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

home exercise equipment can easily be added. This is especially true if you plan to complete your gym with larger pieces like one treadmill, elliptical, dumbbells or even one squat rack. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to buy these devices from scratch. You can save money by buying some parts used and still get a perfect product. You can find used exercise equipment online, at thrift stores, or even at garage sales near you.

But before you spontaneously buy this used treadmill, you should know a few things. We spoke to some experts to get tips on what to look for when buying used exercise equipment and which parts to buy brand new. Read on to learn what to consider when buying used exercise equipment.

Look for simple, durable items

There are training devices that are better bought used than others. Cooper Mitchell, founder of Garage Gym Reviews, recommends buying items that are built to last and won’t break. “Some pieces of equipment I would go with are dumbbells, kettlebells and weight plates,” he says, adding, “These items are simple and made out of cast iron, so they’re going to last.”

When looking at used cardio equipment, Caroline Grainger, an International Sports Sciences Association-certified personal trainer, recommends going with a stationary bike. “Stationary bikes, especially older ones with fewer electronic components, are virtually indestructible and definitely worth buying used,” she says. So if you’re not looking for the latest Peloton bike, this could be a good alternative for your home.

Matt Claes, founder of Weight Loss Made Practical, also recommends buying a used rowing machine if you’re looking for another option in the cardio equipment category. He says, “Rowing machines like the Concept 2 RowErg have a reputation for being really good used buys because of their longevity.” If you’re not sure which rowing machine brands to trust, these are the ones you can trust CNET’s best rowing machine Picks as a buying guide.

Know how to avoid duds

If you buy any of these items, you should do a few inspections before pulling out your wallet. “If you’re buying a used barbell, you want to make sure it’s not bent or the knurling is worn,” Mitchell points out. “If it’s a weight plate, I would bring a scale and make sure it’s accurate,” he adds. Often there is a discrepancy because parts can chip off during use and you want to ensure that the used product is still in the best possible condition.

While many of these parts are built to last, that’s no guarantee they’ll still last as long. “There’s a big difference between a barbell that’s been used for 250-pound squats every day for seven years and a barbell that’s been used for 40-pound shoulder presses twice a week for three years,” explains Claes.

You should be prepared to test the product and know the basics of the machine. “Research the product name, specific model, and year since you’ll get good customer reviews to know how well this product will hold up over the long term, as well as consider recalls or other important information about it,” advises Grainger.

Also, if possible, don’t be afraid to ask the previous owner any questions you might have about the product. “Ask why they’re selling the machine and how many years they’ve had it, because if they say they just don’t use it, that’s good to know before you buy,” says Mitchell. However, if they tell you that something is broken on it or that it’s not working properly, that’s a good reason not to go through with the purchase.

Where to look for offers

You can find used exercise equipment at individual flea markets or at some thrift stores. Nowadays, used training equipment is also often bought on online platforms such as the Facebook marketplace. You can even find used devices on Amazon and eBay. So what is best?

“The real value tends to come from individual sellers in less visible markets like Facebook Marketplace or even flea markets,” says Grainger. Still, Claes warns that you should be selective about what workout products you buy online. “Depending on the sites reputation and return policies, you might consider buying relatively budget-friendly used exercise equipment online,” he says, adding, “But with more expensive equipment and sites or sellers you don’t know the history of, I probably want a personal look.” throw at it before I make any decisions.”

One benefit of buying used equipment from a single seller is that the price can be negotiated. “You can always stay low and see what you get back because you can always raise the negotiated price if you need to,” Mitchell says. Another haggling trick he suggests is to be very specific when pricing. “It sounds a little bizarre, but if you say you’re paying $207 instead of $200, for example, the other party will think you’re well researched and really know what you’re talking about.”

If you can’t find what you’re looking for on Facebook Marketplace, you can also check out retailers like Play-It-Again Sports, a second-hand sporting goods store found in some cities and known for fitness equipment.

Skip buying these machines used

There are some devices that you should take extra care with when buying second-hand. This may be due to safety precautions or the longevity of the machine. “Treadmills are hard to buy used because the motors break, they’re expensive, and they’re heavy, so it’s hard to transport,” says Mitchell. Another device he recommends when buying brand new gadgets is cable machines. “Cable machines are used and abused in most workshops and not well maintained,” he warns.

Claes agrees, saying that most electronic cardio equipment should be bought new. “The reason is that these machines tend to have a limited lifespan and if someone else has used the machine for a few years, a treadmill may sound cheap, but it may not have that many years left.” Not to mention that used machine warranties can be tricky as some brands allow portability of the warranty and some don’t.

bottom line

Most importantly, make sure you do your research on the used equipment you are planning to buy. Claes recommends visiting at least one flea market before committing to buying used exercise equipment from a store. By taking the time to research the product properly, you’ll learn the average price and quality that will help you determine if you’re getting a good deal or not.

“For example, barbells aren’t that much cheaper if you buy them used,” says Mitchell. So in this case it might be better to sell the product on a website like e.g Villain Fitness, REP Fitness or titanium fitness. If you are looking for new cardio equipment, consider sites like Nordic Track, bow flex or peloton. These brands have a reputation for making durable fitness equipment.

Claes advises that you make sure you at least invest in a decent piece of exercise equipment. “In the short term, the low price may seem attractive,” he says. “However, if you need to buy new equipment every few months, the used exercise equipment options may not prove to be as 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 healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or health goals.