Cheap gear that makes all the difference

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BerryH
BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Sadly we can't all afford the latest heart rate monitor or running shoes. What cheap bit of kit do you recommend that makes all the difference to your workout?

My running socks were in various states of decrepitude and shrunkenness so I decided to treat myself to a new pair. I was nearly physically sick when I found out the pair I'd been recommended by the running shop, Balega Enduro Cushion Sock, were just shy of £10. BUT they've made such a difference to my run, rescued me from foot pain during long runs and saved me prematurely forking out several times as much on new shoes!

Sadly, they've now spoiled me for my three-for-a-fiver supermarket sports socks!

Replies

  • BossSauce69
    BossSauce69 Posts: 33
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    If you have an Android phone you can get a free monitor that tracks your time moving, speed and track. It is called MyTracks. I'm a big fan of it. If you've got an iPhone, I'm sure there is a similar app for a few bucks.
  • HarlCarl
    HarlCarl Posts: 266 Member
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    Android app called CardiTrainer (free) is kinda fun, too.
  • catwrangler
    catwrangler Posts: 918 Member
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    So far nothing has been cheap :frown: except my clothes, old t-shirts and workout pants from Wal-Mart. I've paid for a gym membership and bought a used bike, both were spendy and I am saving for a good HRM now. It's even expensive to eat well. So I am looking forward to some good ideas on this topic!
  • jlynnmclaughlin
    jlynnmclaughlin Posts: 27
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    Thanks for the info about the Balega Enduro Cushion Sock. I never knew about them and I really need to get some. My feet and ankles have been taking a beating lately so I hope this will help.

    As for free things to help out. I'm all about that too! I love my logyourrun.com free app and website to trace your routes and record all your data.
  • Tereztaylor07
    Tereztaylor07 Posts: 200
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    I like cardio trainer as well, though in my neighborhood it can get a little off track of the gps. And then it tells me I have burnt 700 cals in 20 minutes lol. Very motivational though.
  • CountryDevil
    CountryDevil Posts: 819 Member
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    If you have an Android phone you can get a free monitor that tracks your time moving, speed and track. It is called MyTracks. I'm a big fan of it. If you've got an iPhone, I'm sure there is a similar app for a few bucks.

    There is also Endomondo and SportsTrackLive which have both free and paid versions. However, the paid version do not offer anything significant enough to warrant me paying for them.. I have used all three and like them all. I prefer Endomondo for outdoor activities and use SportsTrackLive for when I am on the treadmill.
  • xMissy6x
    xMissy6x Posts: 347 Member
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    My skipping rope!! Super cheap, fun and good burn!
  • bobcatsmom
    bobcatsmom Posts: 19 Member
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    Your experience with buying a better quality of socks is similar to mine - and taught me a lesson too! One really good quality investment is worth the money. I've learned that working with shoe specialists - those that suggest appropriate shoes after watching your gait while walking and running - provides the best fit and the shoes wear well so that I buy one pair that lasts 500 miles or so before I need another pair. Then, the "old" shoes- which still provide enough support for every-day activities like gardening, grocery-shopping, etc. - in effect get recycled so I'm still getting more than my money's worth. Sometimes it's taken me awhile to save for the new shoe purchase - but it's been worth it in the long run. Hope this helps - good luck!
  • Fliegenschwein
    Fliegenschwein Posts: 232 Member
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    Another vote here for Endomondo. Excellent app.
  • MtnKat
    MtnKat Posts: 714
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    I've been shopping the local thrift stores for moisture wicking t-shirts and shorts. I've noticed that wearing the dri-fit/dri-more/whatever clothes make a big difference in my runs....especially with this heat. Even so, there are a lot of things on sale right now because of the end of season...and walmart sells Danskin Now clothes that are pretty cheap, soft and work well imho.

    My favorite app is the Nike+ on my phone. I love it! I also bought a heart rate monitor for less than $25 on Woot that works really great so even though I want a garmin....the cheapies I have work well too :smile:
  • etarre
    etarre Posts: 147 Member
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    I love love love my water bottle. I used to use a $5 rubberized plastic one that leaked and made my water taste like plastic, but recently upgrated to the Thermos Nissan Intak Hydration in a cute purple color, and it's amazing how much more water I drink throughout the day (I take it to work and then to the gym) and how much better I feel when I'm properly hydrated.

    So if you have a water bottle that you're unhappy with or don't have one at all, I would highly recommend finding one that is perfect for you and making a modest investment in it.

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