The fitness industry has experienced a significant boom in recent years, with more people than ever embracing home workouts and personal fitness journeys. As a result, the demand for high-quality fitness equipment has skyrocketed, and online stores have stepped up to meet this growing need. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, finding the right equipment is crucial to achieving your goals.
In this article, we’ll explore the 9 best fitness equipment online stores that stand out from the crowd. These retailers offer a wide range of products, from basic home gym essentials to specialized equipment for serious enthusiasts.
1. Muscle Wellness Market
Muscle Wellness Market is a premier online store dedicated to fitness and wellness equipment, particularly for those who train at home. Founded by brothers Jared and Aron, both certified personal trainers with extensive experience in the fitness industry, the store aims to provide high-quality exercise tools and recovery products. The company offers a wide range of fitness gear, including strength equipment, conditioning tools, gym accessories, and support gear, all designed to help customers build and maintain their ideal home gym setup.
Pros
- Specialized Focus on Home Gyms: Muscle Wellness Market is tailored specifically for individuals looking to equip their home gyms, offering products that cater to various fitness levels and needs.
- High-Quality Products: The store prides itself on offering top-notch fitness equipment and recovery aids, tested and approved by the founders themselves, ensuring durability and effectiveness.
- Expertise and Customer Support: The team at Muscle Wellness Market includes certified fitness professionals who provide knowledgeable advice and exceptional customer service, helping customers make informed purchasing decisions.
- Free and Fast Shipping: Customers benefit from free shipping on all orders, with a commitment to fast delivery times, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
- Secure Online Ordering: The website features robust security measures, including an active SSL certificate, ensuring that all transactions and personal information are protected.
Cons
- Limited Product Range: While the store offers a wide selection of fitness equipment, it may not have the extensive variety found in larger, more general sporting goods stores.
- Higher Prices: The focus on high-quality, specialized products may result in higher prices compared to mass-market retailers.
- Potential Stock Issues: As a specialized retailer, there may be occasional stock availability issues, particularly for popular items.
- Niche Market: The store’s focus on home gym equipment may not appeal to individuals looking for a broader range of sports and outdoor activity gear.
2. Rogue Fitness (roguefitness.com)
Rogue Fitness is a leading manufacturer and retailer of strength and conditioning equipment. Founded in 2006, the company has grown to become one of the most recognized brands in the fitness industry. Rogue offers a wide range of products including barbells, racks, plates, and accessories for CrossFit, weightlifting, and home gyms. They are known for their high-quality American-made equipment and are the official supplier for the CrossFit Games and other major strength competitions.
Pros:
- Extensive product selection covering all aspects of strength training
- High-quality, durable equipment built to last
- Most products manufactured in the USA
- Excellent customer service and responsive support team
- Detailed product information and specifications on website
- Regular new product releases and innovations
- Lifetime warranty on many products
- Fast shipping and well-packaged items
Cons:
- Higher prices compared to some competitors
- Shipping costs can be expensive, especially for large items
- Some products frequently out of stock due to high demand
- Limited budget-friendly options
- Return policy could be more generous (14 days for unused items)
3. American Barbell (americanbarbell.com)
American Barbell is a manufacturer and retailer specializing in high-end barbells, weight plates, and strength equipment. Founded in 1978, the company has a long history of innovation in the fitness industry. They are known for their precision-engineered barbells and are popular among serious weightlifters and athletes. American Barbell offers a more focused product line compared to Rogue, with an emphasis on premium barbell and plate options.
Pros:
- Exceptional quality barbells with innovative features
- Precision manufacturing and tight quality control
- Extensive experience in the industry (over 45 years)
- Many products made in the USA
- Quieter, smoother-operating barbells due to unique bushing system
- Stainless steel options available for better corrosion resistance
- Knurling patterns praised by many users for grip and feel
- Lifetime warranty on many products
Cons:
- More limited product range compared to Rogue Fitness
- Higher prices, especially for their premium barbell lines
- Website user experience not as polished as some competitors
- Fewer customer reviews available on their website
- Some users report longer shipping times for certain products
- Less frequent product launches and updates compared to Rogue
4. Rep Fitness (repfitness.com)
Rep Fitness is a Colorado-based fitness equipment manufacturer and retailer known for high-quality strength training equipment at competitive prices. They offer a wide range of products including power racks, barbells, benches, dumbbells, and more. Rep Fitness designs many of their own products and has gained popularity among home gym enthusiasts and commercial gym owners alike.
Pros
- High-quality equipment at competitive prices
- Innovative product designs with patented features
- Extensive product range for strength training
- Positive customer reviews and reputation
- Detailed product information and specifications on website
- Multiple showrooms available for in-person shopping
- Frequent new product releases and improvements
Cons
- Limited cardio equipment options (though expanding)
- Some products may have longer lead times due to high demand
- Shipping costs can be high for larger items
- Customer service responsiveness can vary during peak periods
5. Fitness Superstore (fitnesssuperstore.com)
Fitness Superstore specializes in selling remanufactured commercial-grade fitness equipment at significant discounts compared to new retail prices. They offer a wide selection of cardio and strength training machines from top brands like Precor, Life Fitness, and Cybex. Fitness Superstore is known for providing high-end gym equipment to home users at more affordable prices.
Pros
- Significant discounts on commercial-grade equipment (40-70% off retail)
- Wide selection of cardio machines and strength equipment
- Remanufacturing process restores equipment to like-new condition
- All equipment includes warranty coverage
- Positive customer reviews for quality and value
- Knowledgeable sales staff to assist with purchases
- Option for in-store pickup at their California location
Cons
- Limited brand-new equipment options
- Inventory can fluctuate based on available used machines
- Shipping costs may be high for large equipment
- Some customers report occasional issues with refurbished items
- Less emphasis on strength equipment compared to cardio machines
- Fewer cutting-edge or newly released products compared to manufacturers
6. EliteFTS (elitefts.com)
EliteFTS is a well-established online retailer specializing in high-quality strength training equipment and educational resources. Founded in 1998 by powerlifter Dave Tate, the company has built a strong reputation among serious strength athletes and powerlifters. EliteFTS offers a wide range of products, including power racks, barbells, benches, and specialty items for powerlifting and strength training. They also provide extensive educational content through articles, videos, and coaching logs.
Pros
- High-quality, professional-grade equipment trusted by elite athletes and powerlifters
- Extensive selection of specialty strength training gear and accessories
- Strong focus on education with a wealth of free training resources and articles
- Excellent customer service with knowledgeable staff
- Regular sales and discounts on popular items
- Products tested and used by experienced powerlifters and strength athletes
Cons
- Higher prices compared to some budget-friendly alternatives
- Some items may have longer shipping times, especially during peak seasons
- Website navigation can be overwhelming due to the vast amount of content
- Limited options for general fitness or cardio equipment
- Some products may be too specialized for casual gym-goers
7. RitKeep Fitness (ritkeeps.com)
RitKeep Fitness is a newer player in the online fitness equipment market, focusing on providing affordable home gym solutions. They offer a range of strength training equipment, including power racks, smith machines, weight benches, and accessories. RitKeep aims to make quality gym equipment accessible to home users by offering competitive prices and multi-functional designs.
Pros
- Affordable pricing on most products compared to high-end brands
- Multi-functional equipment designs to maximize space efficiency in home gyms
- Free shipping on orders over $150 within the continental US
- 30-day return policy for customer satisfaction
- 2-year limited warranty on most products
- Positive customer reviews for value and functionality
Cons
- Less established brand compared to industry leaders
- Limited selection compared to larger retailers
- Some users report occasional quality control issues
- Customer service may not be as robust as more established companies
- Less comprehensive educational content compared to specialized fitness retailers
- Limited availability of high-end or specialized equipment
8. FringeSport (fringesport.com)
FringeSport is a specialized online retailer focused on functional fitness and garage gym equipment. Founded in Austin, Texas, the company has positioned itself as the “official supplier to the garage gym fitness movement”. They offer a curated selection of high-quality strength training and CrossFit-style equipment, including bumper plates, barbells, kettlebells, and rigs.
Pros
- Specialized focus: FringeSport caters specifically to functional fitness enthusiasts and garage gym owners, offering equipment tailored to their needs.
- Quality products: The company emphasizes selling only equipment they personally use and test, ensuring high standards.
- Excellent customer service: FringeSport offers a 365-day guarantee on products and prides itself on quick, no-drama problem-solving.
- Fast shipping: In-stock items are typically shipped the same or next business day.
- Expert advice: Staff members are knowledgeable fitness enthusiasts who can provide expert guidance on equipment selection.
Cons
- Limited product range: As a specialized retailer, FringeSport may not offer the wide variety of sports equipment found in larger stores.
- Potential shipping delays: Some customers have reported issues with backorders and shipping delays.
- Higher prices: Specialized, high-quality equipment may come at a premium compared to more general sporting goods stores.
9. DICK’S Sporting Goods (dickssportinggoods.com)
DICK’S Sporting Goods is one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the United States, offering a wide range of sports equipment, apparel, footwear, and accessories. Founded in 1948, the company has grown to operate over 850 stores nationwide and maintains a strong online presence.
Pros
- Extensive product range: DICK’S offers equipment and gear for nearly all sports and outdoor activities.
- Competitive pricing: As a large retailer, DICK’S can often offer competitive prices and frequent sales.
- Multiple shopping options: Customers can shop online, in-store, or use services like curbside pickup.
- Brand partnerships: DICK’S has strong relationships with major sports brands, often offering exclusive products.
- Omnichannel experience: The company has invested in its e-commerce and mobile platforms, providing a seamless shopping experience across channels.
Cons
- Inconsistent customer service: Some customers have reported negative experiences with in-store service and online order fulfillment.
- Quality concerns: As a mass-market retailer, some products may not meet the standards of specialized fitness equipment.
- Less specialized knowledge: Staff may not have the same level of expertise in specific fitness areas compared to specialized retailers.
- Inventory management issues: Some customers have reported problems with stock availability and pricing discrepancies.