So, I found myself needing some new workout gear the other day. Nothing fancy, just some basics. My old stuff was looking pretty rough, you know? Decided to head over to the Big 5 over in Maricopa. It’s not too far, and I figured they’d have what I needed without much fuss.

Got in the car and made the drive. Parking was easy enough, plenty of spots right out front which is always a plus. Walked in, and it’s pretty much what you expect from a Big 5. Aisles packed with stuff – shoes, balls, camping gear, fishing rods, you name it. It’s got that distinct smell of rubber and new shoes, kinda takes you back if you played sports as a kid.
Inside the Store
I started wandering the aisles, looking for the workout clothes section. It’s usually tucked away somewhere. Passed by the giant wall of shoes first. Always tempting to look, but I stayed focused. Mission first, right?
Found the apparel section. It’s not huge, but they generally have the essentials. Had to do some digging. Sizes can be hit or miss sometimes. You find the shirt you like, but not in your size, or they have your size but only in that weird color nobody wants. Standard retail adventure stuff.
- Looked through the shorts.
- Checked out the t-shirts.
- Compared a couple of different brands they had.
Didn’t really need any help, so I didn’t bother flagging anyone down. Sometimes it’s just easier to hunt for yourself. Found a pair of shorts that looked decent and a couple of basic shirts that would do the job. The prices were alright, not bargain basement but not crazy expensive either. Felt like a fair deal for what I was getting.
Checking Out and Final Thoughts
Headed to the checkout. Line wasn’t too bad, moved pretty quick. The cashier was friendly enough. Scanned my stuff, paid, and that was that. Quick and easy, just how I like it.

Overall, it was a typical Big 5 run. Got what I went for without any drama. It’s a reliable spot for straightforward sporting goods needs. It’s not flashy, doesn’t have all the super high-end specialty stuff, but for the basics, it gets the job done. Sometimes that’s all you need. Left the store, gear in hand, ready to replace my old worn-out stuff. Another Saturday errand ticked off the list.