As a busy investment banker, I’ve always struggled to find time for the gym. Long hours at the office and unpredictable schedules made it nearly impossible to maintain a consistent fitness routine. That’s when I decided to bring the gym to me by setting up a home workout space. But here’s the catch – I needed top-notch equipment that could withstand intense workouts without compromising on quality or taking up too much space in my apartment.
After hours of research and countless late-night scrolling sessions, I’ve compiled a list of the 9 best fitness equipment online stores that cater to various needs and budgets. Whether you’re a fellow finance professional looking to squeeze in a quick workout between client calls or someone who simply prefers the convenience of exercising at home, this guide will help you navigate the world of online fitness equipment shopping.
1. Titan Fitness (titan.fitness)
Titan Fitness is a budget-friendly fitness equipment retailer that offers a wide range of home gym and commercial gym products. Founded in 2013, Titan has quickly grown to become a popular choice for home gym enthusiasts looking for affordable alternatives to premium brands. They offer everything from power racks and weight plates to cardio equipment and accessories.
Pros
- Very competitive pricing, often significantly cheaper than competitors
- Wide product range covering most home gym needs
- Free shipping on all orders, regardless of size or weight
- Frequent sales and discounts
- Growing reputation for improved quality in recent years
- Good customer service and return policy
Cons
- Quality can be inconsistent across product lines
- Some products may require minor adjustments or have cosmetic imperfections
- Limited lifetime warranty only on select items
- Most products manufactured in China, which some customers dislike
- Assembly instructions can sometimes be unclear
2. Muscle Wellness Market
Muscle Wellness Market is an online retailer specializing in fitness equipment and wellness products for home gyms. Founded by two brothers, Jared and Aron, who are certified personal trainers, the company aims to provide high-quality fitness gear and recovery tools for athletes, sports teams, and fitness enthusiasts. Their product range includes weight training equipment, resistance bands, foam rollers, and specialized devices like the NeckFixer Pro.
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 proven effective in maintaining a strong and healthy body.
- Free Worldwide 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.
- Positive Customer Feedback: The store has received numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers, praising the quality of products and customer service.
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.
- Reliance on Customer Reviews: Much of the positive feedback about the company comes from customer testimonials on their own website, which may not provide a completely unbiased view of their services.
- Limited Brand Recognition: As a relatively newer player in the market, Muscle Wellness Market may not have the same level of brand recognition as some larger, more established fitness equipment retailers.
3. EliteFTS (elitefts.com)
EliteFTS is a premium strength equipment retailer focused on serving serious athletes, powerlifters, and strength coaches. Founded in 1998 by powerlifter Dave Tate, EliteFTS offers high-quality, commercial-grade equipment along with extensive educational resources. They are known for their top-tier power racks, bars, benches, and specialty items for powerlifting and strength training.
Pros
- Exceptional quality and durability of equipment
- Extensive selection of specialty bars and powerlifting gear
- Wealth of free educational content and training resources
- Excellent customer service and product support
- Equipment used and endorsed by elite athletes and coaches
- Option for custom-built equipment for specific needs
Cons
- Higher prices compared to budget brands
- Shipping can be expensive for heavy items
- Some customers report occasional shipping delays or damage
- Limited options for more general fitness or cardio equipment
- Website can be overwhelming with the amount of content
4. American Barbell (americanbarbell.com)
American Barbell is a premium fitness equipment manufacturer and retailer specializing in high-quality barbells, weights, and racks. Founded in 1978, they are known for producing commercial-grade equipment for home gyms, colleges, military facilities, and major gym chains. American Barbell prides itself on its USA-made products and innovative designs, particularly in barbell technology.
Pros
- Exceptional quality and craftsmanship of products, especially barbells
- Wide range of equipment suitable for both home and commercial gyms
- Innovative features like recessed welding on barbell sleeves
- Stainless steel options for superior durability and rust resistance
- Excellent customer service and support
- Made in the USA, ensuring high manufacturing standards
Cons
- Higher price point compared to budget brands
- Limited selection of cardio equipment
- Some products may have longer lead times due to custom manufacturing
- Website can be overwhelming for beginners due to the technical nature of products
5. Perform Better (performbetter.com)
Perform Better is a fitness equipment retailer focusing on functional training and rehabilitation products. Established in 1987, they cater to a wide range of customers, from individual fitness enthusiasts to professional trainers and physical therapists. Perform Better is known for its diverse selection of functional fitness tools and educational resources.
Pros
- Extensive range of functional training and rehabilitation equipment
- Offers educational resources and seminars for fitness professionals
- Competitive pricing, with frequent sales and discounts
- Good customer service and convenient pickup options for local customers
- Suitable for both home gym owners and professional trainers
Cons
- Some products may have inconsistent quality compared to premium brands
- Website navigation can be challenging due to the vast product range
- Limited selection of heavy-duty strength training equipment
- Some customers report issues with shipping and handling of orders
6. Fitness Superstore (fitnesssuperstore.com)
Fitness Superstore is a specialized retailer offering new and refurbished gym and fitness equipment. Established in 1979, the company has a long history in the fitness industry. They focus on providing high-quality fitness equipment at discounted prices, offering products from well-known brands such as Precor, Life Fitness, and Cybex.
Pros
- Significant discounts on fitness equipment, with savings of 40-70% off MSRP
- Wide selection of both new and refurbished gym equipment
- Long-standing reputation in the fitness industry
- Excellent customer service, with the owner taking personal pride in customer satisfaction
- Specializes in fitness equipment, ensuring expertise in the field
Cons
- Limited to fitness equipment, may not offer a full range of sporting goods
- Website design may not be as modern or user-friendly as some competitors
- Availability of specific refurbished items may be limited
7. DICK’S Sporting Goods (dickssportinggoods.com)
DICK’S Sporting Goods is a major American sporting goods retailer founded in 1948. While they offer a wide range of sporting goods, they also have a significant presence in the fitness equipment market. DICK’S provides a variety of exercise equipment from top brands, catering to both casual fitness enthusiasts and serious athletes.
Pros
- Extensive selection of fitness equipment alongside other sporting goods
- Offers products from well-known fitness brands like SOLE and Bowflex
- Large retail presence with over 700 stores, allowing for in-store pickup and returns
- Frequent sales and promotions
- Established brand with a long history in the sporting goods industry
- User-friendly website with detailed product information
Cons
- May not offer as deep discounts on fitness equipment as specialized retailers
- Customer service may not be as personalized as smaller, specialized stores
- Focus on general sporting goods may mean less specialized knowledge in fitness equipment
8. Strength Warehouse USA (strengthwarehouseusa.com)
Strength Warehouse USA is an online retailer specializing in strength training equipment. Founded by fitness enthusiast Joe, the company aims to provide high-quality equipment for home gyms, corporate fitness centers, and commercial facilities. They offer a wide range of products, from basic accessories to complex gym systems, catering to various strength training needs.
Pros
- Extensive product range focusing on strength training equipment
- Excellent customer service and support throughout the purchasing process
- All products backed by manufacturer’s warranty as an authorized dealer
- Competitive pricing with frequent sales and discounts
- Transparent and reliable shipping information
- Strong emphasis on building long-term customer relationships
Cons
- Limited selection of cardio equipment compared to strength training gear
- As an online-only retailer, customers can’t physically inspect equipment before purchase
- Some high-end equipment can be expensive, potentially limiting options for budget-conscious buyers
- Occasional shipping delays reported by some customers
9. Rogue Fitness (roguefitness.com)
Rogue Fitness is a well-known manufacturer and retailer of fitness equipment, particularly popular among CrossFit enthusiasts and serious strength trainers. They offer a wide range of products, from barbells and plates to rigs and cardio machines, known for their durability and quality.
Pros
- High-quality, durable products with a reputation for excellence
- Wide range of equipment suitable for various fitness levels and needs
- Offers barbells at different price points to suit various budgets
- Designs equipment for specific living situations, including compact options for smaller spaces
- Barbells come in various sizes and weights to accommodate most users
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
- Some customers report issues with payments and refunds, particularly for international orders
- Low customer ratings on review platforms like Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau
- Barbells lack cushioned grips, which may be uncomfortable for some users
- Assembly can be challenging for some products, with customers reporting difficulties
