It's really tempting when you start the new year with a new determination for actually going to the gym (instead of just paying for the membership) to think you need to buy a whole new wardrobe of LuluLemon or Sweaty Betty and eat further into your already suffering overdraft. And while we love the idea of having a gymkit wardrobe worthy of a Victoria's Secret angel, the likelyhood is you don't need to shell out a tonne of money on every item, or go to the well-established super brands of sport.
Luckily, theres a new crop of sportswear options that have popped up this January, with a range of prices so that you can spend a little on the less important bits (I mea,n how high-tech does a T shirt really need to be?) and a bit more on leggings that won't go see-through in the wash.
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Stella Sport
Adidas by Stella McCartney is what grown-ups buy. Somehow they manage to pull off that technical taupe from head-to-toe look, in a bit of a 'Bond girl hits the gym' way. Now, helpfully, there is Stella Sport - aimed at us lot, who aren't as into greige, and need the pop of bright colours to detract from our grey faces while we die inside on the treadmill. The collection launches on 15th January, and has everything from hoodies to sports bras, trainers and socks, all in bright colourways but with the same techie prowess as Stella's main sports line. We recommend a pair of the pastel shaded trainers, which have Adidas expertise to actually look after your feet.
READ MORE: Here Are The Key Pieces You Should Buy Now And Wear In 2015
Boohoo FIT
Boohoo.com has realised that we needed an online only store to step up and offer affordable gym kit that we can click next day delivery on. Meet Boohoo FIT - a cool collection launching later this month of print heavy sports kit at ridiculously affordable prices. You can pick up a pair of leggings for £14, or a loose running top for just £12. Don't expect much sports-geek tech on this one, it is a fashion collection after all, but for cover ups and relaxed work-out gear that you want to sling in the washing machine without worrying about it, you can't go wrong.
H&M Sport
If you want to be able to pick up your gym kit while you're doing a normal saturday's shopping, then drop into H&M. The new sportswear collection isn't just great because it's super cheap (running shorts are just £12.99) but it also has a plus-size range AND you can buy sports bras with different levels of support, from low to high. It's also a good place to pick up the small, trinkety bits you need for the gym like brightly coloured padlocks, hair ties and water bottles for just a few quid.
Sukishufu
Sukishufu is one for those of you who want to look like a gym ninja - their metallic leggings (£75) are unbelievably cool. Plus their bra tops are super minimalist, rather than looking like maternity bras. The brand's signature is its 'leatherback' pieces, which use faux leather panels to make each piece look fashiony while still being able to work out without without sweating. Amazeballs.
Hey Jo
Hey Jo are genius because they spent a lot of time perfecting one item and getting really, really good at it - leggings - instead of trying to produce a whole gym kit that's a bit average. They come in loads of different colours, are strong and durable, and the best bit, despite how simple, is that they have a tiny zip pocket on the bum where you can keep your locker key or card. They're not cheap - they range from about £80 to £150, but you get your money's worth because they don't chaffe, they don't go bobbly when you wash them and they give your muscles just the right amount of squeeze to make you feel a bit more toned than you actually are.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.