How to Buy Used Fitness Equipment

Buying fitness equipment that is used can be an ideal way to save money; however, it is important to ensure your purchase is worth the investment. Used fitness equipment is often sold by individuals who no longer exercise with the equipment or lack room in their home for the equipment. In some cases, used fitness equipment is sold by dealers who have purchased the equipment from gyms and fitness centers that have either closed or have decided to upgraded their equipment. Regardless of the original source, there are steps you can take to make sure the used fitness equipment you purchase works properly and can be used for years to come.

Steps

1. 1
   Search for sellers of used fitness equipment. You can buy used fitness equipment from individuals or consumers in your local area, from local dealers that sell fitness equipment, and from sellers on the Internet.

   • Review the classified sections of your local newspapers or visit classified ad websites such as Craigslist or eBay Classifieds to find individuals in your area who are selling their fitness equipment.
   • Obtain fitness trade magazines from a public library or newsstand to locate ads for fitness suppliers and dealers who are selling mass quantities of used fitness equipment.
   • Perform a keyword search on the Internet for "used fitness equipment" to review and access various websites of dealers and companies who specialize in selling used fitness equipment.
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2. 2
   Verify that the seller offers a product warranty. In most cases, when you buy used fitness equipment from a business or a dealer, they will provide with a warranty that lasts between 90 days and 1 year.

   • If you are buying your fitness equipment from a website, review the return and warranty policies before finalizing your purchase.
   • If you are buying the equipment from an individual or any other source, call the manufacturer directly to determine if the original product warranty is still valid.
3. 3
   Ask the seller about their reason for selling the used fitness equipment. This will help you determine if the equipment is defective and requires repairs or if the seller no longer uses the equipment.

   • Find out specifically if the unit is simply "used," refurbished, a demo model, or a floor model. This information can help you determine how often the equipment was used or whether it ever had technical problems.
4. 4
   Inspect and test the used fitness equipment if you are buying it in person.

   • Look for broken or loose parts, or rust and corrosion that may exist on the frame. If the equipment shows visible signs of wear such as these and does not come with a warranty, you may not want to buy the equipment.
   • Test the equipment to verify that it works properly and feels stable. For example, if you are purchasing a used treadmill, try every speed and feature on the treadmill to verify that all features work efficiently.