If you’re planning a new year’s fitness kick, you might be in need of some new activewear.
Whether it’s for training at home, the gym, or going out, buying all the equipment can be expensive.
9
But high streets and supermarkets have an effective range of styles as do specialist sports brands and sell them at half price.
Fitness enthusiast Vicky Pattison, 35, gives her verdict on the best budget fitness buy for Jess Evans and rates it out of ten.
- The Secret to Happiness by Vicky Pattison is published by Sphere in paperback on January 12, £9.99.
Marks and Spencers
Royal blue fleece, £45, baby blue gilet, £49.50, leggings, £27.50
9
This bad boy kit comes at a higher price, but it’s worth it.
The fleece is super-comfortable, I feel comfortable as a bug, and the leggings suffocate you instantly.
I don’t think the price is bad for this quality.
I would pay just under £50 for a gilet and the quality is exceptional.
Most read in Diet & Fitness
It feels like it’s for a more outdoorsy woman, I’d wear this when walking the dog.
Rating: 9/10.
Primark
Pink crop top, £6, leggings, £6
9
PRIMARK can’t be beat on price and it’s important to mention the value of these two pieces at £6 each.
It’s a little sexy for me to go to the gym – it’s something you’d rather see me around the pool.
The ribbed fabric hides many sins, is super-trendy and can easily be worn with a blazer or sweatshirt to give off a great athletic vibe.
If I exercise in these shorts, I feel like they fall down – I will constantly pull them up.
Rating: 7.5/10.
H&M
Orange stretch top, £19.99, high-shine leggings, £19.99
9
This color top is a good pick-me-up in January.
I wear a lot of Sweaty Betty and this quality rivals it.
It’s very flattering and I like to feel it.
I also love the small toe hole, perfect if you are a runner.
I don’t really like the leggings, the fabric gives me disco which is not me!
Rating: 7/10.
F&F at Tesco
Light blue ribbed top, £12.50, blue patterned leggings, £12.50
9
The quality of this class, the top is especially amazing.
If you told me it was a high-end sports brand Lululemon, I would have believed you.
I feel like I look really good in this, which is a big part of pushing myself to go to the gym.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me it was from a more expensive brand.
To get two pieces for £25 is also incredible – this is my favourite.
Rating: 10/10.
Small enough
Baby pink jacket, £22, teal ribbed sports bra, £12, leggings, £18
9
I’m a big fan of PLT, and they’ve had a smash here – is there anything they can’t do?
The material has good stretch for good body movement for exercise.
It leans more towards pilates or yoga kind of look, but he said I love it.
I think it’s coming home with me!
Rating: 9/10.
It’s at Sainsbury’s
Bluish pink shirt £20, Navy jacket £24, leggings £16
9
This muted color is so me and so trendy.
This hoodie feels like a hug on the skin.
It’s also the first pair of leggings to have a pocket for a phone, which is great.
The fact that it’s super trendy, soft and affordable guarantees it a good score.
Rating: 9/10.
Pep and co at Poundland
Orange crop top, £4.50, leggings, £6
9
This set is a little see-through for me.
But it’s a great color to give you a little pep in your step.
It immediately flatters me and I love the ribbed fabric – but this is not for high intensity training, your bits will go everywhere!
Rating: 6/10.
Next
Pink long sleeve top, £22, patterned leggings, £24
9
This top is super soft but I would hit buckets at the gym wearing it.
The leggings hold me well but the pattern is a little crazy.
That said, I think it’s a great outfit.
Plus, both pieces at under £50 are a steal for activewear, so it’s a big plus.
Rating: 8/10.
