The best workout gear is hard to find when you're on a budget. When you're shopping for gym apparel and equipment, two of the most important factors in choosing must-haves are quality and affordability. With the right combination of function, fit, and price, your workout clothing and equipment can help you maximize performance in the gym. Here are some tips for getting your hands on name brand or high-quality equipment without breaking the bank:

Find Coupons

Top workout apparel and equipment brands offer coupons and discounts throughout the year. Sign up for the mailing lists of your favorite clothing or fitness equipment companies to take advantage of their seasonal promotions. And keep an eye on websites like dealdrop.com to see what coupons are available. You can also check retail websites for promotional codes to enter at checkout.

To properly use a coupon, you should find the coupon code online. Once you have this, read the fine print on the coupon to determine whether there are any exclusions (like shipping) and when the offer expires. Some coupons don't specify restrictions, but many will say "excludes clearance" or something similar. If possible, avoid purchasing items that are marked as clearance items, as the coupon may not apply to them.

Shop Out Of Season

The biggest perk of shopping for workout clothing and equipment on sale is that you don't have to go broke just because it's summer or winter. For example, if you're looking for a new pair of running shoes, buy them in the fall when retailers are looking to make room for winter apparel and gear. And if it's already winter and your boots are at the end of their lifespan, wait until spring to pick up a new pair. The same rule applies for summer clothes in winter—buy them after spring has sprung to save some money.

When shopping out of season, you should ensure that the items that you're looking to purchase are available. Major retailers, especially those dedicated to selling workout clothes and equipment may not have what you're looking for because they've discontinued selling it. If this is the case, try shopping at a specialty store or smaller retailer where they may provide more options than you'd find in a big-box store or online retailer.

Shop Second-Hand/Used

Workout clothing and equipment manufacturers spend lots of money on research and development, so their gear is often higher quality than anything you could find at a discount retailer. However, the best workout gear doesn't have to be made by an expensive brand name. If you shop for used items at consignment shops or online, you can get great deals on name-brand items with a lot of life left in them. While you won't always find the exact thing that you're looking for, if you're open to alternatives and know your size and preferences, consignment shops can provide great deals on workout clothing and equipment.

To ensure that the items that you're buying are high-quality, it's best to buy second-hand workout gear that is either very lightly used or in brand new condition. Look for clothing that is free of rips and tears, zippers that work properly, and shoes with all their laces intact. If the item has a removable tag attached, be sure to look at it carefully to determine the original retail price and find a similar item online or in a store to ensure that you aren't being overcharged.

If you're shopping second-hand on Craigslist or at a garage sale, be sure to bring another person with you for added safety when conducting your transaction. If possible, have them stand near the exit so they can see when someone suspicious or dangerous approaches.

Sell Your Own Workout Gear

Another way to save some money on workout clothes is to sell your old gear. If you have items that are gently used or in new condition, consider listing them online. Ask for payment via PayPal to avoid any fees that may be tacked on by the platform. Or you can ask buyers to meet up with you in a public place for their transaction so you don't have to worry about meeting someone who might try and steal your gear once they have paid for it. If you go this route, be sure to bring a friend with you to ensure your safety.

If you want to ensure that your workout clothing and equipment are in good enough condition to sell, clean them thoroughly before listing them online or bringing them somewhere where other people can handle them. This will help you get a better price for your items. Then, use the money to buy new workout gear.

Saving money on workout clothing and equipment doesn't mean you have to go without. With a little time spent shopping around, a smart shopper can find the gear that is both stylish and affordable. By following these tips, you'll be able to stick to your fitness goals while saving some of your hard-earned cash for other purposes.