Anyone larger than an A cup can attest to the importance of a well-fitted sports bra, but it's not always easy to trash these often-expensive pieces.
When to toss them: After six months to a year, or whenever the straps feel loose. Also, if you gain or lose weight you'll want to rethink your size and buy a new bra.
Help them last longer: Don't put your sports bras in the dryer, since that can make the elastic wear out faster. It's also smart to rotate which ones you wear every day, so the same one or two don't get overused.
What'll happen if you hang on to them: If your sports bra isn't properly supporting your chest, you can get pain and discomfort, damage the elasticity of your breast tissue, and put strain on your back.
*Sources: Heather Montgomery, blogger for runningwithsass.com. John Paul Ouvrier, director of Fitness4Charity.org.
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T-shirts and tanks
Want to walk into the gym feeling confident and ready to kick butt? Our experts say a new workout top (preferably in a fun color) can get you in the perfect frame of mind. Consider it an excuse to go shopping.
When to toss them: Generally after two years, or when you notice pilling, seams unraveling, or fitted tops losing their shape.
How to help them last: A seamless top in a polyester/lycra blend draws sweat away from your body and limits chafing (a nice bonus while you're working out), and will also generally last longer than a cotton shirt.
*Sources: Janette Janero, group fitness director at Florida International University. Michele Bohbot, Electric Yoga designer and Master Yogi. Phylise Sands, founder of Red Daisy sports bra line.
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Yoga mats
Downward dogs can get a little tricky, not to mention unpleasant, with an old mat.
When to toss: Once mats start to lose their grip, or if there's an odor you can't get rid of.
Help it last longer: By letting it completely dry before you roll it up and throw it in the trunk of your car.
*Source: Heather Montgomery, blogger for runningwithsass.com.
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Exercise balls and bands
Seems silly, but these really can become dangerous if you hang on to them too long. Bands break, balls pop, you get the idea.
When to toss: After two years of use, or if the plastic looks discolored or brittle.
Help them last longer: Never leave them outside in the sun; The heat will make the plastic wear down faster.
*Source: John Paul Ouvrier, director of Fitness4Charity.org.
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Sweatbands, helmets, and hats
We tend to take these items for granted, but they do need to be replaced (or at the very least washed) after awhile.
How to care for them: Wash sweatbands, hats, and visors after working out (most are machine washable). Wipe down helmets after every use; if you don't, sweat and bacteria can build up on them, causing breakouts.
When to toss: When sweatbands and hats become stretched out, ditch them. Check the fit of your helmet regularly and replace it if it gets loose, since a proper fit is crucial for your safety.
*Sources: Janette Janero, group fitness director at Florida International University. Phylise Sands, founder of Red Daisy sports bra line. Kebby Holden, co-founder of SOAS athletic apparel line for triathletes.
Wouldn't life be easier if we all just worked out naked? Think about it. No expensive workout gear to buy, no feeling embarrassed at the gym because of your ancient college sweats and ratty old sneaks. Since when did paying $78 for spandex workout pants become acceptable, anyway?
Until naked gyms take off (and we're not holding our breath on that one), we could all use a little help knowing when to replace our workout gear and -- even better -- how to make it last longer. Which is why we asked a slew of fitness experts to share their best tips, from the surprising signs it's time to replace your running shoes to the workout item we all wear out faster than it should because we don't wash it often enough.
Fancy new workout gear may seem unnecessary and even silly, but having the correct, well-fitted gear can actually make your exercise routine more effective. You'll minimize your chance of injury and get more from your workout. Plus, there's the confidence boost you'll get when you check out your chic self in the gym mirrors.
So, keep reading for the run-down on everything you need to know to look and feel great in your workout gear.
