What to Consider When Buying Used Fitness Equipment

Fitness equipment can be quite expensive, making it difficult to create an ideal home gym. Buying used equipment is the affordable option when you’re creating your own gym, whether for commercial purposes or for home use.  Used and refurbished exercise equipment has a huge market - from free weights to elliptical machines, treadmills, and jungle gyms.  But where do you start? How would you know what you are looking for? Do you know where to find the best exercise machine deals? Read on to find out the factors you should consider when buying used fitness equipment.

What Used Gym Equipment to Purchase

Exercise equipment comes in endless varieties. However, before buying any used gym equipment, consider your fitness goals as well as the type of exercise you enjoy. This way, you can choose specific pieces of used fitness equipment based on your goals. You may only want a stationary bike to ride during the evenings or even a few dumbbells to spice up your running routine. However, if you are thinking about setting up a basic home gym, you might want to do some digging about the must-have items.  

Consider the Brand

Do your research and make sure that the equipment you're buying is from a reputable company. Quality brands from a reliable company are durable and longer-lasting compared to gym equipment from lesser-known companies.  If you plan to use your gym equipment for years, then you should consider buying from quality brands you trust. Before making your purchase, take your time to research the brands available in the market. Go through consumer reviews to get an idea of how the brand's equipment is holding up.  

Compare Prices

Cost is a significant factor in buying anything, which means looking into used exercise equipment for sale is a brilliant move. Buying used fitness equipment can cost you a fraction of what you would have paid for if you were to purchase new equipment. The simplest way to get an idea about how much an equipment cost is to check some online sites. This way, you'll see the going rate for the used equipment, especially in your area.  By doing your research, you will get a better idea of the market value of the items you want. From this point, you can negotiate with the seller to sell you the equipment for a competitive price that you are comfortable with, and most importantly, one that is within your budget.  

Assign a Budget

Budget is another thing that anyone planning to buy used exercise equipment must bear in mind. Having a clear set budget in mind makes things way easier by narrowing down your selection to the machines that only fit your budget as well as your needs.  

Check for Defects

Finding used exercise equipment for sale that is in good shape can be difficult. When purchasing your used equipment, be sure to check every item for any kind of damage, cracks, rust, excessive wear, or any other defects.  Test the equipment thoroughly before buying it to ensure that everything is working as it's supposed to. If any parts need cleaning or replacing, make sure that they are available and also reasonably priced.  

The warranty

Most used equipment will no longer be under warranty by the time you are purchasing it. However, it is still a good idea to always check before the purchase is made. If the item you want is high-end, you can contact the manufacturer and ask whether they offer any service or support. At the very least, find out whether the equipment had any recalls and if it is easy to get replacement parts.  

Check Safety Features

Ensuring that the equipment is safe to use is another crucial factor to consider when buying used exercise machines. The safety features that need checking to include emergency shut-off switches and checking for any signs of damage or fraying on the electronics and wires.  Any plastic or rubber parts should not show signs of excessive wear or cracks. Also, the iron dumbbells should not be rusty, and the bicycles should pedal smoothly as well as stop easily.    

Where to Buy

Look for a place to buy the equipment that is most convenient for you. You can find used exercise equipment at your local classifieds, garage sales and also on websites such as eBay, Craigslist, and Recycler, and also at many fitness equipment sites, like PrimoFitnessUSA.com!  

Trust Your Gut

It’s important to remember that gym equipment can be dangerous, especially if it is used. If you’re buying from an unconventional source, like someone you found on Craigslist, you might find a piece of gym equipment that looks unsafe. If you believe it is unsafe, it probably is. Always trust your gut.  On the other hand, if you’re buying from an online source that is dedicated to selling gym equipment, you can read their reviews and customer testimonials to make sure they are legit. These companies only deliver the highest quality used gym equipment, and if you have any questions, you can contact their customer support team. This is always your best option when purchasing used gym equipment.   

Assess your Space

Lastly, before you head out to the nearest used exercise equipment store, make sure that you have enough room to accommodate all the items your heart desires. If you do, then that’s great, but if not, some machines such as treadmills have foldable frames that give extra space for other exercise tools.  Buying used gym equipment can be a great investment. What gym equipment have you recently purchased? Tell us all about it!