Profil: RandallOliver

Alright, real talk — I’m trying to outfit a gym space without torching my wallet, and I keep seeing ads for used commercial gym equipment. Prices are tempting, but I’m low-key nervous about getting stuck with a busted treadmill or a barbell bent like a banana.

So I wanted to ask:

👉 Is buying used gym equipment actually a good move?
👉 Where did you guys buy yours — and was it worth it?

Here’s what I’ve figured out so far from a couple weeks of deep-diving into forums and supplier sites:

💼 Why Used Gym Equipment Can Be a Smart Move
✅ Price is unbeatable – Like, sometimes 50–70% cheaper than new. You can get a $5,000 treadmill for under $2,000 if it’s been well maintained.
✅ Commercial gear lasts forever – These machines are built to survive hundreds of workouts a week. Even older ones hold up if they’ve been serviced right.
✅ Faster delivery – In-stock used stuff usually ships faster than custom new orders.

🚩 But There Are Risks
⚠️ No warranty = no chill – If there’s no return policy or warranty, you’re basically buying blind.
⚠️ Hidden wear/tear – I’ve seen machines that look fine in pics but show rust, faulty wiring, or janky moving parts once delivered.
⚠️ Missing parts – Don’t assume you’re getting a full set of cables, attachments, etc. Always check the list.

🛒 Where People Are Buying Used Gear
UsedGymEquipment.com – Solid inventory, global shipping, but higher prices than others.

Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist – Deals everywhere, but a lot of junk too. Buyer beware.

NtaiFitness Refurb Zone – Found out they’ve got a refurbished commercial line with 1-year warranties, which is rare. Worth checking out if you want used + support.

Play It Again Sports – Good for smaller stuff like benches, dumbbells, etc.

✅ My Plan (Open to Feedback)
I’m thinking of getting used for racks, dumbbells, and benches — stuff that doesn’t break down easily — and going new for anything with electronics (like treadmills and bikes). Maybe go through NtaiFitness for both, since they do bundles and even leasing if needed.

💬 Have you bought used before?
What went right (or horribly wrong)?
Got a supplier you trust?
Would love to hear about it before I drop cash on gear.

Practical and Curious

Top stuff, cheers for this!
I never knew stride length made such a difference—explains why my Fitbit said 4.2 miles when I hit 10,000 steps last week.
I’m in London and usually get my steps in by walking to work through Hyde Park.
Bank Holiday’s tricky, though, with shops and gyms on weird hours, so I might try your canal route idea.
How do you track your steps accurately if your phone’s playing up?
Anyone got a reliable budget tracker they’d recommend?

Bank Holiday Monday’s coming up, and I’m proper stressing about whether I can get my gym session in.
Is PureGym open on bank holidays like Memorial Day?
What about Everlast or JD Gyms, especially the one in Salford?
And does The Gym Group keep its doors open?
I don’t want to trek all the way to the gym only to find it shut or closing early.
Here’s what I’ve sussed out about these gyms’ hours for Memorial Day (26 May 2025), plus some tips to keep your fitness game strong over the holiday.  

Last Bank Holiday, I fancied a quick session at my local PureGym in Manchester, but I didn’t check the hours.
Big mistake—turned up at 3 p.m. to find it closed at noon!
I was gutted, especially since I’d skipped a mate’s barbecue to lift some weights.
This time, I’ve done my homework to avoid another faff.  

What I Found About Gym Hours on Bank Holiday Monday  

PureGym: Most PureGyms are open on bank holidays, but hours can be a bit different.
Expect something like 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., though some might close earlier or not open at all.
Check your local gym’s page on their website or app for the exact times.  

Everlast Gyms: These tend to stay open on holidays, but hours vary by location.
Some might run 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., so it’s worth ringing up or checking their socials.  

JD Gyms: JD Gyms usually keep their doors open on bank holidays, but they might close early, like 2 p.m. or 4 p.m.
The Salford branch is likely to follow suit—check their website for specifics.  

The Gym Group: Most of their clubs are open, but they might have shorter hours, say 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Some locations closed for a bit during the Queen’s funeral in 2022, so it’s best to double-check.  

Tips to Smash Your Bank Holiday Workout

Here’s how I’m planning to stay on top of my fitness this Memorial Day:  
Ring Ahead or Check Online: Don’t just rock up—check your gym’s app or website for holiday hours.
I’ve been caught out before, and it’s proper annoying.  

Get in Early: Gyms can get chock-a-block before they shut early.
I’m aiming for a 7 a.m. session to nab a treadmill and still have time for a post-workout brekkie.  

Look for Deals: PureGym sometimes does cracking bank holiday promos, like a free day pass.
Last August, I got a mate in for free, and we had a laugh smashing a HIIT class together.  

Backup Plan: If the gym’s shut, I’ll do a bodyweight session at home.
Press-ups, squats, and a few burpees in the garden keep me ticking over.

A Quick Anecdote

Last May Bank Holiday, I was dead set on hitting JD Gyms in Salford for a leg day.
I’d been looking forward to smashing some heavy squats all week.
Got there at 2 p.m., and the shutters were down—closed at 1 p.m.!
I ended up jogging round the park instead, which wasn’t half bad, but I missed the buzz of the gym.
This year, I’m checking the hours first and planning a morning session so I can still join mates for a pint later.  

What’s your plan for staying fit this Bank Holiday?
Anyone got the lowdown on PureGym, Everlast, JD Gyms, or The Gym Group hours in their area?
Share your tips or stories below—I’m all ears for how you balance a holiday with a proper workout!

Crunch Fitness Saved My Memorial Day!  

Love this thread!
I’m a Crunch member in Miami, and they’ve been open on Memorial Day the past two years.
Hours were shorter, though—think 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

I checked their app the day before, which saved me from showing up to a closed gym.  
Quick Story: Last year, I squeezed in a spin class at Crunch before they closed.

The energy in the room was awesome—everyone was pumped for the holiday weekend.
If Crunch is closed in your area, try their on-demand workout videos.

I used one for a quick cardio session on my patio when I was traveling.
What’s everyone’s go-to holiday workout when the gym’s schedule is weird?

Hey everyone! Great question about finding quality home gym gear on a budget! It's definitely a balancing act between getting good stuff that lasts and not emptying your wallet. Personally, I've had good luck combining a few different strategies.

I keep an eye out for sales at online retailers like Ntaifitness or Rogue Fitness (they have good quality stuff, but it can be pricey, so sales are KEY!). Also, don't underestimate the power of local fitness stores.

Sometimes you can find hidden gems or floor models at a discount. And definitely check out the second-hand market! Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can be goldmines for used equipment.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/fitnessgymequipment

Just make sure you inspect the items carefully before you buy to ensure they're in good working condition.

Anyone else have any specific recommendations for brands or retailers that offer good value? I'm always looking for new places to check out! Let's share the wealth!

Hey everyone, great topic! It's cool to see what everyone thinks is the best back exercise. I totally get the love for deadlifts.

They work everything, and it feels awesome to lift heavy. They definitely helped me build a base of strength in my back when I started lifting.

But, I think there are other exercises that can be just as good, especially if you're looking for something specific. For me, the #1 Back Move is Weighted Pull-Ups

I really feel them in my lats, and they've helped me build a lot of width. Plus, they work your biceps and grip too! My Close Second is Bent-Over Rows.

These are great for hitting the mid-back and building overall thickness. For me, Overrated might be Lat Pulldowns. https://www.ntaifitness.com/en/back-machine

They're okay, but I just don't feel like they're as effective as pull-ups. I also think Face Pulls are super underrated.  

They're really important for shoulder health and posture, especially if you sit at a desk all day. They also help with upper back strength.

So yeah, that's my take! What does everyone else think? I am eager to hear you all's response.

Alright gym fam, let's get real about this leg press myth. I'm seeing too many people falling for the "spot reduction" trap, and it's time to set the record straight with some cold, hard facts.

This article hits the nail on the head: leg presses are phenomenal for building lower body strength and sculpting those quads, hamstrings, and glutes, but they are NOT a magical solution for melting away belly fat.

Anyone telling you otherwise is selling you a dream – and probably a bad supplement while they're at it.

The explanation laid out here is spot-on. Spot reduction is a flat-out lie. Your body doesn't selectively burn fat from the area you're working; it's a systemic process fueled by a calorie deficit.

You can grind out leg presses until the cows come home, but if you're not eating in a deficit, you're not losing fat – period.

This isn't to say that leg presses are useless for fat loss, though. Building muscle, especially in large muscle groups like the legs, increases your overall metabolic rate.

This means you'll burn more calories at rest, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit in the long run.

So, keep hitting those leg presses, but understand that they're just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

The real key to losing belly fat, as the article correctly points out, is a holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, full-body workouts, muscle building, and recovery.

You need to dial in your diet, track your macros, prioritize protein, and ditch the processed junk. You need to incorporate compound exercises like squats and deadlifts to maximize muscle growth and calorie burn.

And you need to prioritize sleep and stress management to keep cortisol levels in check. Ignoring any one of these factors will significantly hinder your progress.

It's not about finding a quick fix or a magic exercise; it's about building sustainable habits that support your overall health and fitness goals.

So, let's kill this myth once and for all. Leg presses are fantastic for building leg strength and muscle, but they won't directly burn belly fat.

Focus on a comprehensive approach to fat loss, and you'll see the results you're looking for. Keep grinding, keep learning, and keep spreading the truth. 💪