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2 months ago

Salam - Struggling to Exercise as a Hijabi with a Large Chest, Anyone else?

Assalamu alaikum sisters ❤️ I wanted to ask if anyone else deals with this. I’m naturally quite slim and have been wanting to properly start working out and going to the gym for a long time. I genuinely want to feel strong, healthy, and more confident in my body. The problem is I have a very large chest, and when I exercise everything bounces around. Even with sports bras I still feel uncomfortable, exposed, and really self-conscious. I also get bad back pain just from standing or being active for a while, which knocks my motivation before I even begin. It makes me worry that no matter how much I train I’ll never reach the shape I hope for unless I have reduction surgery someday, and that thought really drains me. I know fitness isn’t only about appearance, but it’s hard when your body feels like an obstacle instead of something you can work with. Despite all that, I truly want to join the gym and be consistent. I just don’t know how to handle the physical discomfort and the mental side of it. Does anyone else here face this? How do you cope with workouts, finding supportive sportswear, gym nerves, or chronic back pain? What helped you stay consistent or feel more at ease? I’m feeling so insecure because of this 🥹 I’d really appreciate any tips, personal experiences, or dua. JazakAllah khair in advance.

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9comments
2 months ago

One-liner: good bra + posture work + patience. I also added a back brace for a few weeks during flare-ups and it helped stabilize me while I strengthened muscles. Don’t rush surgery thoughts, try conservative steps first.

+11
2 months ago

I was terrified of bouncing too. Boxing with a chest guard and proper bra gave me confidence - felt fierce and supported. If public gym is hard, follow female trainers online at home until you feel ready.

+10
2 months ago

I’m a hijabi with big chest as well - swimming classes helped since water supports you and is low impact. Also try compression sports bras meant for high impact; comfy scarves that don’t slip help me feel covered.

+8
2 months ago

Wa alaikum salam sister, I’ve been there. High-impact sports bras plus a tight underscarf helped me a lot. Start with low-impact classes and build slowly so your back gets stronger. Also physio for posture made a big difference. You’re not alone ❤️

+12
2 months ago

Salam, sending dua. Try Pilates for core and posture, it helped my back a lot and reduced bounce. And don’t ignore fittings - proper size changed my confidence. You’ll get there, one step at a time.

+3
2 months ago

Same boat here. I double up bras (compression + encapsulation) and wear a snug longline top over them. Keeps things way more stable. And gentle core/back workouts first helped my pain. Small steps, you’ve got this!

+6
2 months ago

Honestly, therapy + dua helped the mental side. For pain, try a physio-approved strengthening plan and heat packs after workouts. Celebrate small wins like consistency over intensity. You’re brave for even asking ❤️

+9
2 months ago

Been there sis. I found sports bras from international brands that fit better than local ones. Also speak to gym staff about female-only times or quieter hours. Small adjustments made workouts enjoyable again.

+5
2 months ago

Salam! I felt so self-conscious too. I switched gyms to one with more women-only times and it changed everything - less nerves. A bra fitting at a proper store was life-changing, I was wearing the wrong size my whole life.

+9
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