Home gym (Getty Image)
Many people are finding ways to set up a home gym to stay in shape and maybe even stay within their newly resolved budget. But the equipment can be costly in some cases.
BBB has some tips on what to know when considering gym equipment and staying within budget:
How to choose and purchase home gym equipment:
- Consider your physical needs. Start with your fitness needs and goals. Any equipment you buy should match your objectives and interests; otherwise, you may not use the equipment after the initial excitement wears off. If you have any existing health conditions, such as heart disease, arthritis, or a back injury, check with your doctor about what kind of exercises and equipment are safe to use. Review the appropriate exercises and strength resistance as well to avoid further injury.
- Check for safety features. For larger or complex equipment, like treadmills or weight systems, verify that it includes adequate safety features, such as emergency stop buttons or locking mechanisms. This is especially important if children or pets are in the home.
- Set a budget. With such a wide variety of home gym equipment on the market, it is relatively easy to set up an effective home gym on just about any budget. Review your budget to see how much you can afford to spend on home gym equipment and compare it to the money you would save if you terminated an existing gym membership. The National Academy of Sports Medicine and Consumer Reports have useful guides to help you choose the right equipment for your specific budget.
- Measure your space. Another consideration that will affect your purchasing decision is how much space you have to dedicate to your home gym. Measure the workout space carefully to see if specific pieces of equipment will fit. More importantly, measure any entryways the equipment must fit through to reach your home gym space as well.
- Consider versatile and multi-functional equipment. Look for equipment that offers multiple functions or can be adjusted for different exercises, such as resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, or all-in-one systems. These can save space and add variety to workouts.
- Explore apps or subscription services that may be included. Some equipment, like stationary bikes or treadmills, may come with access to virtual workouts or companion apps. Check if these are included or require an additional subscription.
- Read consumer reviews. Once you’ve found a piece of equipment that matches your fitness objectives, is within your budget, and physically fits in your designated space, it’s time to start reading reviews. Read multiple reviews from several retailers and pay close attention to any comments about the quality of the equipment and the experience with the retailer. Reference these comments when making a final purchasing decision.
- Beware of “get fit quick” solutions. Don’t give in to the temptation to buy equipment that promises miraculous results. Maintaining physical health is a long-term endeavor that will require effort. If a seller says their equipment will get you in shape with little to no effort, a healthy dose of skepticism is advised.
- If possible, test equipment before you buy. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends wearing exercise clothes and athletic shoes to try out exercise equipment before you buy it. Many brick-and-mortar stores have display equipment you can try before you make a purchase. Make sure you can operate and feel comfortable using any equipment you plan on adding to your home gym.
- Compare prices. Since exercise equipment is often sold by multiple retailers, compare prices between sporting goods stores and manufacturers. You may be able to find the same product for a lower price at a different store. You can also consider purchasing used equipment, but proceed with caution. Most second-hand equipment is purchased “as-is,” and sales are often final with no option to return.
- Understand delivery options. When purchasing large home gym equipment like treadmills or weight machines, find out how you will get the equipment from the store to your home. Read carefully or talk directly to a sales representative to find out how much shipping costs, what delivery fees you can expect to pay, and whether or not the delivery person will set up the equipment for you.
- Inquire about fitness equipment returns, refund policies, and warranties. New home gym equipment usually comes with a guarantee or warranty program, but some retailers may have altered these due to the pandemic. Retailers may now have special restrictions for deliveries and returns so before placing an order, find out if a retailer has a return policy, if refunds are available and how they are issued, what the return process is, who pays for return shipping, how much it costs for heavy gym equipment, and if you will be charged a restocking fee.
- Inspect equipment before purchasing or upon delivery. Before you take equipment home, make sure it is in perfect condition with no defects. The same goes for receiving a delivery. If you notice the equipment is missing pieces or damage, you aren’t obligated to accept it.
- Understand in-store financing before you agree to it. If a store offers you in-house financing for larger equipment purchases, read the financing plan carefully. Find out how long the financing lasts, how much interest you will pay, and whether there is a fee to pay the balance in full early. If a retailer offers you a rent-to-own plan, read the FTC's advice on renting to own.
For more information
See the article BBB Tip: Smart online shopping if you plan to purchase gym equipment online. If you prefer to find a gym to work out in lieu of setting up a home gym, see the BBB Tip: Joining a gym.
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