I’m a Certified Cycling Instructor and I Would Buy a Used Peloton Every Time.
I love my Peloton Bike — which I got directly from the home fitness giant in 2021 — and anyone who knows me will tell you that. As of today, I’m on an 89-day streak of consistent daily use (though a small portion of that streak consists of Peloton’s other offerings, like walking , stretching , and meditation classes).
But just because I love it doesn’t mean everyone does. After all, I am a true spin teacher , so I’m always trying to take classes, learn new techniques, and stay on top of my game for my own unique reasons. My Peloton is honestly just one of many bikes I use on a given week and have used for the past decade dedicated to spin. Unlike me, many people want to get rid of their bikes, treadmills, rowers, and more — whether it’s because they’re back at the gym, they’re upgrading to something better, or they just don’t have the time or desire to work out as much anymore. If you’re looking to get into home fitness, let their loss be your gain.
Why Reselling Fitness Equipment Is a Good Idea
As we were discussing this post, Lifehacker’s senior health editor Beth Squareski made a great point: There’s simply less appetite for a new Peloton, given how many there are on the market, and the fact that the Peloton Bike itself hasn’t changed much since its debut. Many of the company’s new innovations are focused on software, not hardware. You can update your operating system, download Peloton’s apps, and continue to engage with the content, games, and classes it’s still pumping out all the time — all on the machines you already own.
If you’re looking for non-Peloton equipment, the argument still stands. Some spin bikes and treadmills have better features than others, but ultimately they all do the same thing. As long as it’s been well maintained, a 15-year-old bike still does the same thing as a bike built yesterday. You don’t need a new one to get a good workout.
You can save a lot of money, fight consumerism, and still have access to a great product by buying used, as long as you do it through a safe, trusted platform. And Peloton agrees: The company recently announced the launch of its own resale platform.
Even before that, people were buying, selling, and trading not just Peloton equipment but other home exercise equipment as well. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other platforms have been flooded with such offerings for years.
I am a big proponent of buying second-hand : I love saving money, updating my wardrobe, and selling my stuff to get money for new – or new-to-me – stuff. However, I understand that some people have complexes about owning, wearing, or using things that once belonged to someone else. Free yourself from the limiting mindset of capitalism, my friend. Save your coins. You can absolutely get quality used gear that looks and works just like new.
How to Find Good Used Home Workout Equipment
As mentioned, Peloton is getting into resale, but the company’s platform is in its early stages: Right now, you can only list your own used bikes, treads, paddle wheels, or branded accessories for sale. You’ll be able to buy in the coming weeks, but the marketplace needs to build inventory first.
I don’t recommend using Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist if you’re buying Peloton equipment. There are too many horror stories of buyers who can’t sign into the devices with their accounts because the machines are registered to someone else. Some people have even reported that there are counterfeit bikes and machines on the market.
For equipment that doesn’t require a complex software component, like a regular old spin bike, use a personal market if you’re comfortable — as long as the seller is approachable, willing to answer your questions or provide more photos, and ideally will let you inspect the equipment before you take it home. Use common sense. Take someone with you, meet in a public place if possible, and be prepared to back off if something doesn’t seem right.
If you’re looking for a more formal, guided experience or are looking for a Peloton tool, use a trusted platform that can act as a middleman and keep everything in order. Try Trade My Stuff , an online marketplace at the forefront of home gym equipment resale. There, you can buy a Peloton, a Bowflex, or even a sauna. The platform offers some security by providing delivery and working with you on the deal.
With Trade My Stuff, the seller pays a commission — anywhere from 10% to 20% depending on the category of item sold — and the delivery contractor inspects the item upon receipt before delivering it to you. You can even have the delivery team video call you so you can participate in the inspection before telling them to go and deliver the item.
Shane Boyle, a Peloton Bike user who bought a used treadmill, told me his experience was surprisingly reliable: The delivery driver spent hours driving around with the treadmill, even switching locations so Boyle could track the machine as it made its way to his home. Trade My Stuff offers an additional 12-month warranty to protect the equipment. If anything goes wrong, you’ll get a replacement within a week. Yes, you’re paying for shipping, but it’s better than getting scammed by a scammer on Craigslist.
What to Consider When Buying Used Fitness Equipment
When you buy something used, you have to keep two things in mind: condition and price. Boyle was looking for a Tread, but he wanted it to be near perfect. He only looked for ones that were originally purchased within the last year or two, so he was willing to spend a little more. “For us, price was a big factor, of course, and how old and used the machine was,” he says.
When I use resale apps to buy a specific accessory or piece of clothing, I play a waiting game. I know the retail value, how much I’m willing to spend, and what condition the item is likely to be in if it meets my personal budget goals, but I also know that there are people out there who just want to get rid of something as quickly as possible and might be willing to sell me a great-condition item for a low price if I just wait.
If you want your item to be in perfect condition, it will likely cost you more. If you don’t mind a little wear and tear, you’ll spend less. That’s fine for me when I buy clothes—I’m an experienced stain remover and seamstress—but when you’re considering fitness equipment, be careful. A piece of equipment that doesn’t work properly could pose a safety risk to you. Keeping your knees working is worth the extra few hundred dollars you might have to spend on a spin bike with pedals that don’t stick.
Don’t forget that Peloton charges $95 to activate used bikes and other equipment. That price is set to drop to $45 soon, but it’s still something you’ll need to factor into your budget. (On Trade My Stuff, you can use the discount code ACTIVATE4FREE to get a $95 discount, which will cover the fee.)
No matter what, actively communicate with the seller. In my experience, if someone is unwilling to send more photos or answer questions, they are hiding something or are simply not very good at customer service. Even if you are paying less than retail, you are still paying , so you only want to deal with sellers who are willing to play ball. Ask for videos, details, and photos. If you get slow responses or a weird atmosphere, move on to the next one. There are thousands of listings out there.