What to buy to start a fitness journey, according to a personal trainer
January is peak season for fitness sales, with big discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackerssportswear and exercise equipment suitable for beginners. It’s no wonder: it’s the perfect opportunity for retailers to clear out inventory and capitalize on all those “New Year, New You” resolutions.
However, for an exercise novice, this endless sea of workout equipment and gadgets can be downright overwhelming. But if this is your case, don’t worry! You don’t need gym-style, high-end exercise equipment. Garmin Watch or a professional athlete’s wardrobe for starters. Starting simple is often the most effective strategy for long-term lifestyle change, not to mention it’s much easier on the wallet.
Here’s what to buy (and what to skip) to launch your fitness journey strategically — and save money in the process.
Anna Gora is a health editor and reviewer at Live Science, as well as a highly experienced personal trainer, nutritionist, and fitness coach. Over the years, she has helped many exercise beginners start their fitness journey and is always looking for versatile, easy-to-use fitness equipment to recommend to her clients. At Live Science, Anna has written a guide to the best exercise equipment for beginners and contributes significantly to our selection of the best fitness trackers, cardio machines, and running shoes.
The essentials: equipment that allows you to get out
Before investing in a high-end running watch or one of the best rowing machines, focus on the essentials. Purchasing the right workout shoes and clothing is an essential first step in your fitness journey. It’s not about fashion; it’s a question of comfort and safety.
Shoes: your most important investment
This is your non-negotiable purchase. Proper footwear helps you maintain good foot health, reduces the risk of injury and improves your overall well-being, according to a 2024 report published in the journal Applied Sciences. Choose shoes that are stable, comfortable to wear and suitable for the activities you plan to do.
That said, don’t get bogged down in premium brands and ultra-specialized shoes. Start with a quality pair of sneakers or versatile elliptical trainers. The best beginner-friendly options offer a good balance of cushioning and stability for a mix of gym workouts, walking, jogging, and low-to-moderate intensity aerobics. Beauty is just the icing on the cake.
Workout clothes: it’s all about comfort
Workout clothing should help you withstand the demands of strenuous exercise, without actively hindering your fitness attempts. Look for moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics like polyester or spandex: they help regulate body temperature and prevent sweat from lingering on your skin, while cotton, for example, traps sweat and can cause irritation.
Next, focus on freedom of movement. Well-designed activewear will allow freedom of movement without slipping or irritating your skin during intense workouts. Start with a few basic pieces to create a rotation: a few tops and bottoms, several pairs of sports socks, and, for women, a few good quality sports bras.
Again, there is no need to invest in high-end brands and highly specialized sportswear; affordable lines from major retailers work great. Comfort is key here: if you feel good, you’re more likely to move.
The best retailers to find deals on beginner-friendly workout clothes:
- Puma: Now until 60% off on Puma Essentials and Puma Elevated Essentials
- Adidas: End of year sale with up to 60% off on sports shoes and clothing
- Reebok: End of Season Sales with up to 50% off selected styles
- CRZ Yoga: An economical alternative to Lululemon, now with up to 81% off on yoga pants, leggings, tops and jumpsuits
- Target is all in motion: A popular range of affordable workout clothing, running shoes and exercise equipment
- Amazon’s Aurola: Soft, versatile training tops and bottoms for below $35
The home gym starter pack: simple, space-saving exercise equipment
While you might be tempted to invest in a high-end treadmill or ultra-smart exercise bike, hold off on the big purchases for now. You can also build remarkable strength, endurance, and mobility with basic, space-saving equipment at a much lower cost. A yoga mat, adjustable dumbbells, and resistance bands, for example, are very beginner-friendly, providing maximum versatility with minimal bulk.
If you’re not sure how to use them, look for beginner-friendly home exercise video tutorials or join an online fitness class. January fitness sales aren’t just about physical equipment: many fitness apps and services also have discounts or offer free introductory sessions. There is also plenty of good quality content that is completely free.
Fitness Trackers: A Source of Useful Data and Exercise Advice
A well-chosen fitness tracker can provide plenty of valuable feedback and positive reinforcement early in your fitness journey. Counting your daily steps, doing active training, and reviewing your past activities can help you better understand your workouts and overall progress.
“Feel” training is difficult for beginners, and continuous heart rate measurements provide objective data on your efforts. This helps you understand the zones: are you in a moderate fat burning zone or are you transitioning to high intensity? This ensures that your easy days are truly recovery-friendly and your hard days are truly effective.
Additionally, the goal-setting and “closing rings” (a visual representation of your progress toward your daily exercise goals) features leverage gamification, which in itself can be a powerful motivator. Not to mention, many fitness trackers are also useful outside of the gym or running track.
However, don’t let yourself be influenced by current trends. A basic Fitbit, Garmin, or Apple Watch SE will track steps, heart rate, sleep, and active minutes, just like the more advanced and expensive models. They also tend to be more beginner-friendly in terms of user interface and the language they use to describe your fitness stats.
What NOT to buy (right away)
The lure of a shiny new machine is strong, but impulse purchases often turn into racks of expensive clothes. Here are some tips to avoid costly mistakes as a newbie exerciser.
Wait for major equipment. Don’t start by purchasing an expensive treadmill, elliptical trainer, or complete home gym system. Use your basic equipment or a trial gym for at least a month. If you’ve stuck to your routine, research which machine would best suit the activities you really enjoyed.
Avoid overspecialization. You don’t need cycling shoes until you are sure that indoor cycling is your favorite sport. Likewise, you don’t need Olympic weightlifting shoes for general strength training. Let your sustained interest guide niche purchases, not the other way around.
Beware of fads and “miracle” gadgets. If a product promises insane results with minimal effort, it’s probably a fantastic product. Sustainable fitness relies on consistent effort, not electrical muscle stimulators, abdominal belts or questionable supplements. Stick to the good old healthy diet and regular workouts, and you’ll be set up for success in 2026.
The essentials
The goal of your initial purchases is not to equip a professional athlete from the start, but to minimize barriers to exercise and help you form healthy habits. Each item should make it easier to say “yes” to your workout and make it harder to come up with an excuse.
This new year, first invest in the foundations that support consistency. Let your dedication proven over the weeks and months, not your initial enthusiasm in January, guide your future investments. Your journey doesn’t start with the fanciest gear, but with the first step taken in the right shoes.
We hope our list will help you achieve this.
