Finding and Buying Second-hand fitness equipment- A Simple Guide

A large number of factors need to be considered when purchasing new or second-hand fitness equipment including cost, versatility, size and storage.

If you are taking your initial steps towards health and fitness and are worried about working out in front of strangers or if you simply don't know if you'll find the time in your fast paced timetable to make it to the health club, then searching for used home fitness equipment is an fantastic strategy.

Not only can "used" home fitness equipment be acquired at drastically cheaper prices than you would pay for it in a sports store, but the ease of having it, ready for use at just about any time of day or perhaps night, might just be the incentive needed for you to follow through on your good intentions and to achieve your fitness goals.

However, a word of warning before you rush to make your purchase. Make certain when acquiring second-hand fitness equipment, that you are not buying somebody else's problem. There could be a reason why it is such a bargain, therefore:

1. Do your research first and come to a decision about which type of used fitness equipment you want to assist you in your goals. There are numerous web sites out there either published by suppliers or enthusiasts that have fantastic reviews of new equipment. Many include feedback on the item's robustness, reliability and the available features. Generally of thumb the more recognized brands tend to survive longest with the least routine maintenance problems as they have a reputation to retain.

2. When you have decided, familiarise yourself with the specific niche you are researching such as used elliptical trainers, used treadmills or used step machines and filter it down to one or two models which sound the the best option for your circumstances. After that, look to see what is out there in the second-hand market and start to compare prices.

3. Don't be frightened to ask if it the owner is aware of any maintenance issues and the reason why they do not require it any longer.Have they moved to a better model with more functions?

4. When browsing the internet remember too that there are a huge difference between equipment labelled 'reconditioned', 're manufactured' and just 'second-hand'. Those in the reconditioned catagory have been repaired so they operate OK and have simply no broken bits, where as the re manufactured catagory have been stripped as a result of it's separate components before being cleaned, repaired and reassembled. Both should come with some form of guarantee.

The second-hand fitness equipment is simply as it says, used fitness equipment and most likely sold as seen with no maintenance history or warranty. Remember also, in which even 'in date' warranties are often non transferrable to a new owner so buyer beware!

In my experience, it's advisable to start out with an established company who will offer sound, impartial assistance and a decent warranty. There are organizations like this who specialise in supplying reconditioned equipment of a professional gym standard but with significantly smaller price tag than buying new.

We have more specific information on how to buy a second-hand elliptical trainer in my article "Insider Secrets for Buying Second-Hand Elliptical Trainers"