Why Cheap Gym Equipment Actually Costs You More

At a glance, you might think cheap gym equipment is the smart, budget-friendly move.

But is it really?

Or is it a trap in disguise—a conspiracy designed to get your money, but keep you stuck?

You buy more and more junk to step your toes into the fitness game, but actually, never experiencing the real deal.

What hidden costs come with cheap equipment? And how do you even know what you’re buying is reliable?

Let’s break it down into 5 key topics to help you dodge the trap of cheap gym equipment and actually get your money’s worth.

Where You Can Get Away with Cheap

Not all cheap equipment is bad. There are places where it’s perfectly fine to save a few bucks. Here’s where you can safely cut some costs:

1. Free Weights:
   For some people, a pound is a pound. You just need to pick it up, put it back down, and stash it away when you're done. No need to buy the most expensive calibrated plates unless you’re competing.

2. Flooring:
   Great flooring can be very inexpensive, and it shouldn’t eat up a huge portion of your budget. Just don’t go full trash-tier foam tiles—invest in relatively thick rubber mats, and you’ll be set.

3. Cable Attachments & Accessories:
   Basic cable attachments and fitness accessories are usually quite affordable and add variety to your workouts. Get a bunch of these rather than investing in full-blown machines at first.

4. Selectorized Machines For A Home Gym
   For home gym owners who love a good weight stack station, you can go for the cheaper end of this market, as they are usually designed for commercial settings. You can save a few thousand dollars on heavy equipment like this, and still have a great machine in your home gym that will last years of personal use.

Pro Tip: Specialty, or more expensive items like urethane dumbbells, urethane plates, and custom Joe Rogan kettlebells have their place—but if that’s not for you, skip the premium stuff. You’ll still get great results without going broke from this category.

Related Article: Beginner Gym Equipment Buying Guide

Where You Should Absolutely Not Go Cheap

Some equipment just isn’t worth skimping on. Here’s where going cheap can cost you big time—in money, safety, poor results, and frustration:

1. Weight Bench
   A high-quality bench is worth its weight in gold. You’ll use it for 50% of your workouts, and it serves as the base for most of your other equipment. Cheap benches feel wobbly, unstable, and unsafe.

2. Squat Rack
   Cheap squat racks are a nightmare. A $100 rack from Amazon isn’t going to hold your current max squat, let alone what you’ll hit 12 months from now. They break, warp, and buckle under load. Don’t risk it.

3. Motorized Cardio Equipment
   Cheap treadmills, ellipticals, and stairmills are money pits. A good machine can last decades. A bad one? It’ll break every six months, leaving you calling for repairs until you wish you never bought it. Buy once, cry once.

4. Barbell
   This is the core of your home gym. A high-quality barbell might cost $500 instead of $99, but it’ll last a lifetime. Cheap barbells bend, rust, and snap under heavy weight—not worth it.

5. Functional Trainer & Cable Machines
   Cheap functional trainers have cables that snap, pulleys that jam, and frames that feel like they’ll topple over. Go for mid-range or find a solid rack-mounted cable attachment instead. Commercial gyms should invest more here for the sake of durability and warranties.

Related Article: Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid While Buying Gym Equipment

Hidden Costs of Cheap Equipment

So, what are the hidden costs lurking behind cheap gym equipment? Here’s where it comes back to bite you sooner or later:

1. Build Quality
   Cheap equipment uses low-grade materials and weak steel tubing. Expect poor welds, wobbly frames, and a general lack of stability. That's if it doesnt break in the first months of using it. 

2. Poor Warranty
   When something does inevitably break, the warranty (or lack of one) will matter. Cheap equipment often comes with minimal coverage, leaving you to pay for repairs—or a whole new machine, starting the cycle again. 
   Related Article: Home Vs Commercial Gym Equipment Warranties

3. Lack of Features & Expandability
   Nice equipment is often designed for versatility. Cheap gear? Not so much. Expect limited adjustments, fewer accessory compatibility, and less biomechanical engineering.

4. It’s Ugly
   Cheap gym equipment isn’t winning any beauty contests. Manufacturers cut corners everywhere—including aesthetics. If you want your gym to feel badass and inspiring, you won’t get that with bottom-of-the-barrel designs.

5. Less Investment, Less Use
   When you spend more, you’re psychologically more invested. You’re way more likely to use your equipment and stay consistent. Cheap equipment? Easier to ignore and allow dust or jackets to gather on it.

How to Save on High-Quality Equipment

Okay, enough trashing cheap equipment—let’s talk about how to save on good stuff. Here’s your cheat sheet:

1. Buy Used (Carefully)
   Check the seller, age, condition, and warranty. Be wary of missing parts and poorly refurbished equipment.

2. Buy in Bulk
   The more you buy from one vendor, the more likely you are to get a discount.

3. Time Your Purchase with Holiday Sales
   Gym equipment goes on sale during major holidays. Black Friday and other big sales can offer crazy deals.

4. Work with a Sales Rep
   Sales reps can hook you up with insider discounts and steer you toward the best deals. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a company that offers premium support.

Full Article: How To Save On Great Gym Equipment

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

• Cheap is fine for certain equipment like free weights, flooring, and accessories where the material itself is primarily the entire product.

• Don’t go cheap on your essentials; bench, squat rack, barbell, or motized cardio machines.

• Cheaply made equipment breaks faster, lacks features, and leaves you less committed to your goals, resulting in a lack of results and or broken equipment.

• Spend more if your results matter. Your investment will fuel your commitment, and last much longer with the proper quality. 

Want help planning your gym or finding the best deals? Our team at Select Fitness is ready to help you every step of the way. Chat with us, email us at info@selectfitnessusa.com, or call 888-995-4450.

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