New vs. Used Equipment
New equipment will always be better than used, but sometimes you can find incredibly great deals! A year old commercially used treadmill that a fitness center decided to replace to make room for newer models, may last decades to come; some used equipment may need repair on a few sections or less, and may not necessarily cost a great deal to fix, especially if you purchase an extended warranty, and understand the monthly, quarterly, or even annual maintenance steps needed for the equipment to last longer. The sales prices of these models are sometimes found at less than a fraction of the cost. So do the research or/and ask us for advise.
If you are considering a model that is not commercial grade, look up the reviews, of that specific model; I worry about fitness equipment that is not commercial grade because of how easily working parts can breakdown and if the company is out of business or sold to another firm, you may have issues getting any technical support.
Another concern to keep in mind is the “price” of the equipment, be it used or new; good deals are great if the equipment can provide you with the peace of mind that when you want to use it, nothing goes wrong or when when there is in fact an issue, tech support is easily accessible. Cheap or inexpensive equipment comes with drastic consequences and learning experiences; so take your time, study some background and also check with the consumer product safety commission agency to ensure that the item you’re considering has a credible reputation.
We do not endorse any brands or models because everyone has different preferences; in other words, what one may like, someone else may find unpleasant. However, when choosing fitness equipment be it new or used, please try them prior purchasing, if possible.
Also, take a look at the “Strength Equipment” and “Identifying the right cardio equipment” sections which will provide insight on the different types of equipment; the knowledge in these modules may assist you with making decisions.