Building a garage or home gym can be an awesome experience.
Like Mel Gibson in Braveheart, you are screaming "Freeeeedddooommm" as you break away from not only your membership fees but your commute to the local gym.
You begin to picture the perfect setup - dumbbells here, power rack there, maybe even squeeze in a cardio machine?! You pick the perfect bar and now need the plates to match it. But, to your horror, you realize you have spent every dollar budgeted on all the other equipment (who knew the price of new gym equipment could be so expensive?).
Don't worry, we are here to help you find quality used plates that don't break the bank.
Here are the Top 5 Ways to Find Used Weights for Sale:
1. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
While I'm not entirely sure anyone still uses Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to begin your search.
All jokes aside, both platforms can offer a wide variety of home gym equipment at a more reasonable price when compared to buying new.
When using these sites make sure you try multiple different keywords (not necessarily "used weights for sale") such as the brand you are looking for or what type of equipment you are looking for (weight plates). Don't be afraid to search more broadly for "gym equipment" or "fitness."
Often listings have multiple different pieces of equipment so finding exactly what you are looking for may take a little more of a broad search.
Now is also a great time to check out these sites.
With Covid in the rearview, many people who started a home gym during lockdown are realizing it wasn't what they expected - which means savings for you on your weight plates. Add in a little expert negotiation, and you could save some serious money.
2. eBay
What you get with eBay is the opposite of sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. With eBay, you get more detailed listings and a wider variety - plus, plus right?!
However, the biggest issue here is the shipping price.
As you can imagine, shipping weights is quite expensive. This is something to be aware of when buying plates new as well. The good news is many listings on eBay offer local pickup, so if you see one in your area this could be a great option for your used gym equipment and the weight plates you need in your life fitness journey.
3. A Used Sports Store
These stores are somewhat common, think of places like Play It Again Sports. They offer everything from hockey sticks to golf clubs. They also generally offer a decent size selection of dumbbell sets and weight plates. While certainly cheaper than buying plates brand new, this type of store can tend to be more expensive than buying directly from another person.
When buying at these stores, and in general, make sure the weights are good quality - not chipped or rusted.
If they are, it is not the end of the world, but be sure to not pay top dollar.
4. Ask Around
This can be a gold mine if you find the right situation.
Many gyms, whether commercial, high school, or even college, will update parts or all of their equipment - having nowhere to store the used exercise equipment. Keep an eye out and ask your local gym owner because when they do you can often buy their old equipment at a nice discount.
Oftentimes, equipment like weight plates at these gyms are still in excellent shape, they just may be "out of style" or have some gentle wear and tear.
This is also one of the best ways to build out an entire home gym. Also, be on the lookout for gyms that are closing down - the same idea applies. Finding gyms that are either transitioning equipment or closing can be difficult, but if you are able it can be a great way to get the weight plates you need.
5. Freedom Fitness Equipment
This is what we do!
At Freedom Fitness Equipment we sell new and used gym equipment, including a wide variety of weight plates. Our quality products are offered at a reasonable price and can be the perfect option to complete your home gym.
We offer individual weight plates, weight plate packages, and even full home gym packages. Interested in learning more - check out our options here.
Wrap Up
You are now ready to search near and far for the used weight plates you need for your home gym. Your life fitness journey is important, and we would love to help you in this process so don't hesitate to reach out. For more information on buying used gym equipment - check out one of our other articles here.