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Original poster

What do you wear to the gym that doesn't cost a fortune?

31 replies

PatTheHammer · 03/04/2011 20:19

Have heard you give good advice on here so just a small request from someone neither stylish nor beauteous but in need of help.

I started going to 5/6 exercise classes a week in february and I am really needing to buy some new stuff to wear. I have only one decent pair of joggers (next I think) but they are quite hot and get sweaty and uncomfortable after about 20 mins. I have some normal leggings (not the sporty ones) that I wear with some tops I used to wear about 3 or 4 years ago when I used to work out quite regularly but they seem hideously old-fashioned compared to everyones elses gear.
I've searched online and it all seems hideously expensive for addidas/Nike stuff and even own brand sportswear is pretty pricey in some shops. I thought that the supermarkets might have their own cheapy versons of exercise wear but they do not, only Cheapy T-shirts and joggers that would stretch, not wash well and certainly not hold my norks in when doing Boot CampGrin
Anyone found any reasonably priced, fairly decent sportswear? And what sort of styles are best? Or do I really have to suck it up and invest in a few quality pieces?
I am a size 12, but would definitely not have the midriff for anything cropped!

OP posts:
thenightsky · 03/04/2011 20:22

TKMaxx is your friend for bottoms. I also like to wear men's cycling tops as they dip at the back and are quite long and cover my wide arse up.

And I've just bought a fantastic sports bra from Tesco... £6... it is as good as a Shockabsorber I have that cost me £26.

cybbo · 03/04/2011 20:22

Marks

Tk MAxx

Tesco's

All do cheap tight lycra leggings (I wear 3/4 length ones) and good gym tops that aren't cropped. OR if you can brave it, the hellhole that is JB Sports

smokinaces · 03/04/2011 20:23

Have you got a Sports Direct near you? (or they are online) They do a range called LA Gear - very reasonable, washes well, in lots of styles (cropped trouser, yoga trouser, jog pant, hoodie, sleeveless hoodie) all at good price. I am a 12, and the 12s in there are comfy without being tight - but also dont need hoiking up every 2 minutes. Trousers start about £7 I think, Tops from about £3.50?

smokinaces · 03/04/2011 20:24

Asda is good for sports bras too - £5 or something for ones that keep my FFs in place

greenlotus · 03/04/2011 20:24

I have a fear of sports shops but get my exercise stuff from TK Maxx, they normally have a good choice of brands. Mind you 5-6 times a week (wow) I think you deserve to treat yourself to a couple of outfits so you have time to get it all washed.

Original poster
PatTheHammer · 03/04/2011 20:27

Wow, quick responses! These sound great, I will look at sports direct now and we do have a TX Maxx nearby that I can pop too at the weekend.

Trousers that don't have to be hoiked up and tops that don't have to be hoiked down are a must aren't theySmile
Thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
PatTheHammer · 03/04/2011 20:30

Greenlotus- I have done SEVEN this weekShock

Some of them are back-to-back 45minute classes (spin and Zumba for instance) so not too much washing!

Will check out the sports bra things too, I have a good one that I got for 8 quid in The Factory shop, but a fiver is a bargain!

OP posts:
CrispyTheCrisp · 03/04/2011 20:30

I second Sports Direct (they are online too so you can have a look at the type of stuff they have). Very reasonable for Sports bra's and all other gear too. I like the cropped trousers (just on/below the knee). Like these

AnnieLobeseder · 03/04/2011 20:30

Sports Direct is my new best friend. They have loads of great deals. Look around for something you like. But they also sell stuff that's for everyday wear, so make sure it's technical fabric, not cotton. Cotton holds on to the sweat so you get soggy, technical fabrics wick it away to keep you cool and dry.

Aerobreaking · 03/04/2011 20:31

M and M Direct is your friend :)

Original poster
PatTheHammer · 03/04/2011 20:33

Oh, I like those Crispy. Not bad for £20 either. I will have a nose around.
Thanks for the fabric tip Annie, yes after Circuits I am very much a dripping rag at the moment!

OP posts:
CrispyTheCrisp · 03/04/2011 20:35

these bra's are great for £6 each

CrispyTheCrisp · 03/04/2011 20:37

LOL, Pat, only just realised it is you as the OP . Tis Sazzles here Grin. Have you joined a local gym?

CrispyTheCrisp · 03/04/2011 20:37

There is a Sports Direct in S btw. Just by the olive stall by the farmers market

Original poster
PatTheHammer · 03/04/2011 20:55

Hey Sazzles! Yes, I joined the one in Ebley as a studio member, can't be arsed with all that going to the ACTUAL gym malarkyGrin, plus I need the motivation of the classes and the instructors are brilliant (for this, read sadists!).
Its fab though, costs me £28 a month for unlimited classes and I have lost 21lbs since Feb whilst eating like a horse too!

Just got a bra, 3 tops and two pairs of leggings on that website so cheers!

Never knew there was a sports shop there, I guess I never looked, I certainly know where the olive stall is thoughGrin

OP posts:
CrispyTheCrisp · 03/04/2011 20:58

Oh fabulous Smile. 21lbs since Feb is amazing. Well done you. I am still going to my gym in G about 4 times a week and love it. Glad you got some gear, i went and stocked up a few weeks ago as i was fed up of having to try and wash my 2 outfits!
Are you free at all in the Easter hols? PM me if you fancy a meet and i'll see if MyCat has any time off work too

Original poster
PatTheHammer · 03/04/2011 21:08

Wow, you must be super-fit as you've been going for ages!

Annoyingly it was 21lbs that I had lost previously and then gradually piled back on since last July when going through a rough patch at home. So kind of back to square one I guess, but glad it has gone quickly. Still another stone to go!

We do have a few days free in the first week of Easter hols, I'll PM you as that would be lovelySmile.

OP posts:
CrispyTheCrisp · 03/04/2011 21:10

LOL, i am pretty fit but still battling the scales. i love my food and drink too much Blush

KingofHighVis · 03/04/2011 21:14

www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/

Clure · 03/04/2011 21:56

sweatshop sale have some amazing bargains

latermater · 03/04/2011 22:01

Have bought a couple of (new) sweaty betty tops on ebay at a good price - the longest vest tops I have come across - no hoiking down ever required! Worth a look. Doing that much exercise you have earned it!

Original poster
PatTheHammer · 03/04/2011 22:08

Oh, some great bargains on there Clure,Thanks

Will check out Sweaty Betty, Latermater. Long tops are great aren't they! Not heard of them before, shows what am old duffer I am becomingBlush

OP posts:
higgle · 03/04/2011 23:10

Another Fifth Dimension Stroudie here! The Nike shop in the designer outlet place at Gloucester has nice things at cheap prices too.

Greenshadow · 04/04/2011 12:12

You should try the other gym in Stroud Pat.
I go to the Fitness Mill at Thrupp and don't think I've ever seen anyone wearing anything remotely fashionable there !

BikeRunSki · 04/04/2011 12:18

M&S Sports bras are fab, and their own label sports goods are good too.