Life Span of Exercise Gear

Workout Gear: Water Bottle
Life span: 10+ years
"We've seen people whose water bottles have lasted more than a decade," says Tiffany Teaford, product manager at Nalgene Inc. The bottles that last the longest are impact-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and they don't retain taste or odors, she says.

When to replace: "When tiny fingerling cracks start to appear in plastic water bottles, it is a sign that the material is breaking down," says Teaford. "You should get a new one, because it will soon loose its ability to remain leak proof."

How to make it last: Regular cleaning is crucial for safeguarding yourself against germs, but Teaford recommends top-rack loading when washing your bottle in the dishwasher. This will keep it away from strong heat that can cause some types of plastic to breakdown. Also, dry thoroughly to prevent mold.


Workout Gear: Sports Bra
Life span: 6 months to a yearThe longevity of a sports bra varies based on the amount of wear, intensity of workouts and whether or not you rotate your bras, says Alma Androvic, designer of the new Nike Rebel Bra. "If you're wearing the same bra for three to four workouts a week, you should replace it every six months to ensure the best support."

When to replace: Buy a new sports bra if you experience bouncing, the cups have become lax and are too big, or the band rides up in the back indicating that the bra is loose. "Once the fabric has lost its stretch and recovery—meaning that when it stretches it doesn't bounce back—it is time to get a new bra," adds Cassandra Sze, innovation designer for Lululemon apparel.

How to make it last: "For bras that come with hooks, it is best to put the hooks on the loosest setting when you first wear it, as this will allow you to tighten it as the bra begins to stretch out," says Sze. She recommends choosing bras that are hot wash and dryer friendly. "Choose a detergent that does not contain fabric softener, as this will prevent the fabric from wicking away sweat properly." Rotating your sports bras—rather than wearing the same one every sweat session—will also make them last longer.


Workout Gear: Running Shoes
Life span: About 8 months—or about 400 miles—for an average runner (10 miles a week)
Every runner is different, but a good pair of running shoes provides sufficient support for about 300 to 400 miles, says Johanna Bjorken, merchandise director of JackRabbit Sports stores in New York City. Just because the treads on the bottom of your running shoes don't look worn down, it doesn't mean they're still in good condition: The real wear happens in the midsole of the shoe, which is the spongy material that's usually made of air-injected foam inside the shoe under your foot.

When to replace: Pain—such as shin splints, knee soreness, or ankle aches—is usually the first sign that you need to replace your running shoes. But you can also find clues by examining the midsole, says Bjorken. When it starts to look wrinkled or like a dried-up sponge, your shoes have hit their limit.

How to make it last: Heat can break down sneaker's materials, so never put your shoes in the hot trunk of your car or through the dryer.