If you’re planning a fitness kick for the new year, you might need new gym clothes, too.
Whether it’s home workouts, going to the gym, or just going outside, buying all the equipment can get expensive.
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But the big box stores and department stores have a wide range of styles that are just as effective as the specialty sports brands and are sold for half the price.
Fitness enthusiast Vicki Pattison, 35, gives her verdict on Jess Evans’ best budget fitness buy and stars it out of ten.
- The Secret To Happy by Vicky Pattison is published by Sphere in paperback January 12, £9.99.
Marks and Spencers
Royal blue wool gilet, £45, light blue gilet, £49.50, leggings, £27.50
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This bad boy kit has a higher price tag, but it deserves to be.
The fleece is so comfortable, I feel as comfortable as a bug, and the leggings absorb you right away.
I don’t think the price is bad for this quality.
I would have paid just under £50 for a jelly and the quality was unbelievable.
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It seems like if it’s more of an outdoors woman, I’d wear this on a dog walk.
Evaluation:9/10.
Primark
Hot pink crop top, £6, leggings, £6
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The PRIMARK price cannot be beat and it is important to first mention the value of these two pieces at £6 each.
It’s a little exciting to me for a gym – it’s something you’re more likely to see me around the pool.
The ribbed fabric hides a multitude of sins, is very trendy and can be easily teamed with a jacket or sweatshirt for a cool sporty look.
If I exercised in these shorts, I feel like they were going to fall off — I would constantly lift them up.
Evaluation: 7.5/10.
H&M
Orange stretch T-shirt, £19.99, high-shine leggings, £19.99
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This colorful t-shirt is great to bring back in January.
I wear a lot of Sweaty Betty and the quality of this is unrivaled.
It’s so much fun and I love the feel of it.
I also love the little thumb holes, perfect if you’re a runner.
I’m not too keen on leggings, the fabric gives me a disco vibe which is not me at all!
Evaluation:7/10.
F&F at Tesco
Bright blue ribbed top, £12.50, blue plaid leggings, £12.50
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The quality of this is class, and the upper part in particular is amazing.
If you tell me it’s a high-end sports brand lululemon I would believe you.
I feel like I look really good in this, which is a huge part of pushing yourself to go to the gym.
I wouldn’t be shocked if you told me this is from a much more expensive brand.
Getting both for £25 is incredible too – this is my favorite of the lot.
Evaluation:10/10.
Very little thing
Pink baby vest, £22, ribbed sports bra, £12, leggings, £18
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I’m a huge fan of PLT, and they broke it down here – is there anything they can’t do?
The material has a great stretch that moves with your body which is good for a workout.
He leans more towards a Pilates or yoga look, but says I love it.
I think he will come home with me!
Evaluation:9/10.
Too in Sainsbury’s
bluish pink sweatshirt £20, navy jacket £24, leggings £16
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The muted color of this is very me and trendy.
This hoodie is like a hug against your skin.
These are also the first pair of leggings to have a pocket for your phone, which is pretty cool.
The fact that this product is very trendy, soft and affordable ensures a good grade.
Evaluation:9/10.
Pip & Co. in Poundland
Orange crop top, £4.50, leggings, £6
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This set is too transparent for me.
But it’s a pretty color that gives you a little pep in your step.
It immediately cheered me up and I loved the ribbed fabric – but this isn’t for high intensity workouts, your parts will go everywhere!
Evaluation:6/10.
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Pink long-sleeved top, £22, patterned leggings, £24
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This top is very soft but I was sweating at the gym when I wore it.
The leggings hold me well but the style is a bit crazy.
However, I think it’s a nice outfit all together.
Also, at under £50, these two pieces are a steal for sportswear, so that’s a big plus.
Evaluation:8/10.