5 Tips to Buying Used Gym Equipment
If you're in the market to buy used gym equipment for the very first time, it could be a very daunting task if you don't quite exactly know where or how to start. But don't worry, you're probably not alone and luckily, that's why Fitness Equipment Professionals is here to help.
If you're like the millions of working Americans who balance a hectic work life, an even more hectic family - you're probably finding it harder and harder to find time to balance your health and fitness, we totally understand. With your daily priorities changing constantly, we know finding the time to go to the gym after a long and tiring day becomes pretty difficult. But you're a fighter, and you wish you had the chance to be able to work out at home and there's plenty of reasons for that - it's more convenient and comfortable, you don't have to physically leave the house, and you get to break away from the daily grind in an environment that's close to you, literally.
So just what exactly does it take to actually get one of those treadmills or ellipticals that you see in the gyms into your very own home? Where are you supposed to look? How expensive is it going to be? Are used gym equipment worth it? etc. We know you have questions, and we have answers.
Here are the top 5 things you need to know when buying used fitness equipment for the very first time:
1. Know the difference between the 3 basic conditions of used gym equipment
2. Familiarize yourself with the different types of machines, features, and brands available
3. Have a set budget in mind and what needs you require in a machine
4. Buying gym equipment used will save you lots of time and lots of money
5. Ensure that the equipment dealer is highly trustworthy and reputable
1. Know the difference between the 3 basic conditions of used gym equipment
The majority of all used gym equipment that are bought and sold usually fall under 3 basic categories: as-is (working condition), serviced and cleaned, and remanufactured (refurbished). They are also priced very differently as well. The most affordable and least expensive condition is as-is, which means you buy the machine just as it is right out of the warehouse. If you're just looking to keep a simple healthy lifestyle without all of the bells and whistles, this condition is definitely a good choice for you. But if you're looking for something a little more, then you can opt to have a machine serviced and cleaned. Used equipment may tend to have some parts that more worn and used than others, which may cause potential issues if they fail or break down. This option allows you to have all heavily worn and used parts replaced to ensure a longer shelf-life for your machine. But let's say you want a machine that will operate and run with you for the long term, you can choose to get it refurbished. A "remanufactured" machine means that its basically re-built to look and feel just like brand new - from the mechanical parts to even the powder coating on the outside. But depending on the type of dealer, the quality of work can vary greatly.
2. Familiarize yourself with the different types of machines, features, and brands available
Knowing all of the different types of exercise equipment available out there will definitely help you decide whats best for you. Here's a list of the main types of machines that you should know: treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes (upright, recumbent), and strength equipment (freeweight, plate-loaded, selectorized).
What about some of the important features on a machine? What are they and why should I know or care about them? Good question. There's a variety of standard features in cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes are will help you - such as Heart Rate Monitoring, multiple levels of resistance for more choices in your level of intensity, incline/decline capability, and so forth. This is also important when you just happen to be testing out an as-is machine, check to see if the basic features are working and functional. Find out what some of the most popular fitness brands are so that you can get quality, name-backed equipment.
3. Have a set budget in mind and what needs you require in a machine
If you're just starting out and looking for some advice and guidance, it definitely helps to have a clear set budget in mind and what you're looking for in a machine. This helps the selection process greatly by narrowing yourself down to specific machines and models that will not only fit your budget, but also your needs. For instance, here at Fitness Equipment Professionals, we'll work with you personally and directly to help you get a machine that's just right for you. When you do business with us, our representatives ensure that you'll get a fitness machine that meets or is below your budget, and is able to perform all of the things that you need it to do. That's the FEP promise.
4. Buying used equipment will save you lots of time and money
We know buying anything "used" comes with a bit of skepticism, but we're here to debunk it, at least for gym equipment anyway. To buy any piece of fitness equipment brand new is very, very, very expensive and can run anywhere into the thousands at the bare minimum. One of the main benefits of buying gym equipment used is the huge financial savings. Even if you did decide to refurbish a machine, the end cost on your end would still be far from what you would have paid if you bought it brand new. With money a little tighter than ever before, we want you to be get the most out of every dollar.
5. Ensure that the equipment dealer is highly trustworthy and reputable
With so many different people and companies selling used gym equipment, how do you go about choosing one to partner with? How do you know what you're being told is what you're gonna get? How do you prevent yourself from spending a lot of hard earned money for a machine that is "supposed" to last for a pretty long time? Take a few extra steps of precaution to make sure that the organization or individual you're dealing with is legitimate. Whether it's how to sell used gym equipment asking for real-time photos or videos, your intuitive feeling when first contacting with the business, or their business practices - these are all things that you should carefully consider.
Now that you're officially fitness equipment knowledgeable, you can now go confidently research, discuss, and negotiate your first fitness equipment purchase!