As a busy engineer often burning the midnight oil, I found myself struggling to maintain a consistent fitness routine. The long hours at work made it nearly impossible to attend regular gym classes, and I knew I needed a solution that would fit my hectic schedule. That’s when I decided to create a home gym, allowing me to squeeze in workouts whenever I had a spare moment, be it early morning or late at night.
However, the process of finding and purchasing quality fitness equipment online proved to be a challenge in itself. With countless options available and varying levels of quality and customer service, I spent hours researching to ensure I was making the right choices for my home gym setup.
To save you from the same time-consuming ordeal, I’ve compiled a list of the 9 best fitness equipment online stores based on my extensive research and personal experience.
1. DICK’S Sporting Goods (dickssportinggoods.com)
DICK’S Sporting Goods is a major omnichannel retailer of sporting goods and fitness equipment. Founded in 1948, the company has grown to become one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the United States, with over 850 physical stores and a robust online presence. DICK’S offers a wide range of products across various sports and fitness categories.
Pros
- Extensive Product Range: DICK’S carries equipment for numerous sports and fitness activities, offering customers a one-stop shop for their athletic needs.
- Competitive Pricing: As a large retailer, DICK’S often offers competitive prices and frequent sales events.
- Omnichannel Experience: Customers can shop online, in-store, or use services like curbside pickup, providing flexibility in how they purchase.
- Brand Partnerships: DICK’S has exclusive partnerships with major brands, offering unique products not available elsewhere.
- Loyalty Program: The ScoreCard rewards program allows customers to earn points on purchases, leading to savings for frequent shoppers.
Cons
- Customer Service Inconsistencies: Some customers report issues with customer service, particularly for online orders.
- Shipping Delays: There have been complaints about shipping times and order processing for online purchases.
- Product Availability: Due to the wide range of products, specific items may sometimes be out of stock or unavailable.
- Less Specialized Knowledge: As a general sporting goods retailer, staff may have less specialized knowledge about specific fitness equipment compared to niche retailers.
- Mixed Reviews: While some customers report positive experiences, others have expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of their shopping experience, resulting in lower overall ratings on some review platforms.
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 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 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.
- 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.
3. FringeSport (fringesport.com)
FringeSport is a specialty fitness equipment retailer focused primarily on CrossFit and strength training gear. Founded in 2010, the company has built a reputation for high-quality, durable equipment tailored to serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. FringeSport offers a curated selection of barbells, plates, racks, and other strength training essentials.
Pros
- Specialized Focus: FringeSport excels in CrossFit and strength training equipment, offering expert-level products for these specific niches.
- Quality: The company is known for its high-quality, durable equipment that can withstand intense workouts.
- Customer Service: FringeSport provides excellent customer support, with knowledgeable staff able to assist with equipment selection and technical questions.
- Free Shipping: Most orders over $49 qualify for free shipping within the continental US.
- Garage Gym Builder: FringeSport offers a unique tool to help customers design and equip their home gyms based on available space and budget.
Cons
- Limited Product Range: The focus on strength training means FringeSport has a narrower selection compared to general sporting goods stores.
- Higher Prices: The emphasis on quality often translates to higher prices compared to budget fitness equipment retailers.
- Fewer Physical Locations: With primarily online operations, customers have limited opportunities to see and test equipment in person before purchasing.
4. Fitness Factory (fitnessfactory.com)
Fitness Factory is an online retailer specializing in commercial and home gym equipment. Founded in 1988, the company has grown to become a significant player in the fitness equipment market, offering a wide range of products from free weights to cardio machines and strength training equipment.
Pros
- Extensive Product Range: Fitness Factory offers a comprehensive selection of fitness equipment for both home and commercial use.
- Competitive Pricing: The company often provides competitive prices, sometimes even better than those listed on their website.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Many customers praise the staff for their expertise and helpfulness in selecting appropriate equipment.
- Physical Locations: In addition to their online store, Fitness Factory has physical locations, allowing customers to see and try equipment before purchasing.
- Customer Service: Some customers report excellent experiences with customer service, particularly in handling orders and providing updates.
Cons
- Inconsistent Customer Experience: While some customers report positive experiences, others have faced issues with order fulfillment and communication.
- Shipping Delays: There have been reports of delayed shipments and lack of communication regarding order status.
- Limited Retroactive Policies: The company doesn’t typically honor retroactive sales or promotions, which can be frustrating for some customers.
- Mixed Reviews: Customer experiences vary widely, with some reporting excellent service and others facing significant issues.
5. Perform Better (performbetter.com)
Perform Better is a specialized fitness equipment retailer focusing on functional training equipment and education. The company caters to fitness professionals, athletic trainers, and serious fitness enthusiasts, offering a curated selection of high-quality functional training tools and resources.
Pros
- Specialized Focus: Perform Better excels in functional training equipment, offering a carefully selected range of products tailored to this niche.
- Educational Resources: The company provides extensive educational content, including articles, videos, and seminars, adding value beyond just equipment sales.
- Quality Products: Perform Better is known for offering high-quality, professional-grade equipment.
- Expert Staff: Their team consists of fitness professionals who can provide expert advice on equipment selection and use.
- Innovative Products: They often feature unique or innovative training tools that may not be widely available elsewhere.
Cons
- Limited Product Range: The focus on functional training means their selection may be narrower compared to general fitness equipment retailers.
- Higher Prices: The emphasis on quality and professional-grade equipment often results in higher prices compared to budget retailers.
- Less Suitable for Beginners: The specialized nature of their products may be overwhelming or unnecessary for fitness beginners.
- Fewer Customer Reviews: As a more niche retailer, there may be fewer readily available customer reviews compared to larger, more general fitness equipment stores.
6. Strength Warehouse USA (strengthwarehouseusa.com)
Strength Warehouse USA is an online retailer specializing in strength training and functional fitness equipment. Founded by a fitness enthusiast with nearly two decades of experience in strength training and conditioning, the company aims to provide high-quality equipment and exceptional customer service.
Pros
- Specialized Focus: Strength Warehouse USA excels in offering equipment for strength training and functional fitness, catering to serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- Customer Service: The company prides itself on providing excellent customer support, with knowledgeable staff offering personalized advice on equipment selection.
- Transparency: Strength Warehouse USA emphasizes transparency in product information and shipping timelines.
- Authorized Dealer: As an authorized dealer for all products on their site, each item is backed by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Educational Resources: The company provides informative content about different types of equipment and training methods.
Cons
- Limited Product Range: The focus on strength and functional training equipment may mean a narrower selection compared to general fitness retailers.
- Less Brand Recognition: As a smaller, specialized retailer, Strength Warehouse USA may be less well-known than larger fitness equipment stores.
- Mixed Customer Experiences: While many customers report positive experiences, some have faced issues with order fulfillment and communication.
7. Titan Fitness (titan.fitness)
Titan Fitness is a prominent online retailer of home gym and fitness equipment. The company focuses on providing high-quality fitness gear at competitive prices, with a wide range of products suitable for both home and commercial use.
Pros
- Competitive Pricing: Titan Fitness aims to offer quality equipment at affordable prices, making fitness gear accessible to a wider audience.
- Free Shipping: The company offers free shipping on all orders, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of purchasing heavy fitness equipment.
- Wide Product Range: Titan Fitness provides a comprehensive selection of fitness equipment, from weight training gear to cardio machines.
- Quality Assurance: The company emphasizes the high quality and durability of their products, designed to withstand intense training.
- Positive Reputation: Titan Fitness has garnered praise from various organizations and professional teams for their equipment quality and service.
Cons
- Limited Physical Presence: As primarily an online retailer, customers may have limited opportunities to see and test equipment before purchasing.
- Potential for Shipping Delays: With free shipping on all orders, there may be occasional delays in delivery, especially for larger items.
- Assembly Required: Many products may require self-assembly, which could be challenging for some customers.
8. American Barbell (americanbarbell.com)
American Barbell is a specialized online retailer focusing on high-quality strength training equipment, particularly barbells and weight plates. Founded by industry veterans, the company is known for its precision-engineered products and attention to detail in manufacturing.
Pros
- Quality Products: American Barbell is renowned for producing some of the best barbells on the market, with excellent build quality and attention to detail.
- Specialized Focus: The company excels in strength training equipment, particularly barbells, offering a range of options for different needs and preferences.
- Made in USA: Many of their products are manufactured in the United States, ensuring high quality control standards.
- Innovative Features: American Barbell incorporates unique features in their products, such as recessive welding on barbell sleeves for a smoother experience.
- Customer Service: The company is known for its excellent customer support and helpful staff.
Cons
- Higher Prices: Due to the high quality and specialized nature of their products, American Barbell’s offerings can be more expensive than some competitors.
- Limited Product Range: While they excel in barbells and strength equipment, their selection in other fitness categories may be more limited compared to general fitness retailers.
- Less Brand Recognition: As a specialized retailer, American Barbell may be less well-known than larger, more general fitness equipment stores.
9. Top Fitness Store (topfitness.com)
Top Fitness Store is a general fitness equipment retailer offering a wide range of products for home and commercial gyms. They carry various brands and equipment types, catering to diverse fitness needs.
Pros
- Wide Product Range: Top Fitness Store offers a comprehensive selection of fitness equipment, from cardio machines to strength training gear.
- Multiple Brands: They carry products from various reputable fitness brands, giving customers more options.
- Physical Locations: In addition to their online store, Top Fitness has physical locations, allowing customers to see and try equipment before purchasing.
- Competitive Pricing: As a larger retailer, they often offer competitive prices and frequent sales events.
- Financing Options: Top Fitness Store provides financing options, making larger purchases more accessible.
Cons
- Mixed Customer Reviews: While some customers report positive experiences, overall ratings suggest inconsistent customer satisfaction.
- Less Specialized Knowledge: As a general fitness retailer, staff may have less in-depth knowledge about specific equipment compared to specialized stores.
- Potential for Shipping Delays: Some customers have reported issues with shipping times and order processing for online purchases.
