9 Best Fitness Gear Online Stores

As a doctor, I’ve always preached the importance of regular exercise to my patients. But after long shifts at the hospital, I found myself making excuses to skip the gym. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and build a home gym. The convenience of having fitness equipment just steps away from my bedroom has been a game-changer for my health and well-being.

However, finding the right equipment wasn’t as straightforward as I initially thought. With countless online stores offering a dizzying array of options, I spent weeks researching to ensure I was getting the best quality and value for my investment. Through this process, I discovered some fantastic online retailers that not only offer top-notch fitness gear but also provide excellent customer service and expert advice.

In this article, I’m excited to share my findings on the 9 best fitness equipment online stores. Whether you’re a fellow healthcare professional looking to squeeze in workouts between shifts, a busy parent trying to stay fit, or anyone else aiming to create their perfect home gym, these stores offer something for everyone.

1. Perform Better (performbetter.com)

Perform Better is an online store that specializes in functional training and rehabilitation equipment. The company takes a more holistic approach to fitness, catering to a wide range of athletes, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts. Perform Better is known for providing equipment often found in niche private training gyms and larger fitness centers.

Pros

1. Diverse product range: Perform Better offers a variety of functional fitness and rehabilitation equipment, appealing to a broad audience.
2. Quality products: The company provides solid, durable equipment suitable for both personal and professional use.
3. Competitive pricing: Perform Better’s products are often priced reasonably, making them accessible to a wider range of customers.
4. Educational focus: The company offers training information and seminars, helping customers make informed decisions and improve their fitness knowledge.
5. Excellent customer service: Many customers report positive experiences with Perform Better’s customer support and service.

Cons

1. Mixed customer reviews: While many customers are satisfied, some have reported issues with shipping delays or product quality.
2. Limited focus on heavy strength equipment: Compared to EliteFTS, Perform Better may have a more limited selection of specialized strength training equipment.
3. Website navigation: Some customers might find the website less intuitive or modern compared to other online fitness retailers.

2. Muscle Wellness Market

Muscle Wellness Market is an online fitness gear store specializing in equipment for home gyms. Founded by two brothers, Jared and Aron, who are NCSA certified personal trainers, the company aims to provide high-quality fitness equipment and recovery products for athletes, sports teams, and physical therapists. The store offers a wide range of products, including weight training equipment, resistance bands, foam rollers, and specialized devices.

Pros

1. Extensive product range: Muscle Wellness Market offers a diverse selection of fitness equipment and recovery products, catering to various needs from beginners to seasoned athletes.
2. Expert-backed selection: The founders’ background in fitness ensures that the products offered are those that have proven effective in maintaining a strong and healthy body.
3. Free worldwide shipping: The company provides free shipping on all orders worldwide, making it convenient for customers regardless of location.
4. Customer-centric approach: The team at Muscle Wellness Market prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering support throughout the purchasing process.
5. Secure online ordering: The website features an active SSL certificate, ensuring the protection of sensitive payment and personal information.
6. Lowest price guarantee: Muscle Wellness Market promises the lowest prices on their products.
7. Knowledgeable staff: The company employs fitness professionals who can provide expert advice on product selection.

Cons

1. Online-only presence: As an exclusively online retailer, customers cannot physically inspect products before purchase, which may be a drawback for some.
2. Potential for overwhelm: The wide range of products might be overwhelming for customers who are new to fitness equipment and unsure about their specific needs.
3. Reliance on customer reviews: Much of the positive feedback about the company comes from customer testimonials on their own website, which may not provide a completely unbiased view of their services.
4. Limited brand recognition: As a relatively newer player in the market, Muscle Wellness Market may not have the same level of brand recognition as some more established fitness equipment retailers.
5. Potential stock issues: Like many online retailers, they may face occasional stock availability problems, especially during high-demand periods.

3. EliteFTS (elitefts.com)

EliteFTS is a renowned online store specializing in strength training equipment and resources. Founded in 1998 by Traci and Dave Tate, the company aims to help “the strong become strong(er)” through their extensive product offerings and educational content. EliteFTS caters primarily to serious strength athletes, powerlifters, and those who prioritize intense training in their lives.

Pros

1. Comprehensive product range: EliteFTS offers over 30,000 items, including strength equipment, powerlifting gear, bars, weights, apparel, accessories, supplements, and educational materials.
2. High-quality, professional-grade equipment: The store focuses on providing commercial-quality products suitable for both home and professional gym settings.
3. Extensive educational resources: EliteFTS offers a wide range of free educational content, including articles, videos, podcasts, and Q&A sessions with industry experts.
4. Strong community focus: The company has built a loyal following and fosters a sense of community among strength enthusiasts.
5. Charitable contributions: EliteFTS supports various organizations that improve community life, demonstrating corporate social responsibility.

Cons

1. Higher price point: Due to the professional-grade quality of their products, prices may be higher compared to some competitors.
2. Specialized focus: The store’s emphasis on strength training and powerlifting may not cater to all fitness enthusiasts, particularly those seeking more general or beginner-friendly equipment.
3. Potentially overwhelming for beginners: The vast array of specialized equipment and technical information might be intimidating for those new to strength training.

4. FringeSport (fringesport.com)

FringeSport is an online retailer specializing in functional fitness and strength training equipment. Founded in 2010, the company positions itself as the official supplier to the garage gym functional fitness movement. FringeSport caters to lifters, CrossFit enthusiasts, and individuals passionate about strength training.

Pros

1. Quality products: FringeSport offers a range of high-quality equipment, including their well-regarded Bomba Barbell V3.
2. USA-made options: Many of their products, including the Bomba Bar V3, are manufactured in the USA.
3. Free shipping: The company provides free shipping on many items, which can result in significant savings.
4. Excellent customer service: FringeSport is known for taking good care of its customers, offering multiple contact options and a generous return policy.
5. Lifetime warranty: Some products, like the Bomba Bar V3, come with a lifetime warranty.

Cons

1. Limited product range: Compared to larger retailers, FringeSport may have a more focused selection of products.
2. Higher prices: Some items may be priced higher than those of competitors.
3. Shipping delays: Customers have reported occasional delays in shipping, especially for custom items.
4. Assembly challenges: Some users have found the assembly instructions for certain products to be unclear or difficult to follow.

5. Strength Warehouse USA (strengthwarehouseusa.com)

Strength Warehouse USA is an online retailer specializing in strength training equipment. They offer a wide range of products for home, corporate, and commercial gyms, focusing on high-quality strength training gear. The company prides itself on excellent customer service and reliability.

Pros

1. Specialized focus: Strength Warehouse USA offers a curated selection of high-quality strength training equipment.
2. Excellent customer service: The company is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction and support throughout the purchasing process.
3. Manufacturer’s warranty: All products are backed by the manufacturer’s warranty, providing peace of mind to customers.
4. Authorized dealer: Strength Warehouse USA is an authorized dealer for all the products they sell, ensuring authenticity and warranty coverage.
5. Positive reviews: The store has received numerous positive reviews highlighting their product quality and customer service.

Cons

1. Higher prices: Some of the high-end equipment can be quite expensive, which might be a barrier for budget-conscious customers.
2. Limited product range: While they excel in strength training equipment, their selection might be limited for those seeking a broader range of fitness equipment.
3. Online-only: As an online retailer, customers cannot physically inspect the equipment before purchase, which might be a drawback for some.
4. Potential stock issues: Like many retailers, they may face occasional stock availability problems, especially during high-demand periods.

6. Fitness Superstore (fitnesssuperstore.com)

Fitness Superstore is a well-established fitness equipment retailer with a strong presence both online and through physical stores. Founded in 1979, the company has grown to become one of the largest specialty fitness equipment retailers in the United States. They offer a wide range of fitness equipment for home and commercial use, catering to various fitness needs and budgets.

Pros

1. Extensive product range: Fitness Superstore offers a comprehensive selection of fitness equipment, including cardio machines, strength training equipment, and accessories.
2. Physical stores: With multiple showrooms, customers can try equipment before purchasing, which is a significant advantage for large fitness items.
3. Expert staff: The company employs knowledgeable fitness consultants rather than salespeople, providing valuable guidance to customers.
4. Quality assurance: They focus on offering high-quality, professional-grade equipment suitable for both home and commercial use.
5. Excellent customer service: Fitness Superstore is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, offering support throughout the purchasing process and beyond.
6. In-house delivery and installation: The company uses its own trained staff for deliveries and installations, ensuring a high-quality service.

Cons

1. Higher prices: As a retailer of premium brands, some equipment may be more expensive compared to budget-oriented competitors.
2. Limited international shipping: The company primarily serves the U.S. market, which may limit accessibility for international customers.
3. Potential stock issues: Like many retailers, they may face occasional stock availability problems, especially during high-demand periods.

7. Rep Fitness (repfitness.com)

Rep Fitness is a relatively newer player in the fitness equipment market, focusing primarily on strength training equipment. Founded in 2012, the company has quickly gained popularity among home gym enthusiasts and CrossFit practitioners for their quality products at competitive prices.

Pros

1. Competitive pricing: Rep Fitness offers high-quality equipment at lower prices compared to many competitors.
2. Focus on strength equipment: They specialize in strength training gear, offering a wide range of barbells, racks, benches, and weights.
3. In-house product development: Rep Fitness designs many of their products, allowing for innovations and improvements based on customer feedback.
4. Growing reputation: The company has built a strong following in the fitness community, particularly among home gym enthusiasts.
5. Regular new product releases: Rep Fitness frequently introduces new products, keeping their lineup fresh and innovative.

Cons

1. Limited cardio equipment: Their focus on strength training means they have a smaller selection of cardio machines compared to some competitors.
2. Newer company: As a relatively young company, they may not have the same level of established reputation as some older, more established brands.
3. Occasional stock issues: Popular items can sell out quickly, leading to backorder situations.
4. Shipping costs: Depending on the product and location, shipping costs can be significant due to the heavy nature of fitness equipment.

8. Top Fitness Store (topfitness.com)

Top Fitness Store is a well-established online retailer specializing in a wide range of fitness equipment for home and commercial use. They offer products from various top brands, catering to different fitness needs and budgets. The company has both an online presence and physical store locations, providing customers with the option to see and test equipment in person.

Pros

1. Extensive product range: Top Fitness Store offers a vast selection of fitness equipment, including cardio machines, strength training equipment, and accessories from highly rated brands.
2. Excellent customer service: The store is known for its helpful and knowledgeable staff, providing support throughout the purchasing process.
3. Physical locations: Multiple store locations allow customers to see and test equipment before purchasing, which is advantageous for large investments.
4. Regular sales and discounts: Frequent promotions make high-quality fitness equipment more accessible to a broader audience.
5. Positive customer reviews: Many customers report satisfaction with their purchases and overall shopping experience.

Cons

1. Higher prices: As a retailer of premium brands, some equipment may be expensive compared to budget-oriented competitors.
2. Delivery issues: Some customers have reported problems with delivery and installation services, including delays and communication issues.
3. Limited international shipping: The store primarily serves the U.S. market, which may limit accessibility for international customers.

9. American Barbell (americanbarbell.com)

American Barbell is a specialized fitness equipment manufacturer and retailer focusing on high-quality barbells, weights, and strength training equipment. The company is known for its premium products, particularly its range of barbells designed for various strength training disciplines.

Pros

1. High-quality products: American Barbell is renowned for producing premium barbells and strength equipment with excellent craftsmanship.
2. Specialization in strength equipment: They offer a wide range of barbells, weights, and accessories specifically designed for strength training and Olympic weightlifting.
3. Made in USA: Many of their products are manufactured in the United States, ensuring high quality standards.
4. Innovative designs: The company is known for its unique features, such as their recessed welding on sleeves, which enhances durability.
5. Excellent customer service: Many customers report positive experiences with American Barbell’s support team.

Cons

1. Higher price point: Due to the premium quality and specialized nature of their products, American Barbell’s equipment can be more expensive than some competitors.
2. Limited product range: While they excel in barbells and strength equipment, their selection may be limited for those seeking a broader range of fitness equipment.
3. Availability issues: Popular items may occasionally be out of stock due to high demand.