Buying Used Equipment Can Keep You, Budget Fit

All locations of the Fitness Store accept trade-ins on new exercise equipment, but in November an outlet store was opened in Northridge that offers used and reconditioned merchandise taken on trade, as well as discontinued new pieces.

New and used are mixed together, and it’s often hard to tell them apart. A used Coursetter treadmill that was $2,000 new is now $399.

Stationary bikes are always popular, and a Lifecycle complete with computer that sells for $1,200 new is priced at $395. A used Combi-bicycle EX80 was $1,200 new but is now reconditioned and selling for $649.

A Schwinn treadmill discontinued by the manufacturer regularly sold for $999, but a sizable discount brings it down to $799. At this location of the Fitness Store, new but cosmetically flawed dumbbells at 25 cents a pound are also offered. Check with other stores and you’ll find the going price per pound is close to 50 cents.

Manufacturers guarantee the new equipment, and the Fitness Store Outlet offers 30 days to six months warranties on used merchandise.

They maintain an exchange policy, meaning you can make an exchange if you find the particular item is not good for the long haul. They also offer maintenance service and provide a onetime free visit from a fitness trainer who will show you how to get the most from your equipment.

The Fitness Store Outlet, 19511 Business Center Drive, Northridge. (818) 882-3520. Other locations in Encino, Granada Hills, Thousand Oaks, Valencia and West Los Angeles.

Weekend Supersale: All in-stock items are reduced by 40% at one of the San Fernando Valley’s best shops for casual women’s separates--Seymour Fashions in Reseda. This manufacturer is known for its “dream jeans,” which come in more than 10 colors and have coordinated shirts and jackets.

Seymour Fashions, 7040 Darby Ave., Reseda. (818) 705-1911.