Gym membership: $40 a month.
New sneakers: $100
High-end fitness tracker: $150
An entire new exercise wardrobe because it’ll boost ~motivation~ (or at least that’s what we tell ourselves): Iwouldsay priceless, but I think the word we’re really after ispricey.
But what is truly priceless is reclaiming control of your wellbeing and joy through physical activity — and honestly, it doesn’t need to break the bank.
Get Back in Shape — For Less
First up, let’s carve out a bit of cash from your fitness spending so you can allocate it where it matters (the outfit, naturally):
To cut costs while still nailing your fitness objectives, pick a gym that fits your routine (and your wallet), or skip the gym completely and go for these budget-friendly or free workouts you can do solo.
Next, check out these suggestions for scoring quality running shoes at reduced prices.
Finally, forgo the pricey fitness gadget and try these apps that will keep you on track — and might even reward you for staying active.
There: now you’ve freed up a little dough for that new workout closet.
And don’t tell me buying workout clothes is pointless because 1) feeling good in your gear boosts confidence and helps squash that I-can’t-wait-to-leave-the-gym impulse, 2) wearing functional pieces helps your body stay cool and comfy during exercise, and 3) sometimes shiny, new activewear is the best motivator.
But with brands like Lululemon charging outrageous prices for a single pair of leggings, how do you manage to look like a veteran gym-goer while still protecting your bank account?
By learning where to shop.
As someone who firmly believes a fresh pair of stretch pants can reignite my drive (whether that means motivation for a five-mile run or a strenuous sofa session is another matter), I’ve figured out how to snag inexpensive activewear.
Where to Shop for Cheap Workout Clothes
Below are the top retailers for finding affordable workout gear so you can lift, squat, dance, box, jog, swim — and basically anything else — in fashionable comfort.
Old Navy and Gap
If you haven’t tried buying workout pieces at Old Navy or Gap, you’re missing out. For the cost, the quality is strong. Plus, the styles are cute and contemporary, and while both outlets keep a sale section stocked, sometimes these shops (and their slightly more expensive sibling, Athleta, under the same parent company) run extra percentage-off promotions online.
H&M and Forever21
H&M and Forever21 sometimes get flak for being a touch too ~fast fashion~ (translation: lower-cost manufacturing), but both retailers carry a decent assortment of activewear. Forever21 may not be the go-to for marathon training, but the shorts, leggings, sports bras and tanks are durable (and attractive) enough for the average gym-goer.
Both shops frequently have well-stocked clearance sections, and if you sign up for their email lists, you’ll get alerts when extra discounts appear.
TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Ross
T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Ross function similarly, serving up steep discounts on brand-name apparel. At these stores you can often discover Nike and other athletic-brand leggings, shorts and sports bras for roughly half the original price.
Target
Target carries its own activewear lines. Before the retail shakeup of ’17, shoppers loved the C9 by Champion collection.
This fall, Target introduced a new label called JoyLab, which features a broad selection of reasonably priced, well-made pieces. And I’ll be honest — I’m already smitten with several items from this wallet-friendly line.
Walmart
True Savinliers know that Walmart’s clothing department isn’t always as bad as its reputation suggests. My favorite thing to browse when I’m feeling brave about the single open checkout lane is Walmart’s collaboration line with Danskin.
For the quality you expect from a trusted fitness name like Danskin, the prices on this range — from running tights to moisture-wicking tees — are tough to beat.
Amazon
Of course Amazon makes the list. When you’re after total market presence, you’ve got to offer everything — activewear included.
The perk of shopping Amazon’s affordable workout items is that many come with two-day Prime shipping, which means you can start acting like you’ll get back on the fitness train days earlier than usual.
Outdoor and Sporting Goods Stores
I get it — this option seems obvious and not necessarily the cheapest. But if you stalk the sale racks persistently, you’ll eventually uncover top-notch, branded apparel at bargain prices.
Outlet Malls
If you’re a committed Savinlier, you already know outlet malls aren’t always the bargains they claim to be.
Still, if you’re the type of Savinly Reader who likes to sport name brands occasionally (no judgment here), an outlet mall could become your best friend. You’ll discover brand names for a slice of the original retail cost — labels like Nike, Adidas and Asics.
DIY
All those college tees shoved in a drawer? Hidden treasure. A musty, wrinkled treasure, but treasure nonetheless. You can find ideas for upcycling old shirts here, including how to turn worn tees into workout clothes — for free.
Grace Schweizer is a junior writer at Savinly. She’s a big believer in the motivational power of a good pair of stretchy pants.
