familiarise yourself with the particular niche you are researching such as elliptical trainers

Many factors need to be considered when buying new or second-hand sports equipment including cost, versatility, size and storage.

If you are taking your first steps towards fitness and are nervous about exercising in front of strangers or if you simply don't know if you will find the time in your busy schedule to make it to the gym, then opting for used home fitness equipment is an excellent idea.

Not only can used home equipment be sourced at substantially cheaper prices than you would pay in a sports shop, but the convenience of having it, ready for use at any time of day or night, may well just be the incentive needed to follow through on your good intentions and to achieve your fitness goals.

However, a word of warning before you rush to make your purchase. Make sure when buying second-hand that you are not buying someone else's problem. There may be a reason why it is such a bargain, so:

1. Do your homework first and decide which type of equipment you want to work with. There are lots of websites out there either written by retailers or enthusiasts that have excellent reviews of new equipment. Many include comments on the item's robustness, reliability and the available features. As a rule of thumb the more well known brands tend to survive longest with the least maintenance problems as they have a reputation to maintain.

2. When you have decided, familiarise yourself with the particular niche you are researching such as elliptical trainers, treadmills or step machines and narrow it down to one or two models which sound the most suitable for your circumstances. Then look to see what is out there in the second-hand market and start to compare prices.

3. Don't be afraid to ask if it the seller is aware of any maintenance issues and why they no longer require it.

4. When searching the internet remember too that there is a big difference between equipment labelled 'reconditioned', 're manufactured' and just 'second-hand'. Those in the first category have been repaired so they function OK and have no broken bits, where as the second type have been stripped down to it's separate components before being cleaned, repaired and reassembled. Both should come with some form of warranty.

The third type is just as it says, second-hand and probably sold as seen with no maintenance history or warranty. Remember also, that even 'in date' warranties are often non transferrable to a new owner so buyer beware!

In my experience, it is best to start with an established company who will offer sound, impartial advice and a decent warranty. There are companies like this who specialize in supplying reconditioned equipment of a professional gym standard but with much smaller price tag than buying new.

For more information on how to buy a great piece of pre-owned equipment go to /equipment-reviews/buying-pre-owned-equipment/