Working out is an expensive hobby; each hobby you add will create new costs. These expensive, active hobbies vary from triathlons to CrossFit to cycling to road running. An argument can be made that running is one of the least expensive of the active hobbies.
I compiled this list of ways to save money because it can still be expensive to buy a new pair of shoes ($60-$130) after 300-500 miles (recommended) or the latest moisture-wicking shirt at Nike or New Balance.
Saving on Workout Clothes in Real Life
- Visit your local running club during shoe “Demo Nights” and buy them online once you get home.
- Volunteer for local road races and earn a free race entry.
- Win local road races and make your money back in prize money.
- Do not buy name-brand workout: Shop at Target. Have a good few pieces that you think you will look good in, and for the rest, buy any moister-wicking piece.
- Become an ambassador for a small running group.
- Make friends with people who work at running stores or lifestyle companies and get discounts.
- Visit your local Goodwill or thrift store for slightly used workout clothes.
- Fundraisers: During Marathon season, there is a lot of fundraisers for yoga and cycling and other gym group classes.
- Download Workout Apps: Visit your phone’s app store and search for Sworkit — it’s a free video app that creates a workout based on the time you have available.
- Become a beta tester for a new running shoe company.
- Track your mileage via Strava, MapMyRun or another tracking app to get a better understanding of when to buy shoes. Buy shoes when you hit 300-500 miles in a pair or when you start noticing holes.
- Do not walk in your running shoes.
- Gym Memberships
- Get a gym membership during off-peak times or before New Years to get a reduced sign up fees and monthly rate.
- Negotiate with your gym for a monthly discount; show them competitor prices and see if they will match!
- Boutique fitness studios are expensive. Sign up for their monthly deals or free promotional classes.
Shopping Online for Workout Clothing
- Download Amazon plugins to get price comparison and alerts on shoe prices across the web.
- Shop at nearby outlet stores.
- Visit Shoekicker.com and select your desired shoes.
- Search for your workout shoe on Google and use the paid listings to compare shoe prices. Visit Google Shopping for additional insights on shoe prices.
Running is also a great, active date idea!
Let me know if you have other recommendations in the comments section!