As an accountant who often finds myself burning the midnight oil, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The long hours at the office and the constant juggling of deadlines leave little time for hitting the gym. But I’ve learned that just because I can’t make it to a fitness center doesn’t mean I have to sacrifice my health and well-being.
That’s why I’ve become a big advocate for home workouts. With the right equipment, you can transform any corner of your living space into a personal fitness sanctuary. But here’s the catch – finding quality fitness gear without the hassle of hopping from store to store can be a workout in itself.
Luckily, we live in the age of online shopping, where everything from dumbbells to treadmills is just a click away. To help fellow busy professionals like myself, I’ve done the legwork and compiled a list of the 9 best fitness equipment online stores. These retailers offer a wide range of options to suit various fitness goals, space constraints, and budgets.
1. American Barbell (americanbarbell.com)
American Barbell is a USA-based global manufacturer of fitness equipment that has been in business since 1978. With over 45 years of experience, they have established themselves as innovators in the fitness industry, creating notable advancements and industry firsts. The company specializes in commercial-grade strength and conditioning equipment, catering to commercial gyms, colleges, government facilities, and home gyms.
Pros
- Extensive experience: With 45 years in the industry, American Barbell has a proven track record of quality and innovation.
- Commercial-grade equipment: Their products are designed to withstand heavy use in professional settings, ensuring durability for home users as well.
- Custom solutions: American Barbell offers customization options, including custom installations and branded weights.
- Diverse product range: They offer a wide variety of equipment, including barbells, kettlebells, bands, and strength training machines.
- Reputable partnerships: The company has collaborated with high-profile organizations like the NFL and the US Military, demonstrating their credibility.
Cons
- Higher price point: Commercial-grade equipment typically comes with a higher price tag, which may not be suitable for all budgets.
- Focus on strength training: While they excel in strength equipment, their selection of cardio machines may be limited compared to other retailers.
- Less tech integration: Unlike some competitors, American Barbell doesn’t emphasize smart features or app connectivity in their equipment.
2. Muscle Wellness Market
Muscle Wellness Market is an online store that specializes in selling a variety of fitness gear and wellness products. Their goal is to provide customers with products that can help them exercise more effectively and achieve their fitness goals. The store appears to cater to individuals interested in muscle building, fitness, and overall wellness.
Pros
- Diverse product range: Muscle Wellness Market offers various kinds of products for fitness and wellness, potentially providing a one-stop shop for customers.
- Focus on effectiveness: The store aims to provide products that help people exercise more effectively, suggesting a commitment to quality and results-oriented items.
- Wellness-oriented: By combining fitness gear with wellness products, the store caters to customers interested in holistic health approaches.
- Online accessibility: As an e-commerce platform, customers can conveniently browse and purchase products from anywhere.
Cons
- Limited brand recognition: Muscle Wellness Market may not be as well-known as larger fitness retailers, which could affect customer trust.
- Potential for overwhelming choices: With a wide range of products, customers might find it challenging to navigate or make decisions without proper guidance.
- Lack of physical stores: As an online-only retailer, customers cannot try or see products in person before purchasing.
- Possible shipping limitations: Depending on their logistics setup, there might be restrictions on shipping locations or additional costs for delivery.
3. NordicTrack (nordictrack.com)
NordicTrack is a well-known fitness equipment manufacturer that focuses on home exercise machines. They offer a range of cardio equipment including treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, and rowers. NordicTrack is particularly known for its integration with iFIT, an interactive fitness platform that provides trainer-led workouts and virtual experiences.
Pros
- Smart technology integration: NordicTrack machines feature iFIT compatibility, allowing for interactive workouts and automatic resistance/incline adjustments.
- Diverse cardio equipment: They offer a wide range of cardio machines to suit different preferences and fitness goals.
- Financing options: NordicTrack provides various financing plans, making their equipment more accessible to a broader range of customers.
- Regular promotions: The company frequently offers deals and discounts, such as extra savings with iFIT membership purchases.
- Progressive workout programs: Through iFIT, users can access structured training programs to help them achieve their fitness goals more effectively.
Cons
- Subscription-dependent features: Many of the advanced features require an iFIT membership, which is an additional ongoing cost.
- Limited strength training options: While they excel in cardio equipment, their strength training selection is not as extensive as specialized strength equipment retailers.
- Potential for technical issues: The reliance on technology and internet connectivity for full functionality may lead to frustrations if technical problems occur.
4. Bowflex (bowflex.com)
Bowflex is a well-known fitness equipment manufacturer that specializes in home exercise machines. They offer a wide range of products including home gyms, cardio equipment, and strength training accessories. Bowflex is particularly recognized for their innovative designs, such as their Power Rod resistance system and the VeloCore bike that leans during workouts.
Pros
- Innovative products: Bowflex is known for unique designs like the LateralX LX5, which offers adjustable lateral range for customized workouts.
- Diverse product range: They offer a comprehensive lineup of indoor cycling bikes, Max Trainers, home gyms, treadmills, and adjustable dumbbells.
- Space-efficient options: Many Bowflex products, like the PR3000 Home Gym, are designed to be compact and space-saving.
- Free shipping: Bowflex often provides free shipping on select products, making large equipment purchases more affordable.
- Warranty coverage: Their products come with varying warranty periods, some offering up to 10 years of coverage on certain parts.
Cons
- Higher price point: Bowflex equipment tends to be on the more expensive side, with some home gyms costing up to $2,999.
- Mixed user experiences: Some users report that Bowflex home gyms may not be ideal for serious weightlifting, describing them as more suitable for cardio-focused workouts.
- Subscription-based features: Some Bowflex machines, like the VeloCore bike, may require subscriptions for full functionality.
5. Fitness Factory Outlet (fitnessfactoryoutlet.com)
Fitness Factory Outlet is an online retailer that offers a wide range of fitness equipment from various brands. They specialize in providing both new and refurbished gym equipment at discounted prices, catering to home users and commercial gym owners alike.
Pros
- Competitive pricing: As an outlet store, they often offer equipment at lower prices compared to manufacturer retail prices.
- Wide brand selection: Fitness Factory Outlet carries equipment from multiple brands, giving customers more options to choose from.
- Refurbished options: They offer refurbished equipment, which can be a cost-effective alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
- Transparent customer reviews: Fitness Factory Outlet uses ResellerRatings, a third-party review platform, ensuring unbiased customer feedback.
- Commercial and residential options: They cater to both home users and commercial gym owners, offering a diverse range of equipment.
Cons
- Limited product information: As a reseller, detailed product specifications might not be as comprehensive as on manufacturer websites.
- Varying warranty coverage: Warranty terms may differ for refurbished or discounted items compared to buying directly from manufacturers.
- Potential for out-of-stock items: Being an outlet store, popular items or specific models might not always be available.
6. Pacillo’s Fitness Gear (pacillo.com)
Pacillo’s Fitness Gear is a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in the fitness, MMA, and boxing industries. Originally founded as a mail-order martial arts business, Pacillo’s has evolved to offer a wide range of home and commercial fitness equipment, as well as boxing and martial arts gear.
Pros
- Extensive experience: With over four decades in the industry, Pacillo’s has built a solid reputation and expertise.
- Comprehensive services: They offer consultations, sales, equipment repair, and setup services.
- Diverse product range: Pacillo’s carries a wide variety of fitness equipment, including exercise bikes, treadmills, home gyms, and free weight machines.
- Knowledgeable staff: Employees are well-informed and can answer customer questions without hesitation.
- Physical locations: In addition to their online store, Pacillo’s has physical locations, allowing customers to see and try equipment in person.
Cons
- Limited online presence: While they have a website, their online shopping experience may not be as robust as some larger retailers.
- Regional focus: As a family-owned business, their reach and shipping options may be more limited compared to national chains.
- Potentially higher prices: Small, specialized retailers sometimes have higher prices due to lower bulk purchasing power.
7. FringeSport (fringesport.com)
FringeSport is an online retailer that positions itself as the official supplier for the garage gym functional fitness movement. They focus on providing high-quality fitness equipment at competitive prices, with a particular emphasis on serving lifters, CrossFit enthusiasts, and individuals passionate about strength training.
Pros
- Competitive pricing: FringeSport aims to offer gear at great prices, making quality equipment more accessible.
- Fast fulfillment: The company emphasizes quick shipping and order processing.
- Excellent customer service: FringeSport is known for its industry-leading customer service.
- Specialized focus: Their product range is tailored specifically for garage gym and functional fitness enthusiasts.
- Quality products: Customers report high satisfaction with the quality of FringeSport equipment, such as their Olympic barbells.
Cons
- Limited product range: While they excel in strength and functional fitness equipment, their selection may be narrower than full-service fitness retailers.
- Online-only presence: As an e-commerce business, customers can’t try equipment before purchasing.
- Niche market: Their specialized focus on garage gyms and functional fitness may not appeal to all fitness enthusiasts.
8. Life Fitness (lifefitness.com)
Life Fitness is a well-established manufacturer and retailer of high-quality fitness equipment. They offer a wide range of products for both commercial and home use, including cardio machines, strength training equipment, and accessories. Life Fitness is known for its durable, commercial-grade equipment that’s also available for home gyms.
Pros
- High-quality products: Life Fitness is renowned for producing durable, commercial-grade equipment that can withstand heavy use.
- Diverse product range: They offer a comprehensive selection of cardio and strength training equipment suitable for various fitness levels and goals.
- Innovative features: Many of their products, such as treadmills, come with adaptable horsepower motors to handle training at high speeds.
- Customer satisfaction: Users generally report positive experiences with Life Fitness products, praising their stability and quality.
- Commercial and home options: Life Fitness caters to both commercial gym owners and home fitness enthusiasts, offering appropriate equipment for each market.
Cons
- Higher price point: Life Fitness equipment tends to be more expensive compared to some other brands, reflecting its commercial-grade quality.
- Potential warranty issues: Some customers have reported difficulties with warranty coverage and unexpected parts fees.
- Mixed customer service experiences: While some customers praise the service, others have reported issues with communication and problem resolution.
- Limited online presence: Their e-commerce platform may not be as robust as some dedicated online retailers, potentially affecting the online shopping experience.
9. Fitness Superstore (fitnesssuperstore.com)
Fitness Superstore is an online retailer specializing in a wide range of fitness equipment from various brands. They offer both new and refurbished equipment, catering to home users and commercial gym owners alike.
Pros
- Wide brand selection: Fitness Superstore carries equipment from multiple manufacturers, giving customers more options to choose from.
- Competitive pricing: As a large retailer, they often offer competitive prices and regular promotions.
- Refurbished options: They provide refurbished equipment, which can be a cost-effective alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
- Extensive product range: Fitness Superstore offers a comprehensive selection of cardio and strength training equipment, as well as accessories.
- Expert advice: Their website often features buying guides and expert recommendations to help customers make informed decisions.
Cons
- Varying warranty terms: Warranty coverage may differ for refurbished items or across different brands they carry.
- Potential for stock issues: As a retailer carrying multiple brands, certain models or popular items might occasionally be out of stock.
- Less brand-specific expertise: Unlike manufacturer websites, staff may have less in-depth knowledge about specific brand features.
- Shipping complexities: Dealing with multiple brands and large equipment may lead to occasional shipping delays or complications.
