Exercise equipment is very expensive and even if you appreciate that using it is an investment in health and longevity, it still can be very difficult to fit it into a home budget.  But used home exercise equipment might be a way to go.  Since most equipment last for literally decades and even with constant use will probably still have a lot of life left in them regardless of the age.  But where to find some good used exercise equipment and what should you look for before purchasing?

Before you start your search for used exercise equipment you should decide on the type of equipment you think would be of the best benefit to you.  Take a trip to your local home fitness center and check out the types of equipment available.  While looking at the equipment be sure to inspect the exercise equipment for quality of workmanship and if you are looking at gym equipment in a gymnasium you should look for the normal wear and tare.  This information will become vital when considering used exercise equipment.

Obviously most people would turn to eBay when looking for used home exercise equipment, but keep in mind that there is usually a large shipping cost for this type of equipment if you purchase it from someone outside of your immediate area.  However eBay does allow you to narrow your search to a specific range of miles around your home so that you can pick up something.  It's recommended that for something as expensive as home exercise equipment you'll want to arrange with the seller to inspect the pieces beforehand or pay in cash in person after winning the auction, if the piece is as advertised.  It's never a good idea to just pay for something this expensive without having inspected it first.  Craig's List online is also a good place to shop for used exercise equipment and some prefer it since it isn't worked around an auction but is more like a huge garage sale instead.

You may have flea markets nearby that sell exercise equipment.  Goodwill, Purple Heart, the Kidney Foundation, and even the Salvation Army often sell good equipment from their donors.  You can easily find them online or in the phone book.

It's important to inspect and try out the used home exercise equipment you find anywhere before you buy it.  When it comes to treadmills, look at the belt carefully.  It is curled or frayed at the ends?  When you run the machines does the belt have a tendency to drift to one side?  This signals uneven wear.  Of course belts can be replaced easily but if you plan on doing this then consider the added cost.  Try out elliptical machines and bikes.  Are the pedals securely fastened?  Do they have a tendency to wobble?  This might mean inferior quality.  As for weight machines and other pieces of used home exercise equipment, check pulleys, cords, belts, benches, and every moving piece.  Does it work effortlessly?  If not then something may be ready to break.  Make sure the cords and pulley don't look frayed and worn.

Buying used home exercise equipment rather than new can be a good idea if it means sticking to your budget, but exercise caution and be sure that you don't grab the first thing you see and that you have a chance to thoroughly inspect everything no matter what the brand name or price.