Don't Eat Crap

I want to dedicate this post to fashion – FITNESS FASHION! (this is when the in-studio crowd applause’s.)

Seriously though, workout clothes are expensive. And the cutest stuff is even more expensive, i.e. Lululemon and Nike women’s gear. I love to splurge every once in a blue moon, mainly before a race to reward myself, but it gets spendy. So I thought I’d explain my style, where I shop and maybe it will be helpful to you.

My running style and gym style are completely different. I like to wear running shorts only when I am running. I don’t like how I look in them and only wear them because they are so comfortable to run in. I purchase my running shorts always on clearance for $20 bucks or so from Scheels. I keep it to about 5 pairs (I like a small wardrobe – yah laugh it up Garrett).

I roll them up to store them. All my fitness clothes fit in one drawer in my dresser – yup, that’s right ladies. I purge from my closets every other month and make a nice donation to the Salvation Army.

So like I said, I have about 5 pairs of running shorts in various girly colors and patterns. For lifting weights I like tight, spandex-y nylon-y leggings. I find them comfortable and easy to move in. I purchase all of these are TJ Maxx. TJ Maxx is my second fitness shopping store. They sell brand name fitness clothes at great prices.

When it comes to tops, I prefer racerback tank tops for lifting weights and fitness classes, and I keep a few short sleeve t-shirts for running outside. I think all of my tops are from Target. I’ve heard girls dissing Target workout clothes at the gym, how they don’t fit right, but I like them. I just purchased 3 tank tops from them in different colors. I recommend going to the store to try them on, then ordering online. They never have my sizes in store and they have all sorts of styles and colors. I am a huge fan of the stretch, duo dry, moisture wicking tops. I have gotten overheated too many times in Old Navy tank tops to continue wearing them. Right now they have a sale going on on tops, so check it out.

I purchase my sock from Target as well. I LOVE my running socks found here. Target has great options.

The one area I do splurge, is in shoes. I started with Asics and have now moved on to Muzino Wave Runners. I love these shoes. They are super light, supportive, and I love how I discovered them. After a survey of my friends and family on Facebook I checked out the Muzino website. They have this awesome step-by-step survey where you have to do all these exercises then put in your info and it tells you exactly what shoe is best for you. I was sold, I love customization.

I also purchase all my sports bras from Target. (I should buy stock). I don’t worry about this category as much as other big chested women probably do. I know for a fact if I was more top heavy I’d be investing as much money as it took to get them comfortable and supported for a long run. But I don’t have that problem so I stick with the cute sports bras from target eiither the razor back or the thin strapped ones.

I have invested money in cold weather Under Armour for running when it gets cold outside. The weather in North Dakota gets incredibly cold and they were on sale the day after Thanksgiving – so I kinda splurged. But if you live in North Dakota I don’t have to tell you it gets cold. And I hate running on treadmills so I told myself I deserved them. I also purchased a long sleeve turtle neck Under Armour wet wicking shirt the day before the Fargo 10K in 2011 because I was afraid of it being cold. I purchased that at full price, ouch. Speaking of cold, I received a very unique piece of clothing from Urban Running Girl. A long sleeve cover-up that easily slips over a tank-top for those chilly mornings when you want to stay warm without so many layers. And I love the hand covers. Perfect for North Dakota weather. I admit, Garrett did give me a bit of a odd look when I showed it to him, but its a helpful piece. Easy to take off and tie around your tank top or bra without extra weight – and the fabric is moisture-wicking.

I have 1 wet wicking long-sleeve from Target. The rest of my long sleeves are “freebies” from races, high school stuff, and college sports stuff.

But workout clothes are expensive! YES there are adorable shorts, tank tops, and bras at Scheels. But I can’t afford to spend $300 on workout clothes I’m going to sweat in every day. Where do you do your fitness shopping?

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