If you follow me you know I’m a runner and I’m a big fan of free and frugal fitness tools. You can check out my other post on: Frugal Fitness- How To Get Fit For A Few Dollars Or Free for some suggestions on apps, videos and resources.
And while working to get fit, you need the proper workout gear so you can be comfortable and motivated. I don’t know about you, but when I have a new workout outfit it helps to motivate me to get my butt out the door and run. Because I look good. Who wants to keep that a secret. 😉
But workout clothes have to be affordable. I’m sure Lululemon workout gear is probably the best ever. I mean, for those prices, it must automatically burn calories right? If I need a second mortgage to afford it, automatic calorie burning or not, I’m going to have to pass unless I can find it super cheap at a thrift or consignment store.
So here’s a breakdown of some frugal workout gear to get you started.
*Approximate prices based on surveys of local stores and online. Prices may differ in your area.
*This post contains affiliate links, which allow me to receive compensation, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase. All opinions are authentic and my own.
Basic Workout Clothing
Old Navy – I’m starting with Old Navy because it’s the brand I personally use most. It’s partly because I’m a creature of habit and I don’t really have time to shop around. So once I learned that Old Navy workout pants fit me perfectly, come in cute styles and are affordable, I was hooked. They also have some very cute tops that are comfortable.
Workout pants – $17 +
Tops – $13 +
*Keep an eye on Old Navy sales. You can often get items at a deep discount.
Target – Target’s workout clothing brand is Champion. It’s also affordable and comes in cute styles.
Workout pants – $23 +
Tops – $13 +
*Keep an eye on Target sales ads for even better prices. I recently spotted lots of workout gear on clearance for around $5-$10.
Wal-Mart – Walmart sells a couple of brands of workout gear, Danskin and Avia.
Workout pants – $14 +
Tops – $8 +
Major Brand Workout Clothing At Lower Prices
TJMaxx/Marshalls – These two stores are great for brand name workout gear at discount prices. I recently snagged a $30 Nike tank top for just $10. And they had lots of name brand tops, pants and jackets for around $15-$30. So you can essentially pay Target-like prices for major name brands. However, you’re not guaranteed Target-like inventory, i.e. a certain number of items in a certain style. You rely on what they have in stock at the time.
Kohl’s – Kohl’s is packed full of predictable major brand inventory. They carry all the top brands like Nike and Adidas. But in my opinion, it can still be somewhat pricey unless you can catch a good sale or have Kohls cash to spend.
Outlets – Outlet stores for brands like Nike and Adidas are also worth checking out. But it can also still be pricey unless you go on a day when they’re having a big sale. Outlet + clearance is a great deal when you can catch it.
Pre-owned – Another great way to get high-end fitness gear like Nike and Adidas and even Athleta and Lululemon is to buy it second-hand. Or you may actually find brand new items from second-hand sources.
I nabbed a brand new pair of Athleta workout pants, which retail for $64 for just $22 on Schoola. It’s a great online thrift store with a purpose. A portion of all the profits go to local schools.
A similar online thrift shopping site that may have high-end fitness gear is ThredUp.
And Poshmark is sort of the eBay for high-end clothing. You can find tons of Lululemon, Athleta, Gaiam and Nike clothing there.
Shoes
I strongly believe that you should not buy cheap fitness shoes. Being a runner, the shoes I wear are very important and a bigger price tag is well worth it to get the fit, cushion and quality I need.
So I suggest you:
1- Do your research online to figure out the type of shoe you need. There are a lot of helpful articles.
2- Once you’re armed with information on the type, style and name of the shoe you’re looking for, you can scour outlets and online resale sites.
· I got mine at the Nike outlet for a fraction of the price I would have paid at a full price store.
· eBay has tons of listings for shoes for all types of fitness. Once you know what type you’re looking for, searching will be easy. Make sure the listing has several clear photos and a detailed description to make sure you’re getting the shoe you’re looking for and that it’s in good condition.
Equipment
I found large selections of fitness equipment at Target and Wal-Mart. Here’s a look at how their prices compare:
Target – Brands include Champion, Ignite, Gaiam, Banyan & Bo
Dumbbells – $3.50-$50
Kettlebells – $35-$70
Exercise balls – $17-$20
Yoga mats – $16-$45
Other yoga accessories like straps, blocks, gloves, bags and towels – $8-$35
Bosu balls – $100
Ab Dollys – $80
Weighted hoola hoop – $40
Wal-Mart – Brands include Gold’s Gym, Zumba, Lotus
Dumbbells – $2-$35
Kettlebells – $13-$43
Exercise balls – $8
Yoga mats – $8-$20
Other yoga accessories like straps, blocks, bags and towels – $5-$17
Weight racks and benches – $35-$70
Trampoline – $28
Step deck – $39
You can also find some light dumbbells, exercise balls, yoga mats and other accessories at TJMaxx and Marshalls. But again, it will depend on what they have in stock at the time.
You can also find some pre-owned fitness equipment at Play It Again Sports. That’s where I got my kettlebell.
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