Whether you’re setting up a home gym or looking for a specific piece of fitness equipment, buying second-hand can be a great investment for your health, without suffering the enormous cost of buying brand-new gym equipment. However, it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
That’s why our expert team have comprised a step-by-step guide to help you purchase the best used gym equipment:
1) Buy the right equipment for your goals
Understanding what exercises you enjoy or what fitness goals you want to achieve is imperative. This can help you decide whether you should invest in used gym equipment, and which items you want to purchase, as well as the amount you require, to reach your fitness goals.
Top tip: try before you buy.
Shop for used equipment that you have experience with. This could include your go to at the gym, or an item you have tested in store. In doing so, you can ensure that you are familiar with the equipment, that you will enjoy using it and will do so regularly, and that it will be suitable for your fitness goals.
Don’t just buy something because it’s a bargain.
2) Choose reputable brands
Like any second-hand purchase, buying a trusted brand will ensure a higher quality product. Although this is a more expensive option for purchasing used gym equipment, it can help you save money in the long run, as it is less likely to break or need replacing.
In addition, you should consider buying a newer model, as older models will have dated features, so always check to see that these will suit your fitness training regime. An older model is also less likely to withstand the test of time.
It is important to do your research – check reviews to find out which brand, features and fitness equipment is rated by consumers, and don’t make any impulsive purchases.
However, if you want to ensure you’re buying a reliable product then check out the refurbished used gym equipment we have available, from a number of reputable brands such as Hammer Strength, Star Trac, Technogym, Precor, Concept 2 and Life Fitnessto name a few. These all have Treadmills, Cross Trainers, Spin Bikes, Dumbbells and Plate Weights under the umbrella.
3) Test and inspect
It is important to check the used gym equipment for any damage or excessive wear. This includes testing the item to ensure that it is in full working order, and that its safety features are working correctly.
To identify whether the item has excessive wear and tear, consider:
- Are any rubber or plastic parts of the item showing signs of cracking or damage?
- Is there any rust showing (e.g. on iron dumbbells)?
- Do all features work correctly (e.g. stationary bikes should pedal smoothly and stop easily)?
If any parts do need replacing or cleaning, check that the parts can still be purchased before buying, and at a reasonable price.
If there are any issues, do not purchase the item.
We also recommend looking at official suppliers of refurbished used gym equipment, such as Parkway Fitness. We specialise in refurbishing used equipment – all of the products we sell are in good working order, barely used and are a reputable brand, with most of our used gear being received from top clubs across the UK.
4) Check the warranty
In most cases, warranty is not transferrable. However, check to see if the seller offers buyer protection, such as a warranty or money back guarantee with the purchase.
It may also be worth contacting the manufacturer, especially if you are buying second-hand gym equipment that is high-end. You can ask them about the product, whether they offer any service or support to a second-hand buyer and enquire about purchasing an extended warranty plan.
5) Consider the price
To ensure that you don’t overpay for your used gym equipment, check the retail price for buying the equipment new. Also, by shopping around, you can gage the average resell price for the item, and compare, to ensure you are paying a fair price.
6) Purchase from a verified buyer
To avoid scams, always purchase from a verified buyer.
Ask the seller questions, such as: what are the reasons for selling?
Be aware: if you have a bad feeling or if you’re not getting direct answers, with inconsistencies between the product and the seller’s story, it is best to avoid.
Parkway Fitness
If you’re looking to purchase gym equipment, take a look at the wide range of used gym equipment and brand-new cardio and strength gym equipment we have on offer.
For more information about our products, don’t hesitate to call us on 01527 529 191 or follow us on social media:
Facebook: Parkway Fitness Ltd
Twitter: @ParkwayFitness
Instagram: @ParkwayFitnessUK