As a dedicated bodybuilder, I’ve always dreamed of having a fully-equipped home gym where I could train anytime, day or night, without the hassle of commuting or waiting for equipment. The convenience of working out on my own schedule, in my own space, is truly unbeatable. But let’s face it, building a home gym can be a daunting task. Where do you even start? What equipment do you need? And most importantly, where can you find high-quality gear without breaking the bank?
That’s why I’ve taken it upon myself to scour the internet and compile a list of the 9 best fitness equipment online stores. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter like me or just starting your fitness journey, these stores offer everything you need to create your perfect workout sanctuary. From budget-friendly options to premium, commercial-grade equipment, there’s something for everyone.
1. FringeSport
FringeSport is a prominent online retailer specializing in fitness equipment, particularly catering to the garage gym and functional fitness community. Founded with the mission of improving lives through strength, they offer a wide range of products including barbells, bumper plates, and various gym accessories. Their focus on quality and customer service has made them a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts, particularly those engaged in CrossFit and Olympic lifting.
Pros
- Quality Products: FringeSport is known for its durable and well-constructed equipment. Their products, such as the Bomba Barbell, are designed to withstand heavy use and come with a lifetime warranty, reflecting their commitment to quality.
- User-Friendly Website: The website is easy to navigate, with a smooth checkout process that supports multiple payment options including Shop Pay and PayPal. Customers appreciate the straightforward shopping experience.
- Customer Service: FringeSport offers responsive customer service through various channels, including chat and email. They provide a 30-day return policy for full refunds, and some items can be returned up to a year if unused, which adds a layer of customer assurance.
Cons
- Shipping Issues: Some customers have reported slow order processing and shipping times, which can be frustrating, especially when expedited delivery is expected. There have been instances of damaged packaging and missing hardware upon delivery.
- Quality Control: While many products are well-received, there have been complaints regarding quality control, with some users experiencing issues like poorly packaged items and assembly difficulties.
- Limited Retail Presence: FringeSport primarily operates online, which may not appeal to customers who prefer to see and test equipment in person before purchasing.
2. Muscle Wellness Market
Muscle Wellness Market is an online fitness gear store specializing in equipment for home gyms. Founded by two brothers, Jared and Aron, who are certified personal trainers, the company aims to provide high-quality fitness equipment and recovery products for athletes, sports teams, and physical therapists. The store offers a wide range of products, including weight training equipment, resistance bands, foam rollers, and specialized devices.
Pros
- Extensive Product Range: Muscle Wellness Market offers a diverse selection of fitness equipment and recovery products, catering to various needs from beginners to seasoned athletes.
- Expert-Backed Selection: The founders’ background in fitness ensures that the products offered are those that have proven effective in maintaining a strong and healthy body.
- Free Shipping: The company provides free shipping on all orders worldwide, making it convenient for customers regardless of location.
- Customer-Centric Approach: The team at Muscle Wellness Market prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering support throughout the purchasing process.
- Secure Online Ordering: The website features an active SSL certificate, ensuring the protection of sensitive payment and personal information.
- Lowest Price Guarantee: Muscle Wellness Market promises the lowest prices on their products.
Cons
- Online-Only Presence: As an exclusively online retailer, customers cannot physically inspect products before purchase, which may be a drawback for some.
- Potential for Overwhelm: The wide range of products might be overwhelming for customers who are new to fitness equipment and unsure about their specific needs.
- Limited Customer Reviews: While the company showcases positive testimonials on their website, there may be a lack of extensive third-party reviews available.
- Shipping Time: The estimated delivery time of around 2 weeks may be longer than some competitors, potentially affecting customers who need equipment quickly.
3. Fitness Superstore
Fitness Superstore, established in 1994, is the largest supplier of fitness equipment in the UK, boasting a vast selection of home and commercial gym equipment. With a significant physical presence, including multiple showrooms and a massive distribution center, Fitness Superstore caters to a wide array of fitness needs, from casual home users to serious athletes.
Fitness Superstore not only offers high-quality fitness equipment but also provides expert advice to help customers make informed choices. With a strong online presence and active engagement on platforms like YouTube and whatsapp groups, they ensure that fitness enthusiasts stay updated on the latest products, workout tips, and special promotions. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation has made them a trusted name in the UK’s fitness industry.
Pros
- Extensive Product Range: They offer a diverse selection of fitness equipment, including treadmills, exercise bikes, and strength training machines from leading brands. This variety allows customers to find everything they need in one place.
- Strong Customer Service: Fitness Superstore is praised for its customer service, with many reviews highlighting the informative and friendly support staff. They also have a high on-time delivery rate and a robust return policy.
- Physical Showrooms: With multiple locations across the UK, customers have the option to visit showrooms to test equipment before purchase, which enhances the shopping experience.
Cons
- Pricing: While they offer competitive prices, some customers may find certain items to be on the higher end of the market compared to other online retailers.
- Limited International Shipping: Fitness Superstore primarily serves the UK market, which may be a drawback for international buyers looking for quality fitness equipment.
- Variable Stock Availability: Customers have noted that certain popular items may be out of stock, which can delay purchases and require waiting for restocks.
4. Strength Warehouse USA
Strength Warehouse USA is an online retailer specializing in strength and fitness equipment. Founded by a lifelong athlete and former collegiate football player, the company offers a wide range of products from squat racks and leg press machines to functional trainers and weight benches. They cater to both home gym enthusiasts and commercial gym owners, with a focus on providing high-quality equipment and excellent customer service.
Pros
- Free Shipping: Offers free shipping on all orders within the continental United States, which can result in significant savings for customers.
- Wide Product Range: Provides a diverse selection of strength equipment, including all-in-one gym systems and products from trusted brands.
- Customer Support: Dedicated team to support customers throughout their purchasing journey.
- Positive Reviews: Over 1,000 verified customer reviews, indicating a track record of customer satisfaction.
- Multiple Payment Options: Accepts various payment methods, including Alipay and Mastercard, for customer convenience.
Cons
- Limited International Reach: Primarily serves the US market, which may be a drawback for international customers.
- Restocking Fees: While there are no restocking fees for standard returns, any returns not meeting their criteria are subject to a minimum 25% restocking fee.
- Return Shipping Costs: Customers are responsible for return shipping costs, which can be significant for large gym equipment.
5. American Barbell
American Barbell is a manufacturing company with extensive experience in providing premium fitness equipment to the global market. They specialize in producing high-quality barbells, weight plates, and other strength training accessories. With a focus on innovation and durability, American Barbell has become a preferred choice for Olympic training centers, health clubs, universities, and professional athletes worldwide.
Pros
- Quality Products: Known for producing durable and precise equipment, particularly their Olympic bars and commercial dumbbells.
- Innovation: Continuously develops new products to meet evolving fitness market needs, including being the first to create a hard chrome Olympic bar in 1998.
- Extensive Experience: The company brings 90 years of combined experience in exercise equipment manufacturing and strength conditioning.
- Customization: Offers solutions for various needs, from individual equipment pieces to complete 15,000 square foot facility setups.
- Made in USA: Many of their products are manufactured in the United States, ensuring quality control and supporting domestic production.
Cons
- Price Point: Due to their focus on premium quality, some products may be more expensive compared to budget-friendly alternatives.
- Limited Product Range: While they excel in strength training equipment, their product range may not be as diverse as some larger fitness retailers.
- Availability: As a specialized manufacturer, some products may have limited availability or longer lead times compared to mass-market retailers.
6. Titan Fitness
Titan Fitness is an online retailer specializing in home gym and fitness equipment. Founded with the mission to make quality fitness gear accessible to everyone, they offer a wide range of products from weights to cardio equipment. Titan Fitness is known for providing budget-friendly options without compromising on quality, making them a popular choice for home gym enthusiasts and those looking to build a comprehensive workout space.
Pros
- Affordable Pricing: Titan Fitness offers competitive prices, often significantly lower than other major brands in the fitness equipment market.
- Free Shipping: They provide free shipping on all orders within the continental United States, which can result in substantial savings for customers.
- Wide Product Range: Titan offers a diverse selection of equipment, including squat racks, functional trainers, and accessories, catering to various fitness needs.
- Quality for Price: While not top-tier, their products offer good value for money, with many items suitable for both home and light commercial use.
- Regular Sales and Discounts: Titan frequently offers sales and promotions, allowing customers to save even more on their purchases.
Cons
- Quality Control Issues: Some customers have reported inconsistencies in product quality and occasional manufacturing defects.
- Customer Service: While improving, their customer service has been criticized in the past for slow response times and handling of issues.
- Assembly Required: Many products require self-assembly, which can be challenging for some customers.
- Limited International Shipping: Titan primarily serves the US market, which may be a drawback for international customers.
7. Perform Better
Perform Better is an online retailer specializing in functional training equipment, rehabilitation gear, and sports performance products. With a strong focus on knowledge and expertise, Perform Better caters to fitness professionals, athletes, and rehabilitation specialists. They offer a curated selection of high-quality products backed by a team of knowledgeable experts.
Pros
- Expert Staff: Perform Better boasts a knowledgeable team that can provide expert advice on product selection and usage.
- Quality Products: They carefully select each product for its ability to improve sports performance or aid in rehabilitation.
- Fast Shipping: Orders placed before 2 PM EST are shipped the same day, ensuring quick delivery of products.
- Facility Design Services: Perform Better offers professional facility design services, helping customers create optimal training spaces.
- Educational Resources: They provide valuable information and resources for fitness professionals, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Cons
- Higher Price Point: Due to their focus on professional-grade equipment, some products may be more expensive compared to budget-friendly alternatives.
- Specialized Focus: Their product range might be too specialized for casual fitness enthusiasts looking for basic home gym equipment.
- Limited Consumer-Grade Options: Perform Better primarily caters to professionals and serious athletes, which may limit options for casual users.
- Overwhelming for Beginners: The depth of information and product specificity might be overwhelming for those new to fitness equipment.
8. Top Fitness Store
Top Fitness Store is a premium online retailer specializing in high-quality exercise equipment for home gyms. They offer a wide range of products including treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, exercise bikes, and more from top brands like Precor, True, Inspire, Octane, and Spirit. With physical stores in addition to their online presence, Top Fitness aims to provide customers with both convenience and hands-on shopping experiences.
Pros
- Wide Product Range: Offers a diverse selection of exercise equipment to suit various fitness needs and preferences.
- Quality Brands: Carries reputable and high-quality fitness equipment brands.
- Expert Staff: Employs knowledgeable fitness professionals to assist customers in making informed decisions.
- Physical Stores: Allows customers to view and test equipment in person before purchasing.
- Free Shipping: Provides free shipping on many large equipment items.
- Customer Service: Known for excellent customer service and support.
Cons
- Higher Price Point: Premium equipment often comes with a higher cost compared to budget-friendly alternatives.
- Limited International Shipping: Primarily serves the US market, which may be a drawback for international customers.
- Potential for Inconsistent Pricing: Some customers have reported discrepancies between advertised and checkout prices.
9. EliteFTS
EliteFTS is an online retailer specializing in strength training equipment and educational resources for athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts. Founded by powerlifter Dave Tate, the company focuses on providing high-quality equipment for serious strength training, along with a wealth of educational content and community support.
Pros
- Specialized Equipment: Offers a wide range of strength training equipment, including many specialized items for powerlifting and strongman training.
- Educational Resources: Provides extensive free educational content, including articles, videos, and training programs.
- Community Focus: Fosters a strong community of strength athletes and coaches, encouraging knowledge sharing and support.
- Quality Products: Known for offering durable, high-quality equipment designed for serious training.
- Expert Staff: Team includes experienced strength athletes and coaches who can provide knowledgeable support.
Cons
- Niche Focus: The specialized nature of their products may not appeal to casual fitness enthusiasts or those seeking general exercise equipment.
- Price Point: High-quality, specialized equipment often comes at a premium price.
- Limited Product Range: Focuses primarily on strength training equipment, which may not suit those looking for cardio or general fitness gear.
- Potential for Overwhelm: The depth of information and product specificity might be overwhelming for beginners.
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