It’s hard to believe, but Memorial Day is just around the corner, which means if you want to tighten and tone a bit before summer, you should probably get on it.
Right now, getting fit is easier than ever, and for several reasons. First, you’ve been cooped up all winter, and suddenly, it’s lovely outside. Go enjoy it. Second, we’ve already set the clocks back for Daylight Savings, which means you’ve got another good hour of daylight before the sun sets. Yes, you can squeeze in that post-work run in the park. Finally, you can find some serious bargains on new workout gear. In fact, the prices are so good right now that even couch potatoes will feel inspired.
[See: 12 Shopping Tricks to Keep You Under Budget.]
Sneakers
Hard-core runners know that running season lasts year-round, but most people log the bulk of their miles during spring, summer and fall. To help lure runners out of the house and onto the pavement (or trails), retailers cut the price of running shoes after the winter thaw, which means you can find some great deals.
— FinishLine.com, for example, is currently offering up to 40 percent off men’s and women’s running shoes (and if you spend more than $200, you can pick up an additional 10 percent off with RetailMeNot’s coupon code 20SPRING200).
— SuperRunnersShop.com has slashed prices in half on many brands, including New Balance, Brooks and Mizuno.
— RoadRunnerSports.com is offering 20 percent off shoes, and with a VIP membership ($1.99 for the first year), you get free shipping and a 90-day test run. (If you don’t like them after three months, you can exchange them for a new pair.)
Pro tip: If you find a pair you like and they’re on sale, buy two pair before the sale ends because the model will typically go extinct. Running shoes are made to last only 300 to 500 miles before they begin to break down, so you’ll be relieved to not have to miss a run while you shop.
[See: 10 Money-Saving Websites to Check Before Shopping.]
Bikes
Whether you’re a road biker, a mountain biker or a bike-to-the-movies sort of biker, you can find some slick sales on a new set of wheels right now.
— For example, all bikes — every single one — are on sale at PerformanceBike.com at up to 50 percent off.
— Dick’s Sporting Goods is offering $200 off select Diamondbacks.
— R & A Cycles is offering up to 65 percent off select models, which in a high-end shop like this one, translates to thousands of dollars saved.
Pro tip: Many cities organize bike swaps in the early spring, where you can pick up a slightly used model at a cut rate. Check your local paper (or ask your local bike shop) if there’s one scheduled near you.
Camping Gear
If your version of camping means you park, pop a tent next to your car and drink beer and eat s’mores outside all night, then I’m not so sure getting fit is your goal here (though I am sure I’d like to camp with you). If, however, camping to you means hiking a few miles through the forest, popping your tent and chopping wood, then it’s certainly going to get you into tip-top shape, fast. In fact, a 150-pound person will burn 1,000 calories in just two hours of backpacking. The better your gear, the better your experience, too.
— REI.com is offering up to 59 percent off tents, sleeping bags and packs.
— Cabela’s is offering up to 50 percent off tents (and tarps to put under them).
— Eastern Mountain Sports has warm sleeping bags for 40 percent off, too.
Pro tip: Just leave all the cash you saved at home. It’s not going to do you any good in the wilderness.
[See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.]
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Get Fit for (Almost) Free: The Best Deals on Spring Workout Gear originally appeared on usnews.com
