Imagine this: You’re shopping online for new gym equipment. You’ve got a plan, a strategy, and everything is lining up perfectly. You even found a discount code, and you’re excited to start building your new gym.
But somewhere along the way, things start to fall apart.
What should have been a dream setup turns into a nightmare—you’re stuck with a product you regret buying. It’s already assembled, you tossed the packaging, and the seller won’t take it back. What now?
This situation is the textbook definition of buyer’s remorse. Unlike clothing or electronics you can return easily on Amazon, gym equipment is a serious commitment...
Heavy, often requiring assembly, and hard to return, you need to be confident in your decision before you make it.
That’s where we come in.
Here are 5 tips to avoid buyer’s remorse, so you can make the right choice before you even hit “add to cart.”
Some of the worst cases of buyer’s remorse come from impulse buys during a burst of motivation. You order a whole gym’s worth of equipment only to never use it—turning it into a $1,000 coat rack.
Avoid this trap by planning ahead.
Put together a workout plan before you buy anything.
Set a fitness goal tied to the equipment you’re buying.
Nobody regrets buying something they use every day or on a regular basis. If it has a purpose in your routine, it’ll be worth every penny.
Related Article: Gym Equipment Essentials For Any Fitness Facility
A piece of gym equipment that fits perfectly into your setup feels like magic. But without proper planning, even a great product can go to waste if you don’t have a spot for it—or it ends up clashing with everything else you own.
Here’s what you need to do:
Measure your space and take inventory of the equipment you already have.
Start with the essentials before adding specialty machines, free weights, or cardio equipment.
Work with an expert or map out a detailed plan to ensure every inch of space is used wisely.
Pro Tip: If you’re building a gym from scratch, think about future purchases and leave room for gains.
Related Article: Beginner Gym Equipment Buying Guide
There’s a psychological sting to paying too much—or too little—for gym equipment.
Go too cheap, and you’ll end up with something that feels disposable. When you inevitably stop using it, you won’t feel guilty because it wasn’t much of an investment.
Spend too much, and it can become a daily reminder of how much money you spent on something you barely use. That’s a fast track to regret.
The Sweet Spot:
Set a budget and aim for something slightly above your initial limit. It’ll feel like a quality investment without breaking the bank—and you’ll be more committed to using it because you’ve got skin in the game.
Related Article: How To Get Good Gym Equipment For Cheap
The longer it takes for your equipment to arrive, the more likely you are to lose your excitement and motivation. Unlike Amazon Prime, gym equipment often has extended lead times.
What to expect:
Some equipment takes 4–12 weeks to arrive, especially in high demand.
Communicate with the seller and get a clear timeline before you buy.
Brace yourself for delays and have a backup plan for staying active until your equipment arrives.
Remember: The quicker the time from purchase to delivery, the more likely you’ll stay excited and ready to use your new equipment.
Related Article: Gym Equipment Shipping & Logistics Guide
Some gym equipment does one thing only. That’s fine—if you have a ton of space. But in a home gym, space is always at a premium. The more multi-functional a piece of equipment is, the better value it’ll have.
Why versatility matters:
A multi-purpose piece of equipment makes the most of limited space.
If you outgrow single-use equipment, you’ll have to sell, donate, or toss it to make room.
A piece of equipment that does multiple exercises is simply more satisfying.
Example: Instead of a Nordic curl bench, which does one thing, invest in a functional trainer or a rack-mounted cable system that can be used for dozens of exercises.
Related Article: Understanding The Gym Equipment Supply Chain
Shop around. In the gym equipment world, many brands use the same manufacturers, but prices can vary wildly. The same product might be $500 cheaper just because one brand has a lower margin.
How to compare:
Research multiple brands selling the product you want.
Check reviews and customer service ratings for each seller.
Don’t sacrifice customer support or warranty coverage just to save a few bucks.
Pro Tip: If you’ve made up your mind on a product, do a quick price comparison to avoid post-purchase regret.
Freight shipping can be a frustrating experience if you’re not prepared. This isn’t 2-day delivery—your equipment will travel across the country on a semi-truck with multiple stops along the way.
Here’s how to prepare:
Track your shipment and schedule the delivery once it arrives in your area.
Be present for the delivery and inspect the package for damage before signing off.
If you notice holes in the packaging or signs of damage, take photos and document it immediately.
Mental Preparation: Freight companies are often bad at communication. If you brace for some frustration, you’ll be less likely to panic and more likely to handle it like a pro.
Related Article: Gym Equipment Shipping & Freight Guide
Buyer’s remorse is preventable. If you follow these tips—plan your space, choose the right price, prioritize versatility, and communicate with the seller—you’ll set yourself up for success.
Remember, the best purchases are the ones you actually use.
If you need help choosing the right equipment or planning your gym, our team is ready to help. Chat with us, email info@selectfitnessusa.com, or call 888-995-4450.
Matt Gemkow, the author of this content section at Select Fitness USA, boasts more than 15 years of fitness experience. He started out in sports and athletic training for many years and has since 2014 transitioned into heavy-weight training and bodybuilding. As a result, he has become one of the most experienced fitness equipment experts out there, and a valuable source of information.
