Used Crosstrainers: What You Need To Know

With so many benefits to exercise, making an investment in fitness equipment is a smart move. Plus you can avoid the hassles, restrictions, and hidden fees of joining a gym.

If buying new gym equipment for your home stretches your budget too far, consider going with a used machine. Used crosstrainers offer a complete workout, and with a used machine you'll be able to get quality on a budget.

Keep reading to find out what you should know when buying a refurbished crosstrainer!

Know the Going Market Price

The real advantage to choosing used gym equipment is that you can save a substantial amount of money. With that said, it's important to be aware of the going market prices for new machines so you know if it's priced fairly.

For mid-range machines that are new, you could expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000. When buying a used machine with light wear, you should be paying less than 65% of the original cost. This means big savings!

Make sure to buy from a reputable vendor so you're able to ask questions about the equipment, inspect it up close, and even try it out. If you're interested in, try negotiating the price to see if you can knock off some dollars.

Understand the Types of Crosstrainers

Not all crosstrainers operate the same way. They all get your heart rate up and work out your arms and legs, but the placement of the drive — the controls and flywheel that make the machine go — can vary. 

Crosstrainers can be rear-drive, front-drive, or center-drive. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages.

Many crosstrainer devotees say that having a heavy flywheel in the back (or rear-drive) is ideal. It means you'll have a more comfortable ride and the machine should last longer. The downside is that these machines tend to be more expensive.

Front-drive crosstrainers can give you a more intense incline (if building up your quads is your main goal!), and they tend to be cheaper. Center-drive ellipticals fall in the middle, offering a compromise.

Decide What Features Are Important To You

While you probably won't get every bell and whistle on your checklist, you can still get a lot of them on a used crosstrainer. Go into the buying process with flexibility and be patient. The perfect machine might hit the market in a little while!

Do you need a monitor where you can watch television shows? Do you need a lot of built-in programs or a heart rate tracker? Is there a place to stash your phone?

Rank your preferred features so that you can check for the most essential features quickly. If you're looking at a quality machine that is on sale, it could sell quickly so it's important to be decisive. 

Try It Before You Buy It

If possible, test out the different types of machines in contention. You'll be able to gauge the fluidity of the motion. Since you're hoping to spend at least 20 minutes on this machine several times of the week, it's important to have a fluid glide so you want to use the machine again and again.

You also want to check the length of stride to make sure it feels natural. The better the machine, the longer and more natural the stride. If the machine feels awkward even after a few minutes, it might not feel any better in the long run.

Testing machines isn't always possible if you live far from a store or have your sights set on a particular model. If possible, ask a vendor to send a video or description of the machine to you — or ask a friend to test one on your behalf.

Ask To See Pictures of Used Crosstrainers

If ordering a machine online, ask to see pictures of it. You want to see detail shots that show the extent of wear and tear on the crosstrainer. And if anything looks suspicious, ask about it.

There shouldn't be obvious signs of rust or large cracks on the equipment. It's worth asking if the machine is still under warranty, too, because this can make finding replacement parts much easier.

To go one step further, you can ask to see a video and even a demonstration of the machine in use. Listen for noises and watch closely to make sure the movement looks fluid.

Are Delivery and Assembly Included?

Fitness machines are heavy, with some crosstrainers weighing around 100-150 pounds. When you're ready to purchase one, make sure that you check to see what delivery and assembly options are included first. Is shipping or delivery included in the price?

You don't want to be stuck with a bunch of heavy, disassembled parts in your driveway. You also don't want to be stuck with a fully-assembled crosstrainer if you have no help to move it.

Track the delivery of your machine so you can contact your strongest friends in advance and get some help with the heavy lifting!

Know Where You'll Put the Machine

Before you go to the trouble and expense of purchasing any gym equipment, you need to know where it will go. If you're in a modest space, this can be tricky — but it's not impossible.

Front-drive crosstrainers have a smaller footprint, so you can expect these to be the best choice for small spaces. If you go for the rear-drive version, do some measuring to make sure you can accommodate it!

The Bottom Line

Used crosstrainers make a lot of sense in today's busy world. You can exercise from the comfort of your own home, whenever you want. You'll hit your fitness goals in no time!

With the average American handing over $1,8600 annually for fitness and health needs, make sure you're committed to using the equipment you buy — and then get moving. When you're ready to invest in fitness equipment for your home, contact us and we'll be happy to help!