workout gear....recommendations??

I ALWAYS shop at Marshalls for workout clothing.

Running Shoes - Head to a sport store like Sports Authority, try out a few shoes, run in them around the store and decide. You want a pair that doesn't stress you feet. I have been wearing Adidas for the longest.

Running shorts/Pants/Tops - Head to Marshalls or any similar store. Right now, I own 2 pairs of running tights (One is a New Balance and the other an Adidas). They are the light reflecting kinds since I run on the streets. And I have never had a wedgy issue. God bless thongs! ) I also own a few running tops that have sports bars incorporated in them, which surprisingly, don't have the ladies well, jiggling while I run. I don't know which brand it is. Me thinks Champion.

If your shirt rides up, shop in the long section. I have the same issue since I have a long torso and I end up wearing a long shirt most of the times. Opt for the running tights to prevent them from slipping off. Most of them have elastic bands at the waist plus threads to tighten them further.

Socks/Sports Bras/Undies - I prefer thongs to regular undies while working out. I know it might be uncomfortable if you aren't used to them. But they feel as good as nothing. And remember to throw them in the washer later! :-D Sports bras - I would recommend trying on a few before you buy them. Do them jump test in the changing room to see what works for you )

And always buy breathable socks.

lululemon n under armour :P

for both guys n gals

I second/third the Marshalls/TJ Maxx suggestions. I got a ton of workout gear for over 50% off a few weeks ago. I stocked up on jogging bras for $10 each, and a few fleece running tops for the colder weather (under $20 each). They had tons of workout tops, pants, shorts, etc. to choose from, and quite a few good brands. They will be my first stop from now on for workout gear.

I LOVE the Nike dri-fit tops with the built in bra. They keep the girls in place while I run.

I am cheap as hell when it comes to buying clothes! I order mostly everything I buy online and search the web for coupon codes. I NEVER pay full price for anything. Why spend a lot of money on clothes that I am going to be too small for in a couple of months anyway? I am a big girl and I LOVE Old Navy workout clothes the best! I've paid $5 for a sports bra, $10 for compression capris, and $10 for a tank top. BTW if you join their mailing list you get a coupon for $10 off $50 and they offer free shipping every day for orders over $50! Their sports bras prevent the bounce, the stretchy capris are comfortable and fashionable, and the tank tops hold in the tummy. For shoes, I LOVE New Balance. I'm on my 2nd pair. The first I ordered through East Bay (with a 20% coupon) and the 2nd I bought from Dillard's for like $20 (it was an end of season clearance). When I first started working out I got some workout gear from Wal-Mart and it was okay, but the sports bras are HORRIBLE! I just ordered some stuff from K-Mart, hopefully that works out well.

Target has great prices and decent stuff.
My wife swears by the clearance section of the New Balance website.
Champion's website is pretty good.
Nike makes amazing clothes but they are expensive.
I have no idea about the quality, but we got a catalog called "Sweaty Betty", the stuff looks good.

If you are a runner or planning to be one then I suggest Roadrunner for shoes. They are not cheap but they fit you properly to help keep you from having joint pain and other issues. For pants, I like Old Navy. Their compression pants are amazing and they often have good sales on them. I recently got a pair for under $7. I haven't found a great sports bra yet and I just wear normal exercise shirts from where ever they are on sale.

I agree about the specialty store for the shoes. It pays to buy ones that will fit you best. For the tops and pants I really like the Champion line they carry at Target. It's pretty reasonable and I get the items with Duo Dry which wicks away the sweat. For me this is a MUST for my workout gear. I absolutely HATE being all wet and nasty and this stuff REALLY helps!

Sports bras - Nike, C9 for Target, or Old Navy - Nike's outlet store has awesome sales; C9 and Old Navy have several different styles to fit depending on your size.

Shoes - Running shoes from a speciality running store - hands down. They may be expensive but they are worth it. Cross-trainers - make sure you have a pair of these for weight training and Insanity/Gym group classes/etc. Running shoes are for running and aren't stable enough for other activites. I wear Mizuno or Saucony running shoes and New Balance cross-trainers. Pay attention to your running shoes and make sure to get new ones when the treads on the bottom wear out. It's not fun to run in shoes that feel like lead and it will hurt your legs.

Running Pants - Nike capri pants. The Old Navy version cuts off circulations below your knees.

Running shorts - Nike, C9, Adidas, Champion. Fully lined are the best!

Workout shirts - Nike, Adidas, and C9 - make sure you get the breathable or wicking shirts. You will feel so much better.

Socks - any sock that is fitted to your foot is best to prevent blisters. The expensive running socks are not necessary unless you are running marathons. I personally like Puma and Powersox.

I work out alot thoughout the week, so buying Lulumon is just not cost-efficient (though my friends swear by them!). Remember, you don't have to match your outfits to go to the gym or to work out...Just put whatever on and go out there! The main point is that you are THERE - best of luck!!