If you're considering buying fitness equipment the first decision you have to make is if you will buy the fitness equipment new or used. If you buy new fitness equipment chances are good that it will be in perfect working order and that it will come with a warranty. If you're buying used fitness equipment - the market is completely open.
We will outline a few of the basic tips that you should consider when buying your used fitness equipment so that you can get the most value for your money while avoiding expensive repairs in the meanwhile. These tips are directly from the owner of RM Fitness Repair and he has been in the business for well over 20 years.
The Main Rule: Check for Noises
It seems like a pretty common sense mention to check for the noises and make sure that the unit is not making any. However, the sales party may downplay these items when selling the unit and buyers may fall in the trap of underestimating the noises the units make. While a click or clack here and there may not seem all that troubling at first, it could turn out to be very serious including motor malfunction, belt timing, control board and an entire array of problems that can increase the repair bill.
If you choose RM Fitness Repair we will do our best to make sure that we get your unit working for less - and we really mean that we have customer service in our best interest in keeping your costs down while providing you with absolute quality. Nevertheless, most buyers would want to avoid having to call for repairs right after their purchase.
The rule of thumb from the owner is: "If the Unit is Making Noises" - Do Not Buy It"
Treadmills - Check the Belt
Another item to check is whether the motor is struggling when you step on the treadmill. If it seems that it's running fine on it's own step on the treadmill to see how it handles the weight. It's normal that the belt will not move as fast with your weight on it than when it is running on its own, but a struggling motor will show with struts and stutters or a more than proportional slow in it's ability to essentially make you run. The rule of thumb is of course, "If the Motor is Struggling - Do Not Buy It". Motor repairs can be expensive and they are definitely an unnecessary cost when you have just bought the treadmill.
Ellipticals - Check Resistance
Exercise Bikes - Check Axel Bearings and Brakes
All Units
On all the units check all of the buttons and make sure they work. If the unit comes with additional accessories like heart rate monitors check these as well and ensure that they are in perfect working order. Also ensure that the console is providing an accurate heart rate reading by double checking with your pulse and manual counting if you wish or any other method you know.
Important words of advice - "Do Not Be Shy - Check the Unit Thoroughly - For at Least 15-20 minutes". Often problems on fitness equipment are not noticed until they have been working for some time. It takes time for the motor to warm up on treadmills for you to notice problems of overheating or to feel it struggle underneath your feet. Gears on exercise bikes may start making noise only after resistance has been applied to them for a certain length of time. It may be a good idea to actually use the unit as you would at home when testing it before purchase because malfunctions should definitely show after a period of time.
Key words to also remember, "Never Pay More than Half of the Original Price of the Fitness Equipment." Used equipment cannot carry its value like new fitness equipment simply because of all of the unknowns that we have mentioned including the major factor of warranty. Most fitness equipment does not come with a warranty and thus your purchase cannot be guaranteed to run for the next three or so years, like new fitness equipment. Hence, to get the most value for your money - make sure you do not overpay when buying used, ensure that you pay half or less than half, and get value for your money.
If the unit you are purchasing is re-built or re-manufactured, ensure that you ask the seller for a receipt of the replaced parts and for the warranty on the unit itself. When buying rebuilt, the rule of thumb is "If it's Rebuilt - Ask for Receipts of Replacement Parts and for Warranty". As you already may know, rebuilt units have broken down in the past. As such, it is a huge risk when buying these rebuilt units if they do not carry a warranty with them or adequate paperwork as to the replacement parts.
Final rule of thumb is to, "Avoid Fitness Equipment Listed as Used Occasionally". Just like the disks on a car become rusty from under-use and storage, so can the gears on an exercise bike or the rollers on a treadmill. Of course you can apply our recommended 15-20 minute test to ensure that all gears, rollers, and bearing are running smooth as well as the overall performance of the unit, but the rule of thumb is to try to avoid these units.
RM Fitness Repair Rules of Thumb
1. "If the Unit is Making Noise - Do Not Buy It."
2. "If the Belt on a Treadmill is Black or Grez Underneath - Do Not Buy It. "
3. "If the Motor is Struggling - Do Not Buy It. "
4. "Checking the Resistance on Ellipticals is Key - Ensure Proper Working Order. "
5. "Ensure No Noise is Coming From the Axel Bearings or Brake Assembly on Exercise Bikes."
6. "Don't Be Shy - Check Thoroughly - At Least for 15-20 minutes. "
7. "Check the Original Price - Never Pay More than Half for Used Fitness Equipment. "
8. "For Rebuilt Units - Ask for a Receipt for the Replacement Parts and for Warranty on the Unit."
9. "Avoid Units Listed as Used Occasionally."
RM Fitness Repair Customer Service Extension
"You can always call on RM Fitness Repair for advice or for a quote on the repairs on a unit that you think may have problems in the future. We can provide an assessment and allow you to discount the price from the seller."
"Once you have purchased the equipment, you can call us for an overall assessment, check and tune-up of your equipment and we can provide you with a warranty if you wish."
"Even if you feel comfortable or would like more advice on buying used treadmills, you can talk to one of our technicians or hire them out for your trip to ensure that you get the most value for your money. It is worthwhile especially when considering more expensive units."
"We Exist for Our Customers and Our Future Customers and We Will Do Our Best to Ensure Maximum Customer Satisfaction and That We Go That Extra Mile."
Apply the Standard Rule - "Don't Be Shy - Call or Ask" - for what you may like or need in order to make your buying experience a good one.
Check www.rmfitnessrepairtoronto.com for all additional information that you may require.
Images Courtesy
Treadmill and Elliptical - Available at www.visionfitness.com
Exercise Bike - Available at www.schwinnfitness.com
