9 Best Online Stores for Exercise Equipment

Finding the right fitness equipment can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options available online. Whether you're setting up a home gym, looking to upgrade your current setup, or outfitting a commercial space, choosing the right retailer is crucial. 

In this article, we will explore the nine best fitness equipment online stores that offer a wide range of products, competitive prices, and exceptional customer service. From specialized equipment for functional fitness enthusiasts to comprehensive selections for traditional gym setups, these stores cater to all your fitness needs.

1. Muscle Wellness Market

Muscle Wellness Market is a premier online fitness gear store specializing in equipment for home gyms. Founded by two brothers, Jared and Aron, the company aims to provide high-quality fitness equipment and recovery products for athletes, sports teams, and fitness enthusiasts training at home. The store offers a wide range of products, including weight training equipment, resistance bands, foam rollers, and specialized items like the NeuroRepair Whole Body EMS Massager.

Pros

1. Extensive product range: Muscle Wellness Market offers a comprehensive selection of fitness equipment suitable for both beginners and seasoned athletes.
2. Free shipping: The company provides free shipping on all orders worldwide, making it convenient for customers to purchase without additional costs.
3. Lowest price guarantee: Muscle Wellness Market ensures competitive pricing, guaranteeing the lowest prices for their products.
4. Expert knowledge: Founded by certified personal trainers, the company brings industry expertise to product selection and customer support.
5. Customer-centric approach: The team prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering personalized assistance throughout the purchasing process.
6. Secure online ordering: The website features an active SSL certificate, ensuring the protection of sensitive payment and personal information.
7. Quality assurance: The owners carefully select products from top brands with proven track records for excellence.
8. Positive customer reviews: Many customers report high satisfaction with both the products and customer service.

Cons

1. Limited physical presence: As an online-only store, customers cannot physically test products before purchasing.
2. Potential for overwhelm: The extensive product range might be overwhelming for some customers, especially beginners.
3. Shipping times: While shipping is free, delivery times may vary depending on the customer's location.
4. Niche focus: The store's specialization in home gym equipment might not cater to all fitness enthusiasts, particularly those looking for outdoor or commercial gym equipment.

2. EliteFTS (elitefts.com)

EliteFTS, co-founded by Traci and Dave Tate in 1998, is a premier online store specializing in strength training equipment and educational resources. The company was born out of a desire to provide high-quality training advice and equipment to athletes and coaches. EliteFTS differentiates itself through its commitment to education, offering a vast inventory of free strength training-related information, including articles, Q&As, and videos. The company has grown significantly, serving nearly one million customers and expanding its product offerings to over 22,000 items. EliteFTS also hosts various seminars and events to further support the strength training community.

Pros:

• Extensive Educational Resources: EliteFTS offers a wealth of free educational content, including articles, Q&As, and videos, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced athletes.
• High-Quality Products: The store provides top-of-the-line strength training equipment and accessories, trusted by professional sports teams and fitness enthusiasts alike.
• Community Engagement: EliteFTS hosts numerous seminars and events, such as the Sports Performance Summit and Strong(er) Business Summit, fostering a strong sense of community and continuous learning.
• Customer Focus: The company emphasizes customer feedback and strives to meet the diverse needs of its clientele, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Niche Market: EliteFTS primarily focuses on strength training equipment, which may not cater to individuals looking for a broader range of fitness products.
• Premium Pricing: Given the high quality of its products and educational resources, EliteFTS' offerings may be priced higher than those of some competitors, potentially limiting accessibility for budget-conscious customers.

3. Top Fitness Store (topfitness.com)

Top Fitness Store is a leading retailer of exercise equipment for home gyms, offering a wide range of products including treadmills, ellipticals, strength machines, and more. The store carries top-rated brands such as Precor, True, Inspire, Octane, and Waterrower. Top Fitness Store aims to provide a comprehensive shopping experience, both online and in physical locations, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist customers in finding the perfect fitness equipment for their needs. The store is known for its excellent customer service and extensive product selection, making it a go-to destination for home gym enthusiasts.

Pros:

• Wide Product Range: Top Fitness Store offers a diverse selection of fitness equipment, catering to various fitness levels and preferences, from beginners to advanced athletes.
• Top-Rated Brands: The store features high-quality products from reputable brands, ensuring durability and performance.
• Excellent Customer Service: Numerous customer reviews highlight the store's knowledgeable and helpful staff, who provide personalized recommendations and support.
• Convenient Shopping Options: Customers can shop online or visit physical store locations to view and test equipment in person, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Cons:

• Price Point: Some customers may find the prices of premium brands to be higher compared to other retailers, which could be a consideration for those on a budget.
• Limited Focus: While Top Fitness Store excels in providing home gym equipment, it may not offer as extensive a range of other fitness-related products, such as apparel or nutritional supplements.

4. American Barbell (americanbarbell.com)

American Barbell is a premium fitness equipment manufacturer and retailer based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded in 1978, they have over 45 years of experience in the industry. The company specializes in high-quality barbells, weight plates, and strength training equipment for commercial gyms, colleges, military facilities, and home users. American Barbell is known for its innovation, having introduced several industry firsts, including the first hard chrome Olympic bar in 1998.

Pros:

• Extensive experience and reputation for quality
• Wide range of products, from barbells to complete gym solutions
• Innovative designs and patented technologies
• Made in USA manufacturing for many products
• Collaborations with professional sports teams and military
• Excellent customer service and support

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to budget brands
• Limited selection of cardio equipment
• Some customers report occasional shipping delays
• May only publish positive reviews on their website

5. Major Lutie (major-lutie.com)

Major Lutie, also known as Major Fitness, is a relatively new player in the fitness equipment market, having started in 2020. They focus on providing affordable, multi-functional strength training equipment, particularly power racks and Smith machines with integrated cable systems. Their product line is designed to offer comprehensive home gym solutions at competitive prices.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly pricing for all-in-one gym solutions
• Multi-functional designs that save space
• Includes many attachments and accessories with base models
• Free shipping on most products
• Decent weight capacities for the price point

Cons:

• Limited brand history and reputation
• Some users report issues with assembly instructions
• Customer service may have slower response times
• Quality control can be inconsistent, with some reports of damaged items upon delivery
• Limited product range compared to more established brands

6. Perform Better (performbetter.com)

Perform Better is a well-established online retailer specializing in functional training and rehabilitation equipment. They are known for offering high-quality fitness gear, training information, and educational seminars. The company caters to both professionals and individual fitness enthusiasts, providing a wide range of functional training equipment.

Pros

1. Expertise: Perform Better is recognized as an expert in functional training and rehabilitation equipment.
2. Product range: They offer a comprehensive selection of functional training gear and gym equipment.
3. Educational resources: The company provides training information and seminars, adding value beyond just equipment sales.
4. Customer satisfaction: Perform Better has a 4-star rating on Trustpilot, indicating generally positive customer experiences.
5. Catalog accessibility: They offer an interactive digital catalog, making it easy for customers to browse products.

Cons

1. Technical knowledge required: Some customers may find the specialized nature of the equipment overwhelming without proper guidance.
2. Pricing: High-quality functional training equipment can be more expensive compared to basic fitness gear.
3. Limited focus: The store primarily focuses on functional training, which may not cater to all fitness equipment needs.

7. Fitness Factory (fitnessfactory.com)

Fitness Factory is a large online retailer of commercial and home gym equipment. They offer a wide range of fitness products, including free weights, cardio machines, and strength training equipment. The company has been in business for over 30 years and operates both online and through physical retail locations.

Pros

1. Wide product range: Fitness Factory offers an extensive collection of fitness equipment for both commercial and home use.
2. Competitive pricing: They often have competitive prices, including deals and closeout offers.
3. Brand variety: The store carries multiple well-known fitness equipment brands.
4. Physical locations: In addition to their online store, they have physical retail locations, allowing customers to see products in person.
5. Experience: With over three decades in the business, they have established credibility in the fitness equipment market.

Cons

1. Mixed customer reviews: While some customers report positive experiences, others have reported issues with customer service and order fulfillment.
2. Shipping costs: For heavy equipment, shipping costs can be significant, especially for customers not local to their physical stores.
3. Stock availability: Some popular items may be out of stock or have long wait times, particularly during peak seasons.

8. The Fitness Store (thefitnessstore.com)

The Fitness Store is a full-service fitness equipment retailer based in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Founded in 1993, they specialize in providing high-quality cardio and weight training equipment for both home and commercial use. The company prides itself on offering excellent customer service and expert knowledge in the fitness industry.

Pros:

• Wide selection of premium fitness equipment brands
• Knowledgeable staff with extensive industry experience
• Offers both in-store and online shopping options
• Provides equipment servicing and repairs
• 30-year track record in the fitness industry
• BBB accredited business since 2022

Cons:

• Limited geographical reach (primarily serves Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula)
• Some customers have reported issues with order delays and communication during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Does not service or repair discount store or big box store fitness equipment
• Limited inventory of bicycles in recent years due to supply chain issues

9. FringeSport (fringesport.com)

FringeSport is an Austin, Texas-based company that specializes in providing equipment for garage gyms and functional fitness enthusiasts. Founded with a focus on the CrossFit and home gym markets, FringeSport offers a curated selection of high-quality strength and conditioning equipment.

Pros:

• Specializes in garage gym and functional fitness equipment
• Offers free shipping on many items
• 365-day "no drama" return policy for unused products
• Known for excellent customer service and responsiveness
• Active engagement with the fitness community, including presence on social media and Reddit
• Provides detailed product information and educational content

Cons:

• Some customers have reported issues with product quality control
• Limited selection compared to larger fitness retailers
• Higher prices on some items compared to budget-friendly alternatives
• Occasional shipping delays or packaging issues reported by customers
• Some users find the bench padding too soft for maximum stability during heavy lifts