As a middle-aged mom of three energetic kids, finding time to hit the gym has become a distant dream. Between school runs, meal prep, and the never-ending pile of laundry, my own fitness has taken a backseat for far too long. But recently, I’ve decided it’s time to prioritize my health and set a positive example for my little ones. The solution? Creating a home gym that fits seamlessly into our busy family life.
After countless late-night research sessions (because let’s face it, that’s when us moms get our “me time”), I’ve discovered a world of online fitness equipment stores that cater to every need and budget.
Whether you’re a fitness newbie like me or a seasoned gym-goer looking to bring the workout home, these nine online stores offer everything from basic dumbbells to high-tech treadmills.
1. Rep Fitness (repfitness.com)
Rep Fitness is a family-owned business founded in 2012 that specializes in high-quality, affordable home gym equipment. They offer a wide range of strength training and cardio equipment, including power racks, barbells, benches, dumbbells, and more. Rep Fitness has gained popularity among home gym enthusiasts for their innovative designs and competitive pricing.
Pros
- Affordable pricing compared to many competitors
- Free shipping on most orders
- High-quality products that often win industry awards
- Excellent customer service
- Frequent new product releases and innovations
- 30-day return policy
- Financing options available
Cons
- Some products may have longer lead times due to high demand
- Not all products are made in the USA
- Limited cardio equipment selection compared to strength equipment
2. Muscle Wellness Market
Muscle Wellness Market is an online fitness store based in the US that specializes in selling a wide range of fitness and wellness products. They offer various types of equipment and gear for personal home gyms, including apparel, bodyweight equipment, conditioning tools, gym accessories, strength equipment, and support gear. The company aims to help people exercise more effectively and achieve their fitness goals.
Pros
- Free standard shipping on all orders, regardless of order size
- Wide variety of fitness products catering to different needs and preferences
- 60-day return policy, which is longer than many competitors
- All orders come with tracking information for easy order monitoring
- Focuses on providing equipment for personal home gyms, which is particularly relevant in the current market
- Offers a user-friendly online shopping experience with categorized products
Cons
- Refunds are only provided for products with functional defects, not for changes of mind
- Customers are responsible for return shipping costs, which are non-refundable
- Some items, such as custom-made products and certain health and personal care items, are non-returnable
- Limited information available about the company’s history or reputation
- Potential for import duties and taxes on international orders, which are the customer’s responsibility
- No responsibility taken for items lost or damaged in transit, which may be a concern for some customers
3. Life Fitness (lifefitness.com)
Life Fitness is a well-established American fitness company founded in 1977, specializing in commercial-grade cardio and strength training equipment. They are known for producing high-end, durable machines found in many gyms and fitness centers worldwide. Life Fitness also offers home versions of their popular commercial equipment.
Pros
- Commercial-grade quality and durability
- Wide range of cardio equipment options
- Innovative features like integrated entertainment systems
- Excellent warranties on most products
- Financing options available
- Global presence with strong brand recognition
Cons
- Generally higher prices compared to many home gym equipment brands
- Shipping costs may be significant for large items
- Some products may be too large or advanced for typical home use
- Website can be less user-friendly for direct consumer purchases
4. Perform Better (performbetter.com)
Perform Better is a UK-based company specializing in functional training equipment and gym equipment for professional sports teams, fitness facilities, and home gyms. Founded in 2007, they have grown to become a significant player in the fitness equipment industry, offering a wide range of products from strength and conditioning equipment to physiotherapy tools.
Pros
- Extensive product range, including specialized equipment for professional athletes and teams
- Partnerships with high-profile brands like Catapult Sports, ForceDecks, and Microgate
- Offers gym design services using 3D software
- Provides installation services for large-scale projects
- Strong reputation with prestigious clients, including major football clubs and national sports centers
- Dedicated catalogs for different product categories (e.g., strength, flooring, physiotherapy)
Cons
- Primarily focused on the UK market, which may limit international shipping options
- May be more oriented towards professional and commercial clients rather than individual home users
- Website appears to be more focused on B2B sales rather than direct-to-consumer
5. Bowflex (bowflex.com)
Bowflex is an American fitness equipment brand owned by Nautilus, Inc. (recently renamed to Bowflex, Inc.). They specialize in home fitness equipment, including their signature Bowflex home gyms, as well as cardio machines, adjustable dumbbells, and other strength training products.
Pros
- Wide range of home fitness equipment suitable for various fitness levels
- Innovative designs, such as their power rod technology and adjustable dumbbells
- Offers both strength training and cardio equipment
- Many products feature compact designs ideal for home use
- Free shipping on select products
- Financing options available
- 6-week money-back guarantee on most products
- JRNY adaptive fitness platform integration with some products
Cons
- Generally higher prices compared to some competitors
- Some users report inconsistent power rod tension in home gym models
- Limited effectiveness for professional bodybuilders or powerlifters due to resistance limitations
- Extra cost required to upgrade weight on some models
- Some products may have longer lead times due to high demand
- Assembly can be challenging for some users, though in-home assembly service is available for an additional fee
6. Fitness Factory (fitnessfactory.com)
Fitness Factory is an established retailer of commercial and home gym equipment, offering a wide range of products from various brands. They carry everything from free weights to cardio machines and complete gym setups. The company has been in business for over 30 years and operates both online and through physical retail locations.
Pros
- Wide selection: Fitness Factory offers equipment from multiple brands, giving customers more options to choose from.
- Physical stores: In addition to their online presence, they have retail locations where customers can see and try equipment in person.
- Commercial and residential options: They cater to both home gym enthusiasts and commercial gym owners.
- Established reputation: With over three decades in the business, they have a long-standing reputation in the fitness industry.
Cons
- Higher prices: Due to carrying name-brand equipment, prices may be higher compared to budget-focused retailers.
- Potentially overwhelming selection: The vast array of options might be confusing for beginners.
7. Fitness Factory Outlet (fitnessfactoryoutlet.com)
Fitness Factory Outlet is an online store that specializes in home and gym fitness equipment. They focus on offering products from specific brands, particularly Powertec and Body-Solid, providing a curated selection of high-quality fitness gear.
Pros
- Specializes in equipment from reputable brands like Powertec and Body-Solid
- Offers free shipping on all items, which can result in significant savings on large equipment
- Provides instant discounts, potentially offering better prices than some competitors
- Uses SSL encryption for secure online transactions
- Showcases specific product lines, making it easier for customers to find equipment from their preferred brands
Cons
- More limited brand selection compared to some other retailers
- Focus on specific brands may not suit customers looking for a wider variety of options
8. Strength Warehouse USA (strengthwarehouseusa.com)
Strength Warehouse USA is an online retailer specializing in gym equipment for both home and commercial use. Founded by a fitness enthusiast with a background in collegiate athletics, the company aims to fill a gap in customer service within the fitness equipment industry. They offer a wide range of products, from basic items like stretch bands to more complex equipment such as power racks.
Pros
- Wide variety of gym equipment for different needs and preferences
- Strong focus on customer service and support
- Commitment to transparency and reliability in product information and shipping timelines
- Authorized dealer for all products, ensuring manufacturer warranty coverage
- Offers resources and guidance for setting up home gyms or commercial facilities
- Positive customer reviews, with over 1,400 testimonials available
Cons
- Some customers have reported delays in shipping, though the company aims to be proactive in communication about such issues
- Limited information available about shipping policies or return processes
9. Torque Fitness (torquefitness.com)
Torque Fitness is a manufacturer and retailer of high-quality fitness equipment, specializing in functional and strength training solutions. Founded by industry veterans with experience dating back to 1979, the company focuses on innovation and creating products that meet diverse customer needs. They offer a range of equipment including functional trainers, TANK™ push sleds, and storage solutions.
Pros
- Innovative product designs, such as the fold-away F9 Functional Trainer
- High-quality, durable equipment built to last
- Offers free gym design services for home and commercial spaces
- Strong focus on customer satisfaction and support
- Provides detailed product information and customer reviews on their website
- Competitive pricing with occasional promotions and discounts
Cons
- Some products may have longer lead times (up to 2 months for certain items)
- Limited selection compared to larger retailers, as they focus on their own branded equipment
- Some customers have reported minor issues with assembly instructions or small parts
