Purchasing used equipment saves money and helps you stay in shape. There are important things to consider before making a purchase. A poor equipment purchase decision can mean a costly headache down the road. If you follow a few basic rules when you buy used exercise equipment, you should end up with a good piece of equipment at a bargain price.
Step 1
Consider your budget. Buying used does save money, but some top-of-the- line equipment can still cost more than $3,000. Knowing how much you would like to spend can help you decide on the best brands for your budget.
Step 2
Decide how much space your equipment will occupy. If you live in an apartment, a large cable machine isn't a good choice. Get an idea of how much space you have to allocate for your chosen piece of equipment and plan accordingly. For example, free weights take up less space than cable equipment and offer more workout variety. A treadmill that has the ability to fold up and be stored under the bed, or in a closet, is a great option for a small home gym.
Step 3
Test your equipment before buying. If the equipment is upholstered, check for tears and make sure upholstery is firmly attached. If there are cables, check for frays and smooth handling. If the equipment is motorized, turn it on and let it run for at least 10 to 15 minutes at full speed.Some equipment motors shut off when they overheat. Take it through a trial run or go through a mini workout. Discover problems before you pay for the equipment.
Step 4
Buy from an equipment manufacturer. For larger pieces of equipment, check manufacturer websites. Some vendors maintain trade-in agreements with customers and offer gently used, top-grade equipment for a fraction of the cost. Used equipment is often refurbished to nearly new condition before resale. You can save up to 30 percent of the cost buying used. Call the manufacturers of your favorite brands to see if they have vendors in your area selling used equipment.
Step 5
Decide where you would like to purchase your equipment from. There are large major retailers such as Play It Again Sports (see Resources), that offer a wide variety of used equipment. When you visit a store, test your equipment before purchase and ask store personnel important questions. Other great places to find used equipment include Craigslist.com and Ebay.com. People often sell equipment online because they no longer have the space or didn't make use of equipment as originally planned.
Tips and Warnings
- If you visit a store, go dressed to test the equipment, Visit your store or contact your seller with a list of questions.
- If a seller doesn't allow you to test equipment before purchase, go somewhere else.
References
- "Health Fitness Management;" William Grantham, Robert Patton, Tracy York, Mitchel Winick; 1998
- SmartMoney.com: 5 Tips on Buying Exercise Equipment
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