Equipment for Your Gym: A Guide to Buying Refurbished Gym Equipment
When you're opening or expanding a gym, the last thing you want to do is spend a fortune on brand-new equipment.
Buying everything new can break your budget, and it could also lead to dysfunctional gear if you don't choose a quality brand name, leaving you with an empty wallet.
That's why refurbished gym equipment is such a great alternative option. Buying used is a great way to get the gear you need without spending a fortune. But there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind.
This blog post will go over everything you need to know about how to buy refurbished gym equipment for your business. We'll cover the different types of equipment available, what to look for when purchasing, and how to get the best deals. So keep reading to learn more!
Take Inventory of Your Space, Budget, & Needs
Before you start shopping for refurbished gym equipment, it's important to take inventory of your space, budget, and needs. This will help you narrow down your search and find the perfect pieces for your gym's needs.
Think about how much space you have to work with and what kind of equipment would fit well in that space. If you have a small space, you'll want to focus on compact or multi-purpose equipment.
It would help if you also considered how much money you're willing to spend on each piece of equipment. Keep in mind that refurbished gym equipment is cheaper than buying new, so you may be able to get a lot more out of your investment.
Think about what kinds of workouts you want to offer at your gym. This will help you determine which pieces of equipment are essential for the type of gym you want.
For example, if you're mainly focused on strength training, you'll want weight machines, power racks, and free weights. But if you want to offer cardio classes, you'll need treadmills, ellipticals, or stationary bikes.
You can also offer your clients a little of everything. Many gyms cater to a wide variety of clientele.
Decide What Type Of Equipment You Need
There are four main categories of refurbished gym equipment: cardiovascular, strength training, functional training, and mind & body.
Cardiovascular Equipment
Cardiovascular equipment is any equipment that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat. Cardio equipment is used for aerobic exercise, which is great for improving heart health and losing weight.
The most popular types of cardio equipment are:
- Treadmills
- Ellipticals
- Rowing machines
- Stair climbers
- Stationary bikes
- Boxing gear
If you're looking to offer cardio classes at your gym or want to give your members a great workout, cardiovascular equipment is a must-have.
Strength Training Equipment
Strength training equipment is any equipment that helps you build muscle and get stronger. Powerlifting and circuit training can also fall under this category.
The most popular types of strength equipment are:
- Weight machines
- Weight benches
- Cable machines
- Power racks
- Smith machines
- Free weights
- Dumbbells
- Barbells
- Hex Bars
- Gym chalk
- Resistance bands
- Medicine balls
- Gym flooring and mats
If you're focused on strength training or want to offer personal training services, strength training equipment is a great option for overall health.
Functional Training Equipment
Functional training equipment is any equipment that helps you train for real-life activities. It's also used in therapy and rehabilitation for correcting injuries.
The most popular types of functional equipment are:
- Balance boards
- Bosu balls
- Stability balls
- Foam rollers
- Battle ropes
- Plyometric boxes
If you're looking to offer injury prevention or rehabilitation services, functional training equipment is a great option for your clients.
Mind & Body Equipment
Mind & body equipment is any equipment that helps you with your mental and physical wellbeing. This type of equipment is often niche-centered.
The most popular types of mind and body equipment are:
- Yoga mats
- Pilates reformers
- Massage chairs
- Saunas
- Tanning beds
- Pools
If you're looking to offer mind-body classes or provide a relaxing space for your members, mind & body equipment is an excellent option.
What to Look for When Purchasing Refurbished Gym Equipment
There are a few things you should keep in mind when purchasing refurbished gym equipment. Let's go over the most critical factors to consider.
Research and Choose Quality Brands
The first thing you should do is research and choose quality brands. Not all brands are created equal, so it's essential to find brands you can trust. Look for brands that have a good reputation and offer a warranty on their products.
The best gym equipment brands in the industry include:
- Life Fitness
- Hammer
- Precor
- Cybex
- Nautilus
- SportGear
- Technogym
- Matrix
- Star Trac
- Woodway
Inspect the Equipment Carefully
Once you've found a few reputable brands, it's time to inspect the equipment. Make sure to look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, rust, or missing parts. If you're shopping online, make sure that the seller offers a complete report of the equipment and plenty of photos for you to inspect.
Even if the equipment appears to be in good condition, it's essential to check for excessive wear and tear. This can include things like cracks, rust, or missing parts. If you're not sure about something, ask the seller for more information!
Check Safety Features
When you're looking at refurbished gym equipment, it's important to check the safety features. This includes things like emergency shut-off switches and safety bars. You also need to make sure that the equipment meets all safety standards.
Dysfunctional equipment is a hazard to your clients and your staff. And the last thing you want is someone getting hurt in your new gym.
Check the Warranty
Before you purchase refurbished gym equipment, make sure to check the warranty. This will help you know what to expect if something goes wrong with the equipment.
Some companies offer a warranty on their products, while others do not. So it's important to find out before you make your purchase. A warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that you're covered if something goes wrong.
Ask Questions About the Equipment
It's important to ask the seller questions about the equipment you want to buy. And don't hold back. Ask them anything that comes to your mind.
Treat this like you're shopping for a used car---you want to know about the mileage, accident reports, how old the product is, and potential hazards. This is a big investment after all.
They should be able to tell you everything you need to know about the equipment, including:
- History
- Condition
- Previous owners
- Maintenance records
- Tests and inspections
- Safety concerns
- Warranties
Test Out the Equipment In-Person (Optional)
When shopping for refurbished gym equipment, it's important to test it out before purchasing. But this is an optional step because this isn't always possible.
Sometimes you won't be able to test out the equipment if you're buying online, so it's essential to do your research and ask detailed questions about the product.
Testing the equipment yourself will help you make sure that the equipment is in good working condition and that there are no hidden damages.
Where to Buy Used Gym Equipment
There are many different places you can buy used gym equipment.
You can purchase equipment from a variety of vendors like:
- Online retailers
- Specialty stores
- Private sellers
When you're shopping for used gym equipment, it's also important to compare prices and options before making your purchase. This will help you get the best possible deal on the equipment. Take your time and gather a few reputable companies that catch your eye.
Final Checklist for Buying Refurbished Gym Equipment
To wrap up, here's a quick checklist of things to keep in mind when you're shopping for second-hand gym equipment:
- Figure out the type of gym you want to run
- Research and choose quality brands
- Inspect the equipment carefully
- Ask questions about the equipment
- Check for excessive wear
- Check safety features
- Check the warranty
- Test out equipment (optional)
- Compare prices
Shop With Us For The Best Used Gym Equipment
Now that you know what to look for when purchasing refurbished gym equipment, you're ready to start setting up your dream gym!
If you have any questions or need help finding quality brands, feel free to contact us today. We'd be more than happy to assist you in setting up your gym.
With over 20 years in the industry, we’re confident that we can help you achieve your equipment goals safely and effectively.
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