The Difference Between Investing in Commercial Grade Fitness Equipment Versus Buying Gym Equipment from a Retail Store

One of the most common questions we get is “how come your equipment is so expensive?” This question is typically followed up by noting a treadmill could be purchased at Dicks Sporting Goods or another retailer for a fraction of the price. 

It’s true you can buy decent fitness equipment from retailers like Dicks, Walmart, Sears, even Amazon for a small price tag. But before you take the plunge on that purchase, ask yourself what are you getting for your money?

The Math on Commercial Gym Equipment

Like anything else, when you buy cheap, you get a low-quality product in return. Similar to the idea of buying cheap clothing versus investing in a high-quality label, you can own something that will last you maybe a year or two versus something that will last you a lifetime. 

When you break down the cost of repairing a cheaply made product repeatedly every couple of years, versus a one-time investment in a high-quality product, the high-quality purchase will win every time. It’s important to think of this for what it is – an investment. You are not simply purchasing a treadmill or functional trainer, you are investing in a home gym. 

In fact, this investment can pay for itself in as little as 2-5 years when you compare the costs of boutique gyms such as CrossFit or Orange Theory Fitness, which can cost upwards of $100 a month, or NYSC or LA Fitness gyms which can run anywhere from $50-75 a month. Sure, you can buy a treadmill for $400, and consider it paid in a much shorter amount of time, but if you have to replace that treadmill every 2 years, over the course of 20 years, you’ll likely spend over $4,000 replacing the treadmill over the years, and that doesn’t take into account price inflation. 

Instead, buying a commercial treadmill such as the SportsArt T615 Foundation Treadmill for $3,295 you’ll have saved at least $800. Keep in mind that this is under the assumption that the commercial-grade equipment will only last you 20 years. In many cases, you can consider this to be a lifetime purchase, lasting 25, even 30 years. Remember – you get what you pay for!

Commercial Equipment is More Durable

We’ve already mentioned that commercial gym equipment will last longer, but now well address why.  In short, commercial gym equipment is far more durable than traditional home units. Commercial units are generally designed for gyms, that are open 18-24 hours a day, which means they are designed for around the clock constant usage. 

These gym machines are made with much higher quality material and are built to be extremely durable. They can withstand much more wear and tear and are built to withstand dozens of different runners per day for hours a day for years and years. If you were to bring a commercial fitness machine into your home, you would be hard-pressed to do any significant damage to the machine or have to ever replace it for tens of years.

Commercial Gym Equipment is More Comfortable

This one surprises many of our customers, but it’s true! Comfort is essential while working, which is why so much effort goes into the design of commercial fitness equipment.

Commercial gym equipment is more comfortable when compared to home fitness equipment. However, what deceives people is the fact that home fitness equipment tends to look more appealing, while commercial equipment looks bulky and is heavier. While commercial gym equipment may not be as attractive, it’s due to the increased comfort and durability found in these machines. In our opinion, this is a small sacrifice for a huge reward. 

Contact Us Today to Schedule An Appointment With a Gym Consultant

We know that designing a home gym or even shopping for a single piece of equipment can be overwhelming. That’s why we have professional gym consultants on staff that can help you find the best fitness equipment for your home gym. 

From choosing fitness equipment to configuring the gym to work in your allotted space our gym consultants will help you every step of the way. They are knowledgeable on all of the pieces of equipment we sell at Expert Fitness Supply and if something isn’t available they can help you find a suitable substitute.