Equipment is so expensive

vampee

I have been working out about 4 to 5 times a week for a month. I am having a problem with working out because I don't have any of the proper equipment. I use an old bike in the coaster/retro style which has no water holder. Idon't have shorts with pads or chamois and this has become painful on my long rides. :noway: I run in old shoes and have found that this just isn't working, so now I mostly walk. I don't even have proper clothes or workout bras. I am not going to have any extra money until the end of September. But even then, I find it ridiculous to spend the amount of money to purchase the items I need to make my workouts a bit easier and fun. I love biking. But to be honest, my bike as of now sucks. I love running but I don't want to tear up my body without proper shoes. Not to mention i would love to have proper clothing (that doesn't work against the wind), a bra, and would LOVE a HR/calorie monitor so I knew how much my body is really working.

My question is this....

Does anybody know of places that sell these things at better prices? Where could I find a good HRM that isn't an arm and a leg I jus?t need HR and calorie shown. Are there shoes that will be good that aren't over $100? What's the best jogging bra for a 38/40 C? So far I have just used tight bras that don't really fit but this is not very comfortable. Lastly, where is the best place to get clothing at a reasonible price? I have tried ebay and craigslist and somethings can be found such as bike shorts and workout clothing but shoes are still sky high as well as HRM. Plus, I would rather be able to see the things I purchase to try them on or out for myself.

Thanks for any help.

Jamcnair

Check WalMart...I got a basic HRM for $27 the other day. They also have workout clothes, not sure what "kind" or "quality" you are looking for, but it's worth a shot.

Some places like Kohls, Shoe Show, Payless have sales and decent prices on shoes

sunyg

I usually find my running shoes on clearance at shoe stores or sports stores will also have them on clearance a lot. Especially the big sports places. My last pair of New Balance I purchased were $30. They were normally $70.
Target is also a really good place to find clearance on work out clothes. Their clothes are actually pretty good quality. Old Navy is another good place to find things on clearance.

I'm not sure about an HRM. I can't seem to justify spending the money on one at the moment.

danger_kitteh

I highly recommend seeing if you can find a Shock Absorber bra. I've gone through several brands and this one has held up amazing over the years, keeps things where they should be and they have different levels of support depending on your chest size/activity.

Shoes - go to a running store and get fitted for a pair of shoes that suit your stride/feet. Once you know what kind you need and have brand suggestions - shop online for comparison etc. There are deals to be had, you just need to know what you need/are looking for.

Walmart has some amazing prices on activity gadgets including HRMs, workout clothes etc. Do you have something like TJ maxx as well around? There are some good deals there as well

ETA: Yes! as a PP posted, Target has GREAT workout clothes. I forget about them as we don't have them here in Ottawa, but I bought some really nice Champion shirts, running skirts and yoga capris the last time I was in Michigan.

Pfauxmeh

I have the SAME PROBLEM. Working out in a regular bra SUCKS. My shoes are falling apart and I can't afford anything crazy. I plan on rolling through Ross' and Wal-Mart sometime this week...I ain't too proud to shop cheap. Also, sometimes Rue 21 has OUTRAGEOUSLY awesome prices. I found a pair of skinny jeans once for $5! You can't beat that.

Good luck!

jujubean1992

wal-mart for clothes... maybe shoes. and most likely a HRM. but i feel your pain seeing as how i can't even afford to buy that stuff at wal-mart. my workouts are videos on netflix barefoot or in socks in my hubbys t-shirts and PJ shorts in my living room. OH and wal-mart has some sports bra's too. not gonna lie i usually just don't wear one, i'm in my living room so no one is going to see me and it's more comfortable than wearing a reg bra.

Pfauxmeh

Shoes - go to a running store and get fitted for a pair of shoes that suit your stride/feet. Once you know what kind you need and have brand suggestions - shop online for comparison etc. There are deals to be had, you just need to know what you need/are looking for.

I never would have thought of that! Thank you so much.

Papillon22

I don't run, but for doing cardio I wear two bras for more support. You could try that until you have the money to get a good sport bra.

Good luck!

millionsofpeaches

I have done this before...

Go to a running store and get fitted for shoes... Just tell them that you are looking around. Pick out a pair, try them on, and make sure they fit. Then just write down all of the info on the shoe (Make, model, etc...) A lot of running shoes are the same year to year just with different colors. You can then go and search for the shoe on ebay, amazon, etc... Or try to find them at a DSW store. Good shoes are important and will protect you from injuries.

Also, the holiday's are coming up... You can always ask for an early Christmas present!

bcattoes

Bike shorts are ridiculous. I finally invested in a padded seat. Not cheap, but it's always there. But you can find good running shoes if you search the clearance tables. I don't run anymore but when I did I was a young single mother of two with a very limited budget. I never bought a pair shoes that wasn't off the clearance rack. So what if they are last years model. If they worked last year, they'll work this year. Target or Wal-mart for exercise wear. That's the cheapest I found.

shelbygeorge29

I'm a 38DDD now (even at 140 lbs I'm a 34D) and bras to tame my puppies are mucho bucks! In the past I've spend $60-80 on a good bra. SInce I'm losing weight pretty quick it doesn't make sense for me to spend that kind of money on something that is only going to last me a month or so and then be too big. Back in college many years ago, likely before there were mots of great sports bras, I doubled up. I am doing that now as well, and it works pretty good.

My the first bra I wear is an underwire that is fairly tight. The second bra is one without underwire, in a band and cup size down from what I would normally wear. What's really important is that neither of these bras have any stretch whatsoever to them.

YMMV, but if you shop around Wal-Mart/K-Mart/Target you should be able to buy a similar get up for cheap.

I know it's kiind of hokey, but it works for me.

vampee

Thank you everyone. I will check Wal-Mart for the HRM when I actually have the money. And thanks for that shoe advice. I will google and see where a close store is for me. I have seen the shock absorber bra talked about before on here. I will see if I can find one of these on ebay or amazon when I am able to. Target does have some decent clothes and I check every so often for sells. But this weel all their champion clothing was 20 to 40 dollars per piece. Ugh.

As for right now, everything is too expensive. But now I have some better ideas on where to go when I do have some extra cash.

kwaz29

not too sure about clothes, but if you're looking for a new bike, check around on craig's list or even at town garage sales. i've seen so many good bikes being sold for about $10 just because the owners didnt bike anymore or didnt have space for them. you can also bargain down on the prices at a garage sale or even on craig's list and get a good deal.

vampee

Cyclng shorts are so ridiculous. I am hoping to get this little pair of padded shorts that aren't too expensive off ebay when I have money and when they actually have my size. I really don't want to change my bike seat since I need a new bike all together

caroltina

Try googling your local area for bike recycling schemes, all 3 of us in our house got bikes for less than £60, they might even take your old one in part exchange, in the uk many bike recycling schemes are linked with work for people with learning or physical disabilities- therapeutic working. It is worth a try

scorpio516

A decent pair of bike shorts makes a world of difference. If you've got a Performance Bike nearby, their "Century Shorts" work pretty good: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1014163_-1_1588500_20000_400079

If you've got a local Finish Line, you can search their clearance shoes online too. Running Warehouse and Road Runner Sports are pretty good online stores too. My last pair of Adidas running shoes were $40 ($80 shoes in a discontinued colour scheme)

shelbygeorge29

Cyclng shorts are so ridiculous. I am hoping to get this little pair of padded shorts that aren't too expensive off ebay when I have money and when they actually have my size. I really don't want to change my bike seat since I need a new bike all together

Too bad you don't live closer to me! My local TJ Maxx has padded shorts on clearance for $11 (at least they did last week). When I was doing triathlons I think I spent like $75 at a local bke shop. Then I had a tenant move out and leave a pretty decent road bike behind, I'm about to put in on Craigslist for $50 just to get it out of my house, but a friend of mine who is into biking told me it was a really good road bike.

danger_kitteh

I should add that I find the Shock Absorber bras fit very true to size. It'll feel super snug, but for the bigger boobies the support is amazing.

vampee

Cyclng shorts are so ridiculous. I am hoping to get this little pair of padded shorts that aren't too expensive off ebay when I have money and when they actually have my size. I really don't want to change my bike seat since I need a new bike all together

Too bad you don't live closer to me! My local TJ Maxx has padded shorts on clearance for $11 (at least they did last week). When I was doing triathlons I think I spent like $75 at a local bke shop. Then I had a tenant move out and leave a pretty decent road bike behind, I'm about to put in on Craigslist for $50 just to get it out of my house, but a friend of mine who is into biking told me it was a really good road bike.

I would be all over that bike. :P

I checked our TJ Maxx but no such luck.

vampee

A decent pair of bike shorts makes a world of difference. If you've got a Performance Bike nearby, their "Century Shorts" work pretty good: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1014163_-1_1588500_20000_400079

If you've got a local Finish Line, you can search their clearance shoes online too. Running Warehouse and Road Runner Sports are pretty good online stores too. My last pair of Adidas running shoes were $40 ($80 shoes in a discontinued colour scheme)

I will look into these shorts. Thanks!
As for the shoes, I am going to have to go out and scout for some clearance ones as much as I can until I find the "cheap" pair for me.