Tricks For Buying Good Gear Without Going Broke

Sticker shock: A feeling of surprise and disappointment by learning something a person wants to buy is more expensive than expected. May cause the person to have second thoughts on purchasing the item.

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There’s nothing worse than seeing an adorable fitness top only to discover that it’s priced well over $70! Big brands have certainly upped their style, but more times than not it comes with a hefty price tag. However, it is possible to be a “fitshonista” (where fitness guru meets fashionista) without breaking the bank. From subscription services, to adorable new apparel lines, to discounted websites, to savvy shopping techniques, here’s how to up your gym style without putting a giant hole in your wallet.

Use These Saving Tips

• We know—it can be annoying—but sign up for newsletters to receive an additional discount. Some brands offer as much as $10 or 15 percent off your entire purchase order.
• Go to the outlet stores or shop sales online. You can find massive savings on brand’s websites, especially when they have ongoing clearance sales of certain products. Plus, outlet stores offer the same product as the regular retail stores, just with a tinier price tag.
• Take those surveys! Look at the bottom of your receipt next time you go shopping. Some brands offer discounts—10 to 25 percent off or more!—if you give them a review about your shopping experience. Even if the person at the check-out counter did circle it in giant Sharpie marker, there might still be a survey at the bottom of that long receipt.
• Ask for “industry” discounts. If you’re a student, teacher, military or work in the fitness/health care industry, brands might offer a 10 percent off discount. Many speciality run stores do offer a discount if you mention you’re training for a specific race, running with charity, or are just a brand-new runner trying to make it in the big bad world of running.
• Look for discount racks if you’re dying to shop at more expensive spots like Lorna Jane, Victoria’s Secret or Lululemon. Full price items are pretty pricey, but walk straight to the back and shop the sales rack. There are always new styles in older colors marked down. Bonus: big brands have frequent BOGO sales that could offer a freebie if you purchase two or more items.

Related: Strength Train At Home With This Affordable Equipment

Spot Brands With A Friendlier Price Tag

Trendy styles that are flattering, cute AND affordable? Stop teasing us. Whether you’ve heard of these brands or not, don’t breeze right past them on the racks; they’ve come a long way between updating cuts, colors, materials and style:

• C9 by Champion
• GapFit
• SkirtSport
• Onzie
• Old Navy
• Athleta Clearance
• EXP Core (Express Workout Wear)

Check Out Subscription Services

That’s right, runners—no more waiting in lines or fighting for a parking spot. Your next workout wardrobe could arrive at your front door on a monthly basis! A monthly fee of $50 at Fabletics by Kate Hudson allows you to purchase full workout outfits at a fraction of the price. You can get an entire look for $25!

Browse Discounted Sites

Sign up for email reminders to get the daily deal at these sites like com, RuLaLa, ShopStyle, Amazon Fashion and Zappos.

Be Open To Gently Used Items

Sites like Tradesy, Poshmark and Ebay have fairly new items—yes, this can include Lululemon!—for a fraction of the price!

Shop On Social Media (Seriously!)

Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and even Snapchat now allow users to follow favorite brands and purchase items from social media at a discounted price, or get discount codes to use next time you shop.