Don't Get Ripped off: 5 Tips for Buying Second Hand Gym Equipment

Are you interested in building your own at-home gym on a budget? Does your gym, hotel, or apartment complex need to replace a few pieces of equipment that are broken? If so, then you need to look into buying some second-hand gym equipment.

Doing so can help give you the best brands and tools at a reasonable price. No need to spend money on brand-new equipment that will depreciate. Invest in used gym gear that will hold its value if you were to resell it one day.

See below for several tips that you should keep in mind whenever you purchase second-hand gym equipment for your needs.

1. Consider Your Current Setup

There's a huge difference between "need" and "want". For example, you may want a push sled, but you first need a squat rack. You may want a peloton, but first, you need a treadmill. 

Before you start purchasing second-hand gym equipment online, you need to assess your current setup. What do you currently have? If the answer is "nothing" because you're just getting started, then the answers will be much easier.

Next, think through how you currently workout. For example, if you're big into weight lifting, then a healthy regimen is to separate days between legs, chest and triceps, back and biceps, and shoulders.

Do you currently have the proper equipment to dedicate a full day's workout to each segment? If not, then what are you missing?

Keep in mind that a squat rack should be the centerpiece of any at-home gym. If you don't currently have one, that's where you need to start.

2. Find a Reputable Second-Hand Seller

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a public service announcement: sites like eBay and Craigslist are not the ideal places to purchase your second-hand gym gear. It's as the old saying goes: "you get what you pay for".

Before you shop, make sure that you've found a reputable company and brand to purchase from. You shouldn't have to sacrifice quality just because you're purchasing used equipment, that's not how this works.

Think of it like buying a car. If you're shopping for a used car that you can run into the ground for years to come, you're going to shop at a dealership. Better yet, you're going to look at their certified pre-owned section to ensure top quality.

You should have the same thought process with the gym equipment you buy. Look for a seller that is genuinely interested in giving you a high ROI, not just a site that's looking to make a quick buck.

No matter what your preferred training style is, find a site that offers everything that you could need. That way, you aren't selling your workouts short due to a lack of nice equipment.

3. Find a Good Warranty

This is another reason why purchasing from a reputable second-hand seller is so important. If they're truly interested in giving you great equipment, then they will offer you a warranty on the products that you purchase.

Before you purchase even one dumbbell from them, make sure that you understand the terms of their warranty. How long does it last? What's the return policy? Will the money be used as site credit or returned as cash to your card?

If the site doesn't seem to have a warranty, then cross them off your list. Them not having one is a sign that they don't trust their own judgment.

To avoid ever having to use the warranty, make sure to perform some research on the brand. How well does the equipment hold up? Do people enjoy using it for their at-home gym? It's important to ask these kinds of questions.

4. Consider Your Goals

The gym equipment that you purchase should have a direct correlation to your fitness and health goals.

For example, if your top priority is to lose fat (and add a bit of muscle), then you'll want to prioritize purchasing cardio equipment too. As mentioned earlier, you'll also need a squat rack, one of the best fat-burning exercises that there is.

If you're primarily interested in adding muscle then you will want to invest in a significant amount of freestyle weights. 

Most at-home gyms are strapped for space, so consider purchasing a squat rack that converts to a bench press and has a pull-up bar on it (if you're interested). Make sure to stack up on some dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance ropes as well.

5. Look Up Prices

Some second-hand sites of lesser quality will try to trick you. They'll claim they're giving you a discount when, in reality, they're charging you close to full-price.

Once you see an item you might be interested in purchasing, be sure to research what price that item usually runs for when brand-new. 

Also, consider what kind of shape the item is in. If it's in pristine condition, then you should expect to pay a higher dollar to obtain it. If it has a few scratches and dings, then you can decide whether it's still worth the investment or not.

Purchase from the Best Second-Hand Gym Equipment Site in the Business

Now that you've seen several tips for purchasing second-hand gym equipment for you to achieve your fitness goals, it's time to find the right company to purchase from.

Be sure to read this article to obtain more information on the deals that you can only find at a used fitness equipment store.

For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further.