Finder’s shopping editor Lauren Chaplin takes a look at how to get home workout equipment for less.

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdowns have changed the way that many of us go about our day-to-day lives. In particular, many of us have now adopted an at-home approach to fitness that lends us more flexibility in terms of when and where we work out.

While it may be cutting down gym and travel costs, stocking up on proper fitness equipment can be quite pricey in itself. However, only certain products are actually worth splashing out on. For everything else, there are definitely ways that you can get it cheaper.

Activewear

Activewear is one of the hottest commodities currently in the fashion space, meaning that you’ll find it everywhere from affordable retailers to luxury boutiques. While you may want to look at it as an investment piece if you work out often, you really don’t need to spend a lot to get some quality gear.

Retailers like Cotton On Body and ASOS have plenty of shorts, leggings and sports bra options that are comfortable, stylish and reasonably priced. If you time it right and hit the sales, you’ll also be able to nab an entire outfit for well under $100. By contrast, you’ll often pay more than that for just one item at a luxury outlet or sports store.

When it comes to products that you may want to consider spending a little more on, a moisture-wicking tee is a solid investment. So too is a good pair of sports shoes, making it worth checking out larger sports retailers the next time they have a sale.

For instance, JD Sports is currently taking up to 40% off footwear by top labels like adidas and Nike, making now a great time to stock up.

Yoga mats

A yoga mat is another item that many people consider an investment piece, when a simple one will work just as well. Mats can sometimes cost as much as $120, but if you look to department stores such as Target or Kmart, you should be able to find an appropriate option for under $30.

Discounts site Catch also has some great deals on yoga mats at the moment, which means that you can pick up quality TPE mats for half the usual price.

As long as a mat is non-slip and cushioned enough to support you, it should service your needs just as well as the more luxe options.

Weights

Weights such as dumbbells are difficult to nab a deal on, but the best approach is to opt for the vinyl products as opposed to their metal counterparts.

For instance, mega gym equipment retailer Gym Direct sells sets of vinyl 1kg dumbbells for $10, while a chrome set of the same weight costs double that.

It’s also worthwhile looking for sites with a click and collect option as heavier items will often cost a lot more to ship. Sites like Rebel Sport and Kmart are just a couple of examples of stores that will allow you to shop weights online and pick them up in-store.

Alternatively, you can also source items from around your home to create your own makeshift weights. Filling up two-litre milk bottles is a popular alternative to dumbbells, as is lifting bags of flour or rice.

Exercise bikes

Unfortunately, exercise bikes are never going to come cheap, but you’re likely to get a better deal when you compare your options. Online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon see sellers list both new and second-hand items, making it easy to price a huge range of available products.

Catch is also presently running a sale on larger fitness equipment, with prices on selected exercise bikes slashed by as much as several hundred dollars.

Treadmills

Similar to exercise bikes, treadmills will put a slight dent in your bank account no matter where you shop. However, if you opt for a smaller, less techy model, you can grab one for under $500 at places like Kogan. Crazy Sales is also discounting a range of treadmill products, with some over $1,000 off, making it well worth a look in.

If you are willing to purchase second hand, you can also pick up treadmills for a bargain from sites like eBay and Amazon.

When budgeting for fitness gear it’s also worth noting that you can achieve an effective, full body workout without investing in expensive equipment. Simple products like skipping ropes can give you a high-intensity cardiovascular workout while costing you less than $10.

Resistance bands can also kick your sessions up a notch, with a whole set costing between $10 and $20.

Ultimately, home workouts are here to stay, making it worth shopping around to get yourself the best possible deal. To see current sales on sporting and fitness equipment, you can head to Finder’s deals hub for an extensive list of offers.

Lauren Chaplin is a shopping writer at Finder