As a college student with big dreams of flexing on stage at the upcoming bodybuilding competition, I know that having the right equipment is crucial for packing on serious muscle. But let’s face it, campus gyms can be a nightmare – crowded, poorly equipped, and don’t even get me started on the questionable hygiene. That’s why I’ve been on a mission to find the best online stores for fitness equipment, so I can turn my dorm room into a muscle-building sanctuary.
After countless hours of research, protein shakes, and maybe a few too many pre-workout-fueled late-night shopping sprees, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 9 fitness equipment online stores. These aren’t just any stores – they’re the cream of the crop for aspiring bodybuilders like us who are serious about making gains. Whether you’re looking for a power rack that can handle your heaviest squats or dumbbells that’ll help you sculpt those picture-perfect biceps, these stores have got you covered.
1. Fitness Factory Outlet (fitnessfactoryoutlet.com)
Fitness Factory Outlet is an online retailer specializing in home and gym fitness equipment. They offer a wide range of products from renowned brands such as Powertec and Body-Solid. The store features various equipment types, including weight machines, power racks, and functional trainers.
Pros
- Free shipping: All products ship for free, potentially saving customers significant costs on large equipment.
- Instant discounts: The store offers immediate discounts on purchases, providing value for customers.
- Diverse product range: Fitness Factory Outlet stocks a variety of equipment types and brands, catering to different fitness needs and preferences.
- Secure transactions: The website uses SSL encryption to ensure customer data safety during online purchases.
Cons
- Limited focus on cardio equipment: While they offer some cardio machines, the store appears to have a stronger emphasis on strength training equipment.
- Potential for overwhelming choice: The extensive product range might make it difficult for beginners to choose the right equipment without guidance.
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. They offer a wide range of products including weight training equipment, resistance bands, foam rollers, and specialized devices like the NeuroRepair Whole Body EMS Massager.
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 worldwide shipping: The company provides free shipping on all orders worldwide, making it convenient for customers regardless of location.
- Customer-centric approach: The team 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.
- 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 competitors.
3. American Barbell (americanbarbell.com)
American Barbell is a USA-based global manufacturer and retailer of commercial-grade strength and conditioning equipment. With over 45 years of experience, they have established themselves as innovators in the fitness industry, serving various sectors including commercial gyms, colleges, government facilities, and home gyms.
Pros
- High-quality, commercial-grade equipment: American Barbell focuses on producing durable, precision-manufactured fitness gear.
- Innovation leadership: The company has a history of creating notable innovations and industry firsts.
- Customization options: They offer custom installations and branded weights, catering to specific client needs.
- Expertise and guidance: American Barbell provides expert advice to help customers maximize their space and work within budget constraints.
- Diverse partnerships: The company has collaborated with prestigious organizations like the NFL and US Military, indicating their equipment’s quality and reliability.
Cons
- Potentially higher prices: Given their focus on commercial-grade equipment, prices might be higher compared to some competitors.
- Narrower product range: While they excel in strength equipment, particularly barbells and weights, their selection of cardio or specialized fitness machines may be more limited.
- Less beginner-friendly: The professional-grade equipment and focus on commercial clients might be intimidating for fitness novices or those setting up basic home gyms.
4. Life Fitness (lifefitness.com)
Life Fitness is a renowned manufacturer and retailer of high-quality fitness equipment for both home and commercial use. With a history dating back to 1968, the company has established itself as a leader in the fitness industry, offering a wide range of cardio and strength training equipment.
Pros
- Quality products: Life Fitness is known for producing durable, club-quality equipment for home use.
- Diverse product range: The company offers a variety of fitness equipment, including cardio machines, strength training gear, and accessories.
- Excellent customer service: Life Fitness provides great customer support, with experienced field technicians and knowledgeable remote support.
- Educational resources: The website features an education hub with helpful content for fitness enthusiasts.
- Customization options: Some products, like the G7 Home Gym, offer multiple adjustment options to suit individual needs.
Cons
- Higher price point: As a premium brand, Life Fitness products may be more expensive compared to some competitors.
- Assembly required: Some equipment may require assembly, which could be challenging for some users.
- Limited availability: Certain products may have limited stock or longer wait times for delivery.
5. DICK’S Sporting Goods (dickssportinggoods.com)
DICK’S Sporting Goods is a major American sporting goods retailer, offering a wide range of sports equipment, apparel, and fitness gear. While not exclusively focused on fitness equipment, they provide a diverse selection of products for various sports and fitness activities.
Pros
- Extensive product range: DICK’S offers equipment and gear for numerous sports and fitness activities, providing a one-stop-shop experience.
- Competitive pricing: As a large retailer, DICK’S often provides competitive prices and frequent sales.
- Multiple shopping options: Customers can shop online or in-store, offering flexibility in the purchasing process.
- Loyalty program: The company has a rewards program, allowing customers to earn points on purchases.
- Brand variety: DICK’S carries products from numerous brands, giving customers a wide selection to choose from.
Cons
- Less specialization: Unlike dedicated fitness equipment retailers, DICK’S may have a more general focus, potentially offering less depth in specific fitness equipment categories.
- Varying product quality: With a wide range of brands and price points, product quality may vary significantly.
- Customer service challenges: As a large retailer, personalized customer service for fitness equipment may be less specialized compared to dedicated fitness retailers.
- Seasonal focus: The website’s content may shift focus based on seasonal sports, potentially making it harder to find specific fitness equipment at certain times.
6. Strength Warehouse USA (strengthwarehouseusa.com)
Strength Warehouse USA is an online retailer specializing in strength training equipment for home and commercial gyms. They offer a wide range of products including power racks, barbells, weight plates, and accessories from various brands.
Pros
- Diverse product range: Strength Warehouse USA stocks a variety of strength training equipment, catering to different needs and preferences.
- Competitive pricing: The store offers low prices on many items, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Fast shipping: Customers report quick delivery of their orders.
- Positive customer service: Many reviewers praise the helpful and friendly customer service team.
- Quality products: The store carries reputable brands, ensuring customers receive reliable equipment.
Cons
- Limited focus: The store primarily specializes in strength training equipment, which may not suit those looking for a broader range of fitness gear.
- Potential for overwhelming choice: The extensive selection of strength equipment might be difficult for beginners to navigate.
- Less emphasis on cardio equipment: Those seeking cardio machines may find the selection more limited compared to strength gear.
7. Bowflex (bowflex.com)
Bowflex is a well-known manufacturer and retailer of home fitness equipment, offering a range of products including cardio machines, strength training equipment, and accessories. They focus on innovative designs for home workouts.
Pros
- Innovative products: Bowflex is known for creating unique fitness solutions, such as their adjustable dumbbells and all-in-one home gyms.
- Diverse product range: The company offers various types of equipment, including treadmills, bikes, home gyms, and more.
- Free shipping: Bowflex provides free shipping on select products, potentially saving customers money on large items.
- Interactive technology: Many Bowflex products feature integrated screens and connectivity for interactive workouts and progress tracking.
- Space-efficient designs: Their equipment often caters to home users with limited space.
Cons
- Higher price point: Bowflex products are often more expensive compared to some competitors, reflecting their brand reputation and technology integration.
- Subscription required for full features: Some Bowflex machines require a JRNY membership to access all features, adding to the overall cost.
- Assembly challenges: Some products may be difficult to assemble, potentially requiring professional help or significant time investment.
- Bulky equipment: Despite space-saving designs, some Bowflex machines like the Treadmill 10 are still quite large and heavy, making them challenging to move or store.
8. Torque Fitness (torquefitness.com)
Torque Fitness is an online retailer specializing in high-quality fitness equipment for both home and commercial use. They offer a range of products including functional trainers, power racks, and accessories, with a focus on innovative designs and space-efficient solutions.
Pros
- Innovative products: Torque Fitness is known for creating unique fitness solutions, such as their Anker 3 functional trainer.
- Space-efficient designs: Many of their products are designed to maximize workout potential while minimizing space requirements.
- Quality construction: Torque Fitness equipment is generally well-built and durable.
- Positive customer feedback: Many users report high satisfaction with their purchases.
- Versatile equipment: Their products often offer multiple exercise options in a single piece of equipment.
Cons
- Higher price point: Torque Fitness equipment tends to be more expensive compared to some competitors.
- Limited product range: While they excel in certain areas, their overall product range may be more limited compared to larger retailers.
- Less brand recognition: Torque Fitness may not be as well-known as some larger fitness equipment brands.
9. Rogue Fitness (roguefitness.com)
Rogue Fitness is a prominent manufacturer and retailer of strength and conditioning equipment. They offer a wide range of products for both home and commercial use, including barbells, power racks, weights, and accessories.
Pros
- Reputation for quality: Rogue is known for producing high-quality, durable equipment.
- Extensive product range: They offer a wide variety of strength training equipment and accessories.
- Competitive pricing: Despite their quality reputation, Rogue often offers products at reasonable prices.
- Fast shipping: Many customers appreciate Rogue’s quick delivery times.
- Made in USA: Many of Rogue’s products are manufactured in the United States, which some customers value.
Cons
- Mixed customer service experiences: While many customers are satisfied, some report issues with customer service.
- Assembly required: Some Rogue equipment may require significant assembly, which can be challenging for some users.
- High demand: Popular items may sometimes be out of stock due to high demand.
- Shipping costs: For larger items, shipping costs can be significant, potentially offsetting the competitive product pricing.
