last time. It's harder to lose that weight now that I have 2 c-sections and Hashimoto's. But I just wear "tight" pants/leggings that hold everything in and workout. All my weight is concentrated in my tummy. :(

[hellokitty]

I don't run either but I love the elliptical. I lost all my baby weight with the elliptical last time. It's harder to lose that weight now that I have 2 c-sections and Hashimoto's. But I just wear "tight" pants/leggings that hold everything in and workout. All my weight is concentrated in my tummy. :(

OK, I need to ask you what the best way is the utilize the elliptical. I can no longer run, I keep re-injuring my knees, and have decided I need to do something lower impact due to the knee issues I've been plagued with for over a yr. What is the key to using the elliptical effectively. I see ppl using it and they look like they are on hyper-spaz mode and I just keep thinking I can't be in hyper-spaz mode.

[Sweetum]

hmmm, compression clothes. linky please!

[SnuggleBuggles]

OK, I need to ask you what the best way is the utilize the elliptical. I can no longer run, I keep re-injuring my knees, and have decided I need to do something lower impact due to the knee issues I've been plagued with for over a yr. What is the key to using the elliptical effectively. I see ppl using it and they look like they are on hyper-spaz mode and I just keep thinking I can't be in hyper-spaz mode.

I use a Precor machine that's like a hybrid stair climber and elliptical. I love it's versatility. But on that or an elliptical, if you up the tension it is more steady and slow (at least till you master that level).

[RedSuedeShoes]

OP, have you checked whether or not you have a diastasis (separation of the two sides of your "girdle" muscle)? If that's contributing to your tummy, it could be detrimental to run before healing the gap. I have mostly healed mine now, but still have a small gap and my PT told me not to run until it's completely healed. Here's a video (http://fit2b.us/how-to-check-for-diastasis-hd/) about how to check yourself.

[trales]

Under Armour has low waisted ones. I found these for higher wasted, I would wear under shorts or a skirt personally. I wear lower waisted ones.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BE2PDIM/ref=asc_df_B00BE2PDIM2535311?smid=A2YB0MT99KFAYC&tag=shopzilla_mp_1303-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B00BE2PDIM

[annex]

If your gym has different brands, I find the Life Fitness elliptical to have a smoother, less jerky motion, and easier on the knees than the Precor.

[cono0507]

I always wear compression capris/shorts, not so much for my front but for my backside...much more comfy to run without the jiggling, IMO!

[ccather]

This thread needs some like buttons! If you have an impressive jiggle going on there, such as myself, I would stay away from low waisted. If I get going my middles can wiggle on outta low waist pants. Not something you want to deal with while running. I'd recommend something with a drawstring. I tie it in the dent between my lower "apron" and my middle ripple which keeps me from losing my drawers mid run. This will also extend the life of your pants as you lose weight. My favorite pants are a pair of C9 from target. I actually prefer the softer less textured knit. There's less rubbing between the rolls. I have some compression Capri from champion that I like, but I have to load up on Body Glide around my middle with those as the waist band can rub my skin as I run.

On the topic of body glide. Get some! Apply it liberally! Waistline and bra band. Do it! No idea how I functioned o long with out it!

I took up running around 230 and now I'm closing in on 200. Ran my first half marathon last year and had a ton of fun! Yes! Fun! While running! For three hours!!! Who knew? :). These are some of my lessons learned. Oh. An Enell bras for the girls. If they're big Enell's the way to go.

[egoldber]

My fav compression items I have are 2 pair of C9 shorts I got from Target several years ago. Alas, they no longer make them. These are similar:
http://www.titlenine.com/product/110115.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&from=fn#.Uac-hKxSqGk
http://www.titlenine.com/product/110948.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&from=fn#.Uac-pKxSqGk

I also have these: http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-yoga-pants~224762_-1.html

And these: http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-performance-sport-crop-pants~250313_59.html

[pb&j]

I have some lululemon capris that have mad compression. LOVE. I can hitch 'em right up to my navel, too. Pricey, but I wear them all the time. Of course they no longer carry them, and I'm not sure what the equivalent is now. But they really suck everything in.

[cvanbrunt]

I teach Pilates and live in workout clothes. The most compressive stuff I have is from Lucy. Expensive but d@mn it sucks it in and holds it tight.
http://www.lucy.com/Perfect-Core/Perfect_Core,default,sc.html
http://www.lucy.com/Perfect-Core-Halter/110599,default,pd.html?cgid=Tops_Tanks%20%26%20Cam is&dwvar_110599_color=LUCY%20BLACK

I haven't tried these but they might be good too.
http://www.lucy.com/Perfect-Booty/Perfect_Booty,default,sc.html

[cono0507]

I teach Pilates and live in workout clothes. The most compressive stuff I have is from Lucy. Expensive but d@mn it sucks it in and holds it tight.
http://www.lucy.com/Perfect-Core/Perfect_Core,default,sc.html
http://www.lucy.com/Perfect-Core-Halter/110599,default,pd.html?cgid=Tops_Tanks%20%26%20Cam is&dwvar_110599_color=LUCY%20BLACK

I haven't tried these but they might be good too.
http://www.lucy.com/Perfect-Booty/Perfect_Booty,default,sc.html

Another vote for Lucy perfect core- they are all I wear for Bootcamp, running, all exercise now!

[BabbyO]

This thread needs some like buttons! If you have an impressive jiggle going on there, such as myself, I would stay away from low waisted. If I get going my middles can wiggle on outta low waist pants. Not something you want to deal with while running. I'd recommend something with a drawstring. I tie it in the dent between my lower "apron" and my middle ripple which keeps me from losing my drawers mid run. This will also extend the life of your pants as you lose weight. My favorite pants are a pair of C9 from target. I actually prefer the softer less textured knit. There's less rubbing between the rolls. I have some compression Capri from champion that I like, but I have to load up on Body Glide around my middle with those as the waist band can rub my skin as I run.

On the topic of body glide. Get some! Apply it liberally! Waistline and bra band. Do it! No idea how I functioned o long with out it!

I took up running around 230 and now I'm closing in on 200. Ran my first half marathon last year and had a ton of fun! Yes! Fun! While running! For three hours!!! Who knew? :). These are some of my lessons learned. Oh. An Enell bras for the girls. If they're big Enell's the way to go.


I'll second Body Glide...it is great for anywhere you chafe. I have to use it like deodorant. For some reason I chafe in my armpits. If you can't find it try vaseline. It will work similarly - but can get goopy. I prefer vaseline for existing blisters....(my feet blister easily).

[fedoragirl]

OK, I need to ask you what the best way is the utilize the elliptical. I can no longer run, I keep re-injuring my knees, and have decided I need to do something lower impact due to the knee issues I've been plagued with for over a yr. What is the key to using the elliptical effectively. I see ppl using it and they look like they are on hyper-spaz mode and I just keep thinking I can't be in hyper-spaz mode.

I am a novice but I needed low impact exercise because of my poor knees. My doctor told me not to run because of the stress on my knee joints. I just followed the same guidelines as the treadmill--warm up, a little faster speed with higher tension, and then, up the speed to as much as I can take. Start over. I burn more calories on the elliptical than I do on the treadmill simply because I am a terrible runner.
I think if you play around with the tension and speed, you can accomplish much.