You spend a few hours a week working out at the gym but really like some fitness equipment to use at home on the days you just can’t make that drive across town or perhaps, you are just embarking on a fitness routine to lose weight and improve your health and really don’t want to visit a gym at all. In either case you are going to want to purchase some exercise equipment that will meet your needs without breaking your budget so what should you do? Do you purchase low cost but used commercial exercise equipment or something brand spanking new?
If you have done any research at all you have probably come across articles telling you how unreliable used equipment is and how even the best used equipment comes without any warranties so that if they break down the day after you buy them you are out the money and the machine. You have also probably been told or read on those new equipment websites, how buying new equipment will save you money in the long run.
However, this is not always true and there are times when purchasing second hand commercial exercise equipment may be better both for your health and your wallet. Here are just a few things to consider before turning down that used equipment for new.
The Difference Between Home Gym Equipment and Commercial Exercise Equipment
Commercial gym equipment is designed and made for use in a commercial setting. Which means this equipment has to be sturdy enough to hold up to use day after day by people of different sizes, shapes, and weights. Home gym equipment is usually designed for less strenuous use, usually for 20 minute routines two or three times a week. Also this equipment is not expected to perform under the sizes and weights and extremes that commercial equipment is, chances are that the machines are not made with the same quality parts and are far less durable.
Most warranties only cover some parts and some of the labor, so repairs still may be costly. In addition, if you are a heavier person keep in mind that most home exercise equipment are made to be used by people 250 pounds or under, therefore, if you weigh a bit more than that chances are your new equipment simply won’t hold your weight making using it impossible.
Affordability
Most people who purchase home exercise equipment cannot afford to purchase the top of the line, therefore, you will probably have to settle for a less expensive and lower quality machine than you would really like. With a commercial machine, even a used one you can more often than not get more quality for the amount of money you have to spend meaning simply that you will buying a better and longer functioning machine.
Warranties
The truth is that there are many companies who take used commercial machines restore them to almost as good as new then sell them at a discount price which often includes a limited warranty. This means that not only will you be buying a better quality machine at a lower price, but that you will also have some protection if anything goes wrong.
As you can see buying used commercial exercise equipment may in the long run prove to be the better buy both for your health and your wallet. However, like anything else you need to carefully shop to get the right machine for the right price and there are a few questions you might like to ask before purchasing any used exercise equipment. Here are a few things you will want to know.
* The age of the machine. While buying a commercial machine that is a few years old is certainly acceptable you are not looking for an antique and you want to be sure that there are parts available should your exercise machine need repairs.
* What was done to the machine when it was refurbished. You are going to want to know if the machine was thoroughly inspected and any worn belts or parts replaced or if the machine is being sold as is.
* You are also going to want to know the price, after all buying a used commercial machine only makes sense if it truly saves you money.
If the answers to these questions are to your liking go ahead buy that used commercial equipment.
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