Nothing can make the time you spend at home entertaining as working out, especially during the long stays at home that we have to endure due to being forced into lockdown. So, purchasing a new set of gym equipment might sound like the most plausible step that you should take to achieve this. However, looking at the prices of gym equipment on the market might have you second-guessing yourself. After all, paying a great portion of your savings for new gym equipment might be a bit too much. This is not your only option, though, as you’ll find a lot of health enthusiasts recommending getting used equipment. To find out which option is better, continue reading this guide.
How Much Are You Going to Use it?
Typically, you need to know if you’re going to use something before you buy it. This also applies to the gym equipment you’re about to purchase. If you just need to practice a few times to pass the time, then you might want to acquire used gym equipment. On the other hand, if you’re willing to exercise daily, you need new, durable equipment, as you’re going to be using them more frequently. What can even help you more when you decide to buy gym equipment is knowing that you’ve tried that equipment before, you’re familiar with how it works, and you’re comfortable with using them. Otherwise, you’d be better off buying the used ones because, while they can be as efficient as new equipment, they might wear over time.
Ask the Right Questions
Since purchasing gym equipment, new or used, is a big step, you should ask all the right questions before getting them. This includes asking yourself questions regarding your budget, the type of equipment you need to purchase, and how many people are going to be using this equipment along with you. Your workout program will determine what type of equipment you’re going to need, while your budget will give you an idea of whether or not you can afford to purchase new equipment. If you’re interested in making a purchase from an online retailer for gym equipment, then you should ask them questions on the state of the machine, whether or not you can try it first before you make the purchase, and how old the used machine is. No one wants to purchase equipment that exhibits signs of excessive wear, even if you’re using it only for a short amount of time.
Refurbished Equipment Might Be a Better Deal
When it comes to buying used equipment, you will find that the prices are more or less 75% cheaper. In some cases, this might not be good news, as the refurbished equipment might be excessively worn to the point that they can’t guarantee safety anymore. However, other services cater to produce high-quality refurbished equipment, so that they look as good as new. This, of course, depends on how long this equipment has been used previously, so make sure to ask your retailer about that before you make the purchase. In addition to this, these services provide a warranty on their reconditioned pieces. Most people would advise you not to make a gym equipment purchase without making sure that there is a warranty with the equipment. In some cases, this deal might sound better than buying new equipment, which can sometimes have no warranty.
Safety Features
If you’re buying new equipment, then you wouldn’t have to worry about safety features being broken. Usually, new fitness equipment will be safe when it comes to the shut-off switches and the integrity of the wires inside the machine. It wouldn’t hurt though to make a quick check on these safety features to ensure that you’re doing exercises in safe conditions. So, buying used equipment might not be your best option in this regard, as gym equipment might not be safe at all to use. If the iron dumbbells, for example, are rusting, or if wires are frayed, then you should avoid buying them. Plastic components might be cracking or showing signs of damage, which can also be a red flag. In short, make sure to check the used equipment you’re about to buy for safety.
Knowing whether to buy used equipment or new equipment should be your own decision in the end. Based on your needs, the quality you want, and your budget, you should be able to come to a decision. It should be noted that there’s not a better option here because both options can be great depending on the kind of deal that you get.