The Best Time to Buy Home Exercise Equipment Is Right Now (2024)

As the weather warms up, many people opt to take their exercise regimens outdoors. Around the same time, companies are also looking to move inventory to make room for newer models. We expect to see summer deals on hiking boots, fitness trackers, trekking poles, swim goggles, and more to entice shoppers. Plus, you can expect to see significant price drops on outdoor cycling accessories, workout and running gear, and clothes with the launch of Memorial Day and Labor Day sales, as well as Amazon’s Prime Day sale (which is typically during June or July).

We may see the deepest discounts on fitness gear in January, but you arguably have more deals to take advantage of (albeit in a limited window) during major sales events at the end of the year. For example, we’ve historically seen the best sales—and sometimes, the only sales—on Peloton and Bowflex exercise bikes during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Those deals are accompanied by other, more frequent deals on gear like the Mirror, running watches, and Lululemon leggings and other workout clothes.

Amazon also offers its best fitness accessories deals on gear like yoga mats, massage guns, and running headphones as part of its major retail sales events. In fact, the Wirecutter Deals team posted more exercise equipment deals from Amazon during its October Prime Early Access Sale, Black Friday sale, and Cyber Monday sale than any other period last year.

Many workout equipment brands release their new models in the spring, and fitness apparel retailers reduce older styles to make room for new merchandise being released the following season. That makes the end of the year (particularly after Christmas and early New Year’s sales) a great time to save.

Plus, unlike many holiday sales events, these end-of-year discounts tend to have more longevity. Some retailers will even run their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales through the end of the year, giving you extra time to decide before making a big purchase or to ensure your shiny new equipment is ready to use bright and early on January 1 … or, for those still recovering, January 2.

Even if it can save you money in the long run, exercise equipment has never been particularly cheap, and it can be challenging to find good deals on items like treadmills, rowing machines, and exercise bikes. That’s why it’s all the more important to do your research beforehand and shop around before you buy. It’s also smart to weigh your options; if you’re looking to buy new exercise gear in, say, September and are willing to wait to save a chunk of change, holding off until later in the year may be worthwhile. But if you’re shopping around in July and have a greater sense of urgency, your best bet may be to search for the best deal based on the time of year, your needs, and the machine’s price history. And although getting a great deal on exercise equipment can’t guarantee you’ll use it, it just might create the momentum you need to reach your fitness goals.

We’ve done the research through our year-round price tracking, and there are some tactics you can use to minimize your expenses while maximizing your return on investment.

Research your purchase online

Between website discount codes and online-only retailers, you’re more likely to find better deals on exercise equipment online than you would in-store, and you can use online discounts to your advantage when purchasing in person. Besides its obvious convenience, online shopping makes it easier to comparison shop, and you’re not limited to whatever selection a physical store may carry.

Sign up for email alerts. Not all retailers follow a set rubric for when to discount their merchandise—if you have your eye on specific fitness brands, like NordicTrack, Lululemon, and Adidas, sign up for their newsletters so you can be among the first to learn about any surprise sales and discounts throughout the year. New subscribers also often get some sort of discount when they sign up, and some retailers also offer a yearly discount on your birthday, which can snag you some additional savings.

Leverage price-match policies. If you do decide to buy in-store, you can use your online price research to request a price match at a brick-and-mortar store like Best Buy or Walmart, which means you can get your equipment same-day—if you have a way to carry it out of the store.

Keep an eye out for shipping fees. Buying online and shipping to your home can not only prevent some unfortunate mishaps, but many online retailers often offer free shipping on big-ticket items. However, in the event your purchase doesn’t meet the free-shipping minimum, it may be worthwhile to consider whether the cost of shipping negates any other savings, or you can opt for store pickup to avoid shipping fees while still taking advantage of exclusive online discounts.

Be aware of return policies. It’s smart to test out floor models of equipment before you buy, but it’s not always possible. So if you find yourself stuck with a wedgie-inducing exercise bike or a behemoth of a treadmill that won’t fit in your space, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to just return it instead of letting it collect dust in your home as an overpriced coat rack or art installation. Most retailers offer a 30-day return policy, but be sure to read the fine print, which can include restocking fees, withholding refunds on shipping or setup fees, and even requiring the original packaging.

Consider refurbished and gently used gear

Some shoppers may blanch at the idea of buying used exercise equipment. But investing in refurbished models can save you money—if you know how to buy a reliable refurbished item. Namely, make sure any refurbished or renewed items you buy online are coming directly from their manufacturer (including their storefronts on third-party marketplace sites like Amazon and eBay), who should be offering at least a 90-day warranty and free returns. For example, you can buy a refurbished Peloton Bike (when available) for $995, as opposed to its typical $1,445 street price, and the manufacturer ensures each refurbished model has been thoroughly tested and comes with the same 12-month warranty and free delivery and setup as its brand-new bikes.

Another option is buying used. Major retailers of fitness gear like REI now have dedicated storefronts for used equipment. You can also explore local secondhand options for all manner of exercise equipment—particularly the big stuff. Just do your due diligence, research the model in question to ensure it meets your needs, and make sure it’s fully functional before you hand over your money—a lot of obsolete junk is out there, so the local approach requires a keen eye.

This article was edited by Ignacia Fulcher and Nathan Burrow.