Gym Equipment Is Expensive. Here’s How to Find High-Quality Used Gear

It can add up. If you’re looking to complete your gym with bigger pieces like a treadmill, elliptical, dumbbell, or squat rack, this is a good place to start. You don’t have to buy all of this equipment new. If you purchase some pieces used, you can still get a great product. You can find used exercise equipment in a lot of different places.

There are a few things you should know before buying a treadmill. We talked to some experts to find out what to look for when buying used exercise equipment and which pieces are better off buying brand new. When shopping for used exercise equipment, you need to keep in mind what you read.

Look for simple, durable items

Some equipment is better to buy used than new. Cooper Mitchell recommends buying items that are built to last a long time and won’t break down. He says, “These items are basic and they’re made out of cast iron, so they’re going to last a long time.”

If you’re looking for used cardio equipment, a certified personal trainer recommends using a stationary bike. She saysStationary bikes with fewer electronic components are worth buying used. If you don’t want to buy a new bike, this could be a good alternative.

If you’re looking for another option in the cardio machine category, Matt Claes suggests buying a used rowing machine. “Rowing machines like the Concept 2 RowErg have a reputation for being really good second-hand purchases due to their durability.” You can use the best rowing machine picks as your shopping guide if you’re not sure which brand to trust.

Know how to avoid duds

Before you buy any of these items, there are a couple of things you should do. Mitchell says that if you’re buying a used barbell, make sure it’s not bent or worn down. If it’s a weight plate, I would make sure it’s accurate by bringing a scale. You want to make sure the used product is still in the best shape possible because pieces can get chipped off.

It is not a guarantee that the pieces will hold up equally. There is a huge difference between a barbell that was used for back squats for seven years and a barbell that was used for shoulder presses for three years.

You should know the basics of the machine before testing it. “Research the name of the product, the specific model and year, because it’s going to give you good customer reviews to learn about how well this product is going to hold up in the long run, as well as any recalls or other important information to consider.”

If you can, ask the previous owner any questions about the product. If they say that they don’t use the machine, that’s good to know before buying it. If they tell you they broke something on it, that’s a good reason to not buy it.

Where to look for deals

There are used workout gear at individual yard or garage sales. Online platforms such as the Facebook marketplace can be used to purchase used workout equipment. Used equipment can be found on both Amazon and eBay. Which one is better?

The real value comes from individual sellers on less visible markets. Claes warns that you need to be careful about what you buy online. Depending on the reputation and return policies of the websites, you could consider purchasing relatively budget-friendly used exercise equipment online.

There is room for negotiation when buying used equipment from an individual seller. Mitchell says that you can always raise the negotiation price if necessary. He suggests that you be very specific with your price. If you say you will pay $207 instead of $200, the other party will think you know what you’re talking about.

Play-It-Again Sports is a second-hand sporting goods store that can be found in some cities and carries fitness equipment.

Skip buying these machines used

There are some pieces of equipment that you need to be careful with. Safety precautions can be the reason for this. “Treadmills are hard to buy used because they’re expensive and heavy so it’s hard to transport them.” Buying a brand-new cable machine is one of the things he recommends. He warns that cable machines are not taken care of in most garage.

Claes thinks that most electronic cardio machines should be replaced. If someone else uses a treadmill for a few years, it may not have that many years left in it. The warranties of used machines can be difficult since some brands allow the warranty to be transferred.

Bottom line

Make sure you do your research on the used equipment you want to buy. Claes says to visit at least one garage sale before committing to buying used exercise equipment. The average price and quality of the product will help determine whether or not you are getting a good deal.

When you buy barbells used they aren’t that much cheaper. If you want to buy the product from a website, you may be better off. If you’re looking for a new piece of cardio equipment, you’ll want to look at sites like Nordic Track. The brands make fitness equipment that lasts.

Claes says that you need to invest in a decent piece of exercise equipment. The low price could be attractive in the short term. If you need to buy new equipment every few months, the used exercise equipment options may not be budget friendly.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.