Used gym equipment?

[natenator]

Anyone know the best places to look for home use gym equipment. Anywhere from Toronto to Windsor but preferably in the gta area.

Thanks :)

[Delt King]

I find that the only way to find great deals is a private sale on Kijiji. But you have to be quick to respond to adds (like first 30 minutes) otherwise it's usually gone.

[Talo]

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/f-Olympic-gym-plates-Classifieds-W0QQKeywordZOlympicQ20gymQ20platesQQisSearchFormZt rue

[MuSuLPhReAk]

kijiji or craigslist would be the first place to look.

[steve_d]

when we were in ottawa, I built my entire home gym from usedottawa and kijiji stuff. I ended up giving up on that plan when I realized I missed being in the gym. I paid about 3000$ for everything (basically 1 thing at a time), but when it came time to sell, I got about 5000 (again, one thing at a time).

I found kijiji and usedottawa awesome for gym stuff. but like dk says, you have to check a few times per day if you want the really good prices. there is always someone looking to get rid of their gym stuff!

[Frostbite]

I got all of my stuff from kijiji. I usually look from December until March. People offering cheap equipment that they got for the holidays or for a new years resolution. Than they don't want it anymore. Its the greatest thing ever you can usually get it for 50% store price because its been used once or twice. So keep an eye out.

[natenator]

What do ppl think of this rack: http://www.homegymdeals.com/yukon-prk-200-squat-rack-system.html

Is yukon a decent brand? I know nothing about home use type equipment

[cog]

500 seems to be about average new.

[Sean Summers]

Nate,
If possible go in and take a look at the rack before you purchase it. Make sure that the metal is thick enough. The one I bought was good but I wish I had investigated first. Check out what you have at your gym and compare it to the one you want to buy. Mine originally came from Fitness Avenue (www.fitnessavenue.ca) but I later seen one at Treadmill Factory that I liked a bit more....oh well. I'm stuck with the one I have now. Also, I don't really like the "pins" that the weight rests on so I am looking for a new set. Live and learn I guess. If I knew how to weld I would make my own...you may have a buddy that can help you out.
Kijiji is your best bet as well as Craig's List. Another option is to talk to a small personal training studio as they may have leads on where to get stuff cheap - they sometimes buy at auctions from a gym that went out of business.
If you want higher end gym quality you can go to www.keystonefitness.ca - they sell used stuff. I think they may be a part of Goodlife. I know one used equipment store is and they just recycle old Goodlife stuff.

[Sean Summers]

Oh yeah if you are looking for mats - TSC sells them - stall mats or horse/cow mats. You can also search for them on Kijiji - that's where I got mine. TSC sells them for $55 + tax. Kijiji ranges $25-$45 with $35 being the norm.

[slick rick]

Nate.. this place is worth a trip if you're still local, I pop in once in a while and have found some great deals. Cash and carry. Atleast worth a phone call....

http://www.refitness.ca/

[Sean Summers]

FYI ... if you are looking for dumbbells then you should try to get a complete set. I didn't and had to go purchase separates - you'll never find them on Kijiji so you'll pay top dollar. When searching use "dumbbell" and also the incorrectly spelled "dumbell".

Watch the prices too. Kijiji isn't always the best. I've seen Olympic plates cheaper at some stores. And these guys selling the 300 lbs and a bar are smoking crack - they are asking too much.

[Frostbite]

Checking for incorrect spelling is a good idea. The ad will have very few views. The ad will sit there for a lot longer and you will have a higher chance of negotiating a lower price.

[Talo]

Instead of getting a full set of Dumbbells , just get Olympic sise handles so you can add weight ( as much as you want ) . Takes up less room and is much cheaper.

Just my .02

[#8]

^^ I used to have this method at home and it works well but is a PAIN IN THE ASS sometimes. Its worth it in my opinion to just get a weight set. Constantly switching plates on the handles is really annoying and time consuming. If it were me I would for sure spend the extra cash to have the set and switch much more quickly. After all, a home gym is about the ultimate in CONVENIENCE anyway, so spend a bit more and youll be glad you did.

[natenator]

^^ I used to have this method at home and it works well but is a PAIN IN THE ASS sometimes. Its worth it in my opinion to just get a weight set. Constantly switching plates on the handles is really annoying and time consuming. If it were me I would for sure spend the extra cash to have the set and switch much more quickly. After all, a home gym is about the ultimate in CONVENIENCE anyway, so spend a bit more and youll be glad you did.

Says the guy who buys flavouring for pre-workout mix based on whats cheapest and not necessarily the best or what tastes better ;)

[#8]

^^ Im just saying Ive been there and done that. I said "If I had the money", which Im not sure if you do or not, I would do it. If you dont wanna spend the extra cash then dont, but this thread is about home gym suggestions and I thought I would add my help seeing as I used to own a fair amount of equipment but sold it all when I moved away to university.

Switching the plates on the handles isnt a huge deal, but after a while it becomes quite annoying in my opinion, and in an effort to fit on enough plates I ended up cracking the grips from tightening them too much.

Im definitely tight for cash right now, but I buy the best that I can afford. Sometimes its worth it to spend more, sometimes not. If I were you I would buy a weight set.

You only need to go up to 50lbs in dumbbells anyway right? Or are you finally pressing 55's?

:)

[Talo]

I know for me it's more about space than money.