The Cost Differences Between New and Used Gym Equipment
When you’re looking to set up a gym—or maybe just upgrade the one you already run—equipment is likely your biggest expense. But here's the real question most people get stuck on: should you go for brand-new gear, or opt for used equipment to save a few bucks? On the surface, it sounds like a simple financial decision. But when you dig in, it’s more layered than just “new vs. used.” Let’s break it down. 1. The Sticker Price: New vs. Used This is the part that gets most people’s attention first—the cost. Buying new commercial gym equipment can be staggeringly expensive. A single high-end treadmill can run you upwards of $5,000. Add in ellipticals, strength machines, racks, benches, and dumbbells, and you're looking at tens (maybe hundreds) of thousands of dollars for a full setup. Used equipment, by comparison, is often sold for 40% to 70% less than retail. That’s a massive cut. The catch? You need to know why it’s being sold. Not all second-hand machines are equal. And ...