What to buy to start a fitness journey (and save some money in the process)

1. Health
2. Exercise

What to buy to start a fitness journey (and save some money in the process)

Buying guides By Anna Gora published 6 January 2026

A quick beginner's guide to shopping for workout gear, fitness tech and exercise equipment during January's fitness rush.

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(Image credit: Getty Images) Jump to:

• Fitness gear
• Exercise equipment
• Fitness trackers
• Non-essentials
• The bottom line

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January is peak season for fitness sales, with major discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, activewear and beginner-friendly exercise equipment. No wonder — it is a perfect opportunity for retailers to clear inventory and capitalize on all those "New Year, New You" resolutions.

For an exercise novice, however, this endless sea of workout gear and gadgets can be downright overwhelming. But if that is you, do not worry! You do not need a gym's worth of exercise equipment, a high-end Garmin watch or a professional athlete's wardrobe to begin. Starting simple is often the most effective strategy for a long-term lifestyle change — not to mention that it is much easier on the wallet.

With that in mind, we rounded up a list of essential, science-backed purchases for a beginner, prioritizing ease-of-use, safety and versatility. Plus, we sprinkled in some fitness deals to help your post-Christmas budget go that little bit further.

Here’s what to buy (and what to skip) to launch your fitness journey in strategic fashion — and save yourself some money in the process.

Anna GoraSocial Links NavigationHealth writer and personal trainer

Anna Gora is a health writer and reviewer at Live Science, as well as a highly experienced personal trainer, nutritionist and fitness coach. Over the years, she has helped numerous exercise beginners kickstart their fitness journey, and is always on the lookout for versatile, easy-to-use fitness gear to recommend to her clients. At Live Science, Anna has written a guide to the best exercise equipment for beginners and is a significant contributor to our round-ups of the best fitness trackers, cardio machines and running shoes.

The essentials: Gear that gets you out the door

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Before investing in a premium running watch or one of the best rowing machines, focus on the basics. Buying the right footwear and workout clothing is an essential first step on your fitness journey. This is not about fashion; it is about comfort and safety.

Footwear: Your most important investment

This is your non-negotiable purchase. Appropriate footwear helps you maintain good foot health, reduces the risk of injuries and boosts your overall well-being, according to a 2024 review published in the journal Applied Sciences. Choose shoes that are stable, comfortable to wear and suitable for your intended activities.

That said, do not get bogged down in premium brands and ultra-specialized shoes. Start with a quality pair of all-purpose trainers or cross-trainers. The best beginner-friendly options have a good balance of cushioning and stability for a mix of gym workouts, walking, jogging and low- to moderate-intensity aerobics. Good looks are just the cherry on top.

Best all-rounderSave 31% ($43.03)Nike Men's Pegasus 41: was $140 now $96.97 at Amazon

Save up to 31% off on the Nike Men's Pegasus 41. Reliable, comfortable to wear and suitable for a wide range of activities, from gym workouts and dance classes to hiking and road running, these superb all-rounder trainers offer plenty of value for those new to exercise.

Price check: Nike $101.97 (29% off)

Also available: Nike Women's Pegasus 41, now up to 29% off

View DealBest for novice runnersSave 24% ($40)Brooks Men's Glycerin 22: was $164.95 now $124.95 at Amazon

Looking for your first-ever running shoes? This deal may spark your interest: the Brooks Glycerin 22 is now up to 24% off. We tested the older version of this model, the Glycerin 21, and liked it so much that we named it the best option for beginners in our guide to the best running shoes. By the looks of it, this version offers an even better combo of cushioning and stability.

Price check: Brooks $124.95 (24% off)

Also available: Brooks Women's Glycerin 22, now up to 24% off

View DealBest valueSave 37% ($50.05)Puma Men's Velocity Nitro 3: was $135 now $84.95 at Amazon

If you are looking for something more budget-friendly, consider the Puma Men's Velocity Nitro 3. This popular training shoe is known for its responsive foam cushioning, lightweight feel, great traction and reasonable price. With up to 37% at Amazon, you can get it for less than $99.

Price check: Puma $93.99 (31% off)

Also available: Puma Women's Velocity Nitro 3, now up to 30% off

View DealBest for everyday runsSave 41% ($67.04)New Balance Men's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14: was $164.99 now $97.95 at Amazon

Save up to 41% on the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V14, a durable and ultra-comfortable running shoe that we named the best option for everyday runs. While not specifically designed for beginners, it is an excellent option for those who may need that extra cushioning.

Price check: New Balance $129.99 (21% off)

Also available: New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 1080 V14, now up to 38% off

View DealBest cross-trainerSave 43% ($60)Reebok Men's Nano X4: was $140 now $80 at Amazon

Save up to 43% on the Reebok Men's Nano X4, one of the best budget-friendly cross-trainer shoes and an excellent pick for those who prefer gym workouts and weightlifting to steady state cardio.

Price check: Reebok $99.99 (33% off)

Also available: Reebok Women's Nano X4, now up to 33% off

View Deal

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Workout clothing: It is all about comfort

Workout clothing should help you withstand the demands of intense exercise, not actively impede your attempts to get fit. Look for synthetic, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or spandex — they help regulate body temperature and prevent sweat from lingering on your skin, while cotton, for example, holds sweat and can cause chafing.

Then, focus on freedom of movement. A well-designed piece of activewear will allow for freedom of movement and not slip off or irritate your skin during intense workouts. Start with a few core pieces to build a rotation: a few tops and bottoms, several pairs of sports socks and, for women, a couple of good-quality sports bras.

Again, there is no need to invest in premium brands and highly specialized activewear; affordable lines from major retailers work perfectly fine. Comfort here is key — if you feel good, you are more likely to get moving.

The best retailers for finding deals on beginner-friendly workout clothing:

• Puma: Now up to 60% off on Puma Essentials and Puma Elevated Essentials
• Adidas: End of Year Sale with up to 60% off on shoes and activewear
• Reebok: End-of-Season Sale with up to 50% off selected styles
• CRZ Yoga: A budget alternative to Lululemon, now with up to 81% off on yoga pants, leggings, tops and jumpsuits
• Target's All in Motion: A highly-rated line of affordable workout clothing, running shoes and exercise equipment
• Amazon's Aurola: Soft and versatile workout tops and bottoms for under $35

The home-gym starter pack: Simple, space-savvy exercise equipment

(Image credit: Getty Images)

While you may be tempted to splash out on a premium treadmill or super-smart exercise bike, hold off on the big purchases for now. You can build remarkable strength, endurance and mobility with basic, space-savvy equipment too, and at a much lower cost. A yoga mat, adjustable dumbbells and resistance bands, for example, are very beginner-friendly, offering maximum versatility with a minimal footprint.

If you are not entirely sure how to use them, look up beginner-friendly home exercise video tutorials or join an online fitness class. January fitness sales are not just about physical gear — many fitness apps and services are discounted, too, or offer free taster sessions. There is also plenty of good-quality content that is entirely free of charge.

Yoga matSave 30% ($11.99)Gaiam Yoga Mat: was $39.98 now $27.99 at Amazon

While not a match for the premium Liforme or Lululemon products, the Gaiam Yoga Mat impressed us with its combination of comfortable padding, beautiful designs and affordable pricing. It is the best budget option in our guide to the best yoga mats, and a great choice for warm-up routines, stretching and beginner-friendly yoga poses.

Price check: Target $24.99 (38% off), selected block color options only

View DealResistance bandsSave 15% ($5.02)Whatafit Resistance Band Sets: was $32.99 now $27.97 at Amazon

Save up to 15% on the Whatafit Resistance Bands, our top pick for varied workouts in our guide to the best resistance bands. Available in a mind-boggling array of colors and designs, this workout set offers something for everyone and does not cost the earth.

View DealWalking padSave 40% ($107.65)Urevo E4W Walking Pad: was $269.99 now $162.34 at Amazon

Save 40% on the Urevo E4W Walking Pad, a compact, affordable and unusually stylish machine that impressed us so much that we named the best walking treadmill in our round-up of the best treadmills on the market. An excellent way to ramp up your step count during the cold winter months.

Price check: Dick's Sporting Goods $199.99, Urevo $180.99

View DealExercise bikeSave 34% ($89.01)Yosuda Exercise Bike: was $259.99 now $170.98 at Amazon

Save 34% on the Yosuda Indoor Stationary Cycling Bike, an unusually beginner-friendly cardio machine and the top budget option in our guide to the best exercise bikes. It is quiet, easy to use and smart-enabled, but more importantly, it offers great, joint-friendly workouts for people of all fitness levels.

View Deal

Fitness trackers: A source of useful data and exercise advice

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A well-chosen fitness tracker can provide a lot of valuable feedback and positive reinforcement in the early stages of your fitness journey. Counting your daily steps, tracking an active workout and reviewing your past activities can help you make more sense of your workouts and general progress.

Training by "feel" is hard for beginners, and continuous heart rate measurements provide objective data on your efforts. It helps you understand zones: are you in a moderate, fat-burning zone or pushing into high intensity? This ensures your easy days are genuinely promoting recovery and your hard days are truly effective.

Moreover, the goal-setting and "closing your rings" features (a visual representation of your progress towards your daily exercise goals) leverage gamification, and this in itself can be a powerful motivator. Not to mention, many fitness trackers come in handy outside of the gym or running track, too.

However, do not get swayed by the trends here. A basic Fitbit, Garmin or Apple Watch SE will track steps, heart rate, sleep, and active minutes just as well as the more advanced and expensive models. They also tend to be more beginner-friendly in terms of their user interfaces and the language they use to describe your fitness stats.

Best budget pickSave 30% ($30)Fitbit Inspire 3: was $99.95 now $69.95 at Best Buy

Save 30% on the Fitbit Inspire 3. This unassuming fitness band takes the top spot in our guide to the best budget fitness trackers, and for a good reason. It is relatively accurate and easy to use, and it will not overload your wrist with heavy machinery or confuse you with complex fitness stats.

Price check: Walmart $70.64, Target $69.95

View DealBest all-rounderSave 15% ($15)Amazfit Active 2: was $99.99 now $84.99 at Amazon

If you are not a fan of narrow fitness bands, consider the Amazfit Active 2, the second iteration of our favorite budget smartwatch. With its compact design, multiple sports modes and long battery life, it does a great job as a first-ever workout tracker.

Price check: Best Buy $84.99, Target $84.99, Amazfit $84.99

View DealBest GarminSave 17% ($50)Garmin Vivoactive 6: was $299.99 now $249.99 at Walmart

Save 17% on the Garmin Vivoactive 6. Sleek, highly accurate and packed with beginner-friendly features, it is our favorite smartwatch for those new to exercise and the best option for hikers in our guide to the best Garmin watches. If you have never used a Garmin watch before, this is an excellent starting point.

Price check: Amazon $270, Adorama $249.99, Best Buy $263.99

View DealBudget-friendly smart ringSave 45% ($90)Amazfit Helio: was $199.99 now $109.99 at Amazon

Save 45% on the Amazfit Helio, an excellent alternative to bulky smartwatches and our favorite budget-friendly smart ring. While not suitable for tracking high-intensity workouts, it offers heaps of useful data on your sleep, stress and recovery. It looks and feels good, too.

Price check: Amazfit $109.99

View Deal

What NOT to buy (right away)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The allure of a shiny new machine is strong, but impulsive buys often become expensive clothes racks. Here are some tips on how to avoid costly mistakes as an exercise beginner.

Hold off on major equipment. Do not start by buying an expensive treadmill, elliptical, or full home-gym system. Use your foundational gear or a gym trial for one month at least. If you have consistently stuck with your routine, then research what machine would best suit the activities you have genuinely enjoyed.

Avoid over-specialization. You do not need cycling shoes until you are sure indoor cycling is your go-to sport. Similarly, you do not need Olympic weightlifting shoes for general strength training. Let your sustained interest guide niche purchases, not the other way around.

Beware of fads and "quick fix" gadgets. If a product promises insane results with minimal effort, it is likely selling a fantasy. Sustainable fitness is built on consistent effort, not electrical muscle stimulators, ab belts or dodgy supplements. Stick to the good-old healthy diet and regular workouts, and you will be primed for success in 2026.

The bottom line

The goal of your initial purchases is not to equip a pro athlete from the get-go, but to minimize barriers to exercise and help you establish healthy habits. Every item should make it easier to say "yes" to your workout and harder to make an excuse.

This New Year, invest first in the basics that support consistency. Let your proven dedication over weeks and months, not your initial January enthusiasm, guide your future investments. Your journey starts not with the fanciest gear, but with the first step taken in the right shoes.

We hope that our list will help you do just that.

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Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Anna GoraHealth Writer

Anna Gora is a health writer at Live Science, having previously worked across Coach, Fit&Well, T3, TechRadar and Tom's Guide. She is a certified personal trainer, nutritionist and health coach with nearly 10 years of professional experience. Anna holds a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, a Master’s degree in Nutrition, Physical Activity & Public Health from the University of Bristol, as well as various health coaching certificates. She is passionate about empowering people to live a healthy lifestyle and promoting the benefits of a plant-based diet.

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