Athletics & fitness

Fitness equipment: how to buy a treadmill, dumbbells, barbell or machine

Updated 20 October 2026

Equipment for home or for a gym

A home machine and a commercial one differ in load capacity and price. The first is built for a few hours a week, the second for dozens of hours. If you are buying for private use, don't overpay for commercial class, but don't buy a cheap treadmill that dies in six months either. State in the request what the equipment is for. Think about noise and vibration too: in a flat on an upper floor a treadmill without a rubber mat can disturb the neighbours.

Treadmill and exercise bike

On a treadmill look at the maximum user weight, motor power, belt size and incline. A belt that is too narrow is uncomfortable for running, and a weak motor will overheat. For an exercise bike and a cross trainer, smooth running, adjustable resistance and dimensions matter. Check whether you have room to fold and store it.

Dumbbells, barbells, benches

Adjustable dumbbells are handier because one set gives several weights, but they need strong locks. For a barbell state the bar length, the sleeve diameter and the weight of the plates. A bench must hold your weight together with the barbell, and the racks must be stable and firmly assembled. Kettlebells are better solid, with a smooth handle without burrs.

What to put in your request

• what exactly — dumbbells, barbell, bench, treadmill, exercise bike, cross trainer, kettlebell, pull-up bar;
• weight — kilograms or the range of an adjustable set;
• specifications — maximum user weight, power, speed, incline;
• purpose — home or gym;
• model, for example Kettler or Toorx;
• condition, budget, city and delivery.

Example: “I need a treadmill for home, user weight up to 120 kg, foldable, belt at least 40 cm wide. Kettler or Toorx is fine, used and in working order. Sharjah, delivery to the doorstep. Budget up to AED 1,800.”

Why reverse search helps here

Heavy equipment is expensive to move, so price gaps between cities are real. You write one request and sellers reply in the chat with the price, availability, and delivery and carrying terms. The platform shows first the offer that is best value in substance, and reviews are visible next to the seller. The seller sees where they stand among the others and can improve the offer. Your phone number stays hidden.

Compare whether delivery is to the doorstep, to the floor or only to the warehouse, and whether assembly is included. For used equipment, ask about the treadmill's mileage, the state of the belt, how the motor runs and whether the console is included. See the related sections: martial arts and boxing for bags and punch bags, and camping and hiking. How the service works is explained on the “How it works” page.