Get into gear for New Year with our gym gear guide

Have you joined the gym again? Signed up for monthly unlimited yoga classes? Or both? Whatever work out plan you have set yourself for the New Year, you might as well look great while you do it. And don't underestimate the power of a cool new pair of runners to get you into the gym.Over the last few years, the high street shops have stepped up to the pilates plate (see what I did there?) with affordable gym wear, that lasts just as well as the premium brands. It really depends on what you do for

Over the last few years, the high street shops have stepped up to the pilates plate (see what I did there?) with affordable gym wear that lasts just as well as the premium brands. It really depends on what you do for exercise.

I'll give you me as an example. I work out with a trainer twice a week doing resistance training, so I need flexible and breathable clothes that work with my body and runners that don't have too much cushioning. I run twice a week two, so I need a good sports bra and a couple of layers. I mix and match my more expensive pieces with my high street pieces to make up great looking, and

And I run twice a week so I need a good sports bra and a couple of layers. I mix and match my more expensive pieces with my high street pieces for great looking, and comfortable gym wear. So where can you get your hands on the best bits? Well here is my high street guide!

So where can you get your hands on the best bits? Here is my high street guide!

  1. Penneys

Pink jacket, €11; Pink vest, €8; Leggings, €13; Shorts, €5 all from Penneys Pink jacket, €11; Pink vest, €8; Leggings, €13; Shorts, €5 all from Penneys

Penneys launched their workout range this time last year, and it was beyond successful for them. I have worn plenty of this collection to the gym and I am so impressed with it. It washes well and it's very comfortable. The hero pieces have to be the jackets and leggings. Having a light jacket for walks, or post-workout, are essential and these affordable jackets are pretty stylish too. The collection starts at €5.

2. H&M

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Yoga bottoms, €29.99; Top, €14.99, Mat, €29.99, all from H&M Yoga bottoms, €29.99; Top, €14.99, Mat, €29.99, all from H&M

H&M's workout range is a little more expensive but the quality is very very good. The yoga wear has great elasticity in it, without losing shape. As with all gym wear, you need to pay attention to the washing instructions. Washing items with lycra can shrink if you wash them in too hot a temperature; plus the lycra can actually melt I am led to believe. Watch out for the sports bras in

As with all gym wear, you need to pay attention to the washing instructions. Washing items with lycra can shrink if you wash them in too hot a temperature.atch out for the sports bras in

And watch out for the sports bras in H&M which are also very good value, just make sure you try them on to ensure you have good support and fit.

3. Lidl

Top, €6.99. bottoms, €7.99 both available at Lidl from January 7th Top, €7.99. bottoms, €6.99 both available at Lidl from January 7th

This week Lidl launch their new range of workout wear for 2016 (in store January 7th). "The collection is all about functionality, fashion-ability, and a really good price point. Tops start at €5.99 and are full of geometric and graphic prints. You can get a full work out outfit under €35 including runners", says stylist Corina Gaffey who styled their latest campaign. This is just the start of the Lidl collection too, with outdoor workout pieces available from January 25th.

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Have you got a favourite work out brand? Do you wear the high street brands to the gym or are you more into investment pieces?

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