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Budget Friendly Workout Gear |That Fits and Works

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While we know I LOVE my running jackets which are far from inexpensive, there are plenty of cheap activewear options that I do love because they both fit well and function. Plus, as an uber saver, I’ve got some great tips for saving money on running gear!

Cheap Workout Clothes

Cheap doesn’t have to mean low quality and it shouldn’t when we’re talking about your gear. You don’t want to be chafed or have it not wick away sweat because that’s the whole point!

However, sometimes it may not have the same flattering fit or it may not have things like odor control or be water repellent.

Old Navy Workout Gear

This is first on the list because so many fellow runners have said they love it. Additionally, I think it’s awesome that they have a wide range of sizes!

  • Test out some current trends like tie die!
  • Find high support sports bras
  • Find gear tank tops, capris, leggings
  • Sizes from S to XXL and petite to tall (widest variety online)
  • ❌They don’t have the best cold weather running gear
  • Most items $15-$40

Checkout their current styles >>Old Navy Workout Gear Review

Fabletics for Running

If you want to look cute while you sweat, this is the brand to do it. I really do love many of the pieces I have from Fabletics and have kept them for years.

It’s a great way to get in on a current trend at a lower price or in my case buy a bring pink top that won’t go out of style. The pieces are more fitted in most cases.

  • When it comes to the leggings, it’s a little hit or miss for me. I LOVE how they look, but whether they will stay put while I run I never know.
  • Their fitted gear runs true to size, looser stuff I always ordered down a size.
  • The brightly colored gear holds color through many washes.
  • They have options to get a monthly box of gear for cheaper or not.
  • ❌They don’t have the best cold weather running gear
  • Most items $20-$50 with VIP

Checkout their current styles >>
Checkout my detailed review of Fabletics >>

cheap workout gear

Bayleaf

Often referred to as Amazon leggings, I was impressed with the shorts I tested because with a phone in the pocket they stayed up for 7 miles!

  • Most leggings and shorts have phone pockets.
  • They do have a fleece legging and fleece top! One of the few to offer winter running gear.
  • Wide range of gear for different workouts, including running skirts.
  • Both the small and medium fit, but I found the medium stayed up, while I was tugging on the small (probably these runner legs)
  • In tops they are a looser fit.
  • Most items $20-$30

Checkout current styles >> cheap activewear

Senita Running Gear

I’m soooo insanely impressed with the sisters who started this brand. I absolutely love being able to support a woman owned business.

  • For me the leggings wouldn’t stay up while I run, but others with hips have had NO issues.
  • I found leggings to run a little small.
  • Sports bras are very cute with pockets for phone and fun patterns. I felt they ran a little small too.
  • Phone pocket in most styles
  • Great range of sizes and new maternity workout gear
  • Most items $30-50

Checkout their current styles >>

maternity workout gear

Champion

90% of my sports bras are from Champion or C9 by Target. I don’t need a lot of support (cough) and I don’t care if they have padding, so this super basic $17 sports bra has served me well.

I have had issues with some of the tights or capris staying up, so I don’t use those. And personally, I don’t find the shorts flattering. But the shirts are very similar to Under Armour in fit and function.

  • Tops run a little larger than many running brands
  • Full Zip up jacket is good for cool weather or layered with base for winter
  • You can find more options on Amazon, but some are available in Target to try on
  • C9 is the same as Champion. Same company, just different branding.

How to Save Money on Running Gear?

Step 1 is learning how to care for your workout clothes. Seriously, use the right stuff to extend it’s life! I’ve got shirts from so long ago it’s too embarrassing to admit, but I wear them often in photos because they look and act brand new.

Poshmark

I am frequently selling gear on here that I received for testing and didn’t fit or I don’t need. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t need 100 black leggings.

  • Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH for $10 off a first order
  • Try to bundle items from one seller because shipping is a flat cost
  • If you create a bundle, send them an offer! You might be able to get a little more off.
  • Read their ratings and make sure you’ll be getting exactly what you think.

Truly you can find every brand here, so then it’s just about finding your size and what’s in good shape.

Discount Stores

During my first winter of running, I realized that TJ Maxx and Marshall’s could be a girls best friend. It’s a little hit or miss, but I found fleece winter running tights and pull over tops.

Surprisingly you’ll often find this pieces DURING the season, rather than before or after. I think we assume it will be after like a regular department store when things go on sale, but they really put stock out in season.

Looking for more great workout gear ideas?

For more help find the best running gear, don’t worry, I’ve got you:

  • Best GPS Watches — what do you really need to spend
  • Best FREE running apps
  • Top 5 Marathon Running Shoes
  • Best running gear on Amazon

Other ways to connect with Coach Amanda
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Cheap workout gear

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Posted by amanda Finisher Comments (2) Categories: review, running gear

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mark says

    April 8, 2021 at 4:32 pm

    Any tips for male runners looking for budget friendly gear?

    Reply
    • amanda says

      April 11, 2021 at 6:46 am

      Same on a lot of these, Marshall’s, TJ Max, Ross great stores with good brands.

      Reply

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Hello runners! I’m Amanda Brooks, a certified personal trainer and running coach. I’ve been coaching over a decade and distance running since 2002. My philosophy is that running isn’t about your pace or the distance or your body. It’s about showing up for yourself, loving the process and doing it injury free!

 

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About Amanda Brooks

Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

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Amanda Brooks : Run Coach
GIVEAWAY- 3 WINNERS🥳🥳 Can we talk about runn GIVEAWAY- 3 WINNERS🥳🥳
Can we talk about runners and gut health for a second? And then you'll understand why I love @previnex so much.
//
DID YOU KNOW: There are 500 species and three pounds of bacteria in our gut! 😱😱It’s a living and breathing factory that:

🔵impacts your energy levels and can be reason for joint pain
🟣impacts your mood and focus
🟡can cause runners trots and nausea when micro biome is off
🔴can cause more food sensitivities and intolerances when not balanced with good bacteria
//
So yesssss your gut can make you a better runner when it’s working right and probiotics are a big helper.
//
PRIZES:
Each winner gets a 2 month supply of probiotics and fish oil, the two things I use DAILY and that you’ve emailed me saying “OMG this helped!!”
+
A copy of Run To The Finish on audiobook.
.
Your chance to try a SUPER HIGH QUALITY option and see the impacts. It’s beyond superior to what’s in most stores.
//
HOW TO ENTER:
1️⃣Like and save this photo
2️⃣Follow me and @previnex
3️⃣Tell me what you’re training for

Open to US only. Winners selected Apr 17.

#runningtips #runhappy #trailrunning #guthealthmatters #probiotic #runmehappy #runforlife
☀️MORNING OR ⭐️EVENING RUNNER? Which are y ☀️MORNING OR ⭐️EVENING RUNNER? Which are you?

🐦 early birds let’s hear, what time do you get up??? These times are often 🤯🤯
//
Most of the year I’m up by 5, which often leads to “when do you go to bed?!?!” 
Early 😂.
I’ve been prepping for AARP time since we moved to Miami and it was so dang hot. 

The habit stuck, so now I’m up early and lifting it not heading out immediately in the snow.
//
In my early 20s, I ran after work and then a lot over lunch...even in to marathon training.
👇
Now I have to psych myself up for evenings which is when most groups are!
WHAT ARE YOU AN EXPERT IN? Clearly I talk, read, w WHAT ARE YOU AN EXPERT IN? Clearly I talk, read, write and learn running non-stop. But I still have so many areas I’m working to improve, like trail running!
//
But today I wanna know about you??

🤓What could you easily give a 30 minute presentation on??

😱I’m prepared to be fascinated and learn once again I might need more hobbies.
//
An expert doesn’t mean you know it. ALL, but does mean you have significant experience and knowledge in a topic.
//
I could also talk about blogging 😂dealing with brands and pizza with confidence, but maybe not feel like an expert even with running this business for over a decade.
👇👇
All right, let’s hear it!! Don’t be shy, don’t play down your strengths, own it.
.
.
.
#strongwomenlifteachotherup #runtothefinish #communitylove #urbanrunner #runforgood #denver #streetart #runnerstyle #runnerlove #runnerlife
UPHILL RUNNING TIPS: One of the best ways to get s UPHILL RUNNING TIPS: One of the best ways to get stronger and faster with less injury risk is hill repeats.
.
BUT even picking routes with hills pays off. So a few tips to SAVE AND USE to get the most from them.
//
👁 Eyes: look ahead not down this will keep your chest up and you standing tall

💪Arm swing: swipe to see the upper cut motion that will propel you ⬆️

🦶Feet: take shorter faster steps and don’t run on the balls of your feet overtaxing the calves

🥵Effort: focus on maintaining the same effort not pace.

Mentally remind yourself of the great downhill coming for recovery! For every up there must be a down (lies I tell myself 😂while running).

👉👉How often do you incorporate hill repeats??
🛑STOP ROLLING YOUR IT BAND. You can’t lengthe 🛑STOP ROLLING YOUR IT BAND. You can’t lengthen it or loosen it that way.  So while it’s inflamed that’s like pushing in a bruise and asking it to heal.🙈
//
SAVE THIS! 📌

What to do instead:
1️⃣Roll the surrounding muscles, especially glutes, TFL, quads and calves. If they are tight they pull on your IT Band causing knee pain.

2️⃣Do glute and hip strength constantly- that is what will resolve it long term. Lots of videos here and in my 30 Day Core Program for Runners that will help.

3️⃣Use heat to relax the muscles, don’t use ice on your already right ITB. It will get tighter.

4️⃣Rest doesn’t fix ITB. Stop running through pain, but you have to do the above to actually fix it.

Have you ever dealt with ITB? Did you know not to roll it??

ITB issues are no fun and often feel like a never ending battle once it starts, but I promise these things will help.😁

PS - yes I pulled out an old video today and dang look at my hair!! Miss those long locks.
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Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks, a certified running coach and personal trainer. Any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon her personal life experience and the experiences of those she has coached. View our full privacy and review policy.

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