Frugal as Charged

Good evening! Somehow I managed to make it through the day…and apparently, you did too 😉 Thank you guys for the kind words; I’m trying my hardest to keep my head up!

So, as promised, how do I keep the green on my plate and in my wallet when it comes to workout gear?

Because obvious stares are oddly motivating…

• I actually don’t remember the last time I stepped inside of WalMart, but their Danskin Now Shelf Bra Tanks make their way into my online shopping cart fairly routinely. They’re actually one of the best fitting athletic tops I’ve worn, and at $11 a pop, there’s no guilt at all in my shameless collection.

• Having an Under Armour outlet nearby allows me to pick up some pieces for around $20, but even on their website, my favorite HeatGear Fitted Base Shortsleeve Tops go for $28. The unbeatable ventilation on these is worth every penny, and the cost is reasonable to begin with.

• Bally makes my favorite curve-hugging yoga pants, but I’ve only come across them at Sam’s Club, where I can snag a 2-pack for just under $20. I swear by these – lightweight and breathable yet durable and oh so flattering.

Shuffle, but not your feet.

• The newest generation 4g iPod shuffle is considerably cheaper than Apple’s other options, ringing in at only $80.

• If you’re really looking to save and aren’t stuck on a brand, Sansa makes a respectable 4g player for $49, and Philips has a cute and compact version for $39

These shoes were made for running, and that’s just what they’ll do.

• Shoes are one area where I strongly recommend biting the bullet and going all-out. If like me, you can come up with a million ways to justify a pair of Marc Jacobs pumps, you need to wrap my mind around a high-quality pair of trainers. Switching from a cheap-azz pair of Target trainers to Asics made a world of difference in my comfort and form, and they have drastically reduced the severity and frequency of my shin splints. While I’m no expert on all the mechanics of athletic footwear, there are dozens of bells and whistles that a good pair of running shoes can provide.

Do the Dollar Tree.

• I’ll admit it – I NEVER saw the appeal in fancy schmancy running socks. Since I only wear socks and sneakers when I work out, I’m perfectly happy with my two-for-a-dollah pairs.

• I have yet to try out a Bondi Band (or any other sweat-wicking hair accessory), and although other bloggers rave about them, I’m perfectly happy with generic thin plastic headbands and hairties.

• I mentioned that I refuse to wear my Kate Spade’s out running; I also mentioned that manufacturers have come up with $150+ options for “sport shades”. To me, if I’m not going to wear my everyday pair to exercise for fear of scratching, dropping, or otherwise putting stress on them, I’m not going to drop a massive amount on a substitute pair to “save” my good ones. While the construction is pretty cruddy on the cheap pairs, popping them on for an hour a day doesn’t impact them harshly, and you can find a passable pair of UV-protection shades for next to nothing.

But on some things, there’s no comparison.

• I’m shamelessly in love with my cheapy phone, but for the iPhone users, there are some great apps that could replace a Garmin. However, I feel it would be too clunky to pull the iPhone out mid-run. Here, I’m all for handing over the moolah for the Garmin.

• A lot of you ladies share the concern for chest support! This is one piece of apparel worth the splurge, especially for busty ladies! When I work out, I’m extremely thankful that most of my curves are in my bum, but I’m not willing to let what I do have go unattended! Sonia suggested these Champions, and I’m willing to take her word for it – they sure look pretty secure!

Even if you keep certain pricier pieces in your shopping cart, there are plenty of ways to scale back the goods on a budget. In my opinion, it’s just a matter of deciding where the splurge is justified.

Where do you cut corners on your fitness purchases?

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