The new year is not so new anymore, and those resolutions to get yourself into shape are starting to get old. But don’t let them get stale just yet! Midwinter is actually a fantastic time to stock up on fitness gear at bargain prices. If you miss this season’s sales, you can pick up exercise equipment at a discount several other times a year. 

Here’s when to buy fitness gear throughout the year.

Midwinter

January and February tend to bring with them some of the best deals on fitness equipment that will hit the stores all year. With consumers looking to make good on their New Year’s resolutions, retailers are eager to capitalize on this ambition to make a quick buck. To attract even more customers, they’ll lower their prices – and you can take advantage! Look for discounted fitness gear as soon as you’ve packed away the holiday decor and keep shopping for that exercise equipment through February, when the fitness fervor starts cooling off and retailers want to keep their merchandise moving. 

Pre-summer

Interest in fitness tends to drop after the New Year’s peak, but it will pick up again a few months later as summer looms on the calendar. It’s almost time to hit the beach, and people want to shed those pounds and beef up those muscles before swim season gets here. Retailers will often run sale events on fitness gear before summertime to attract customers.

Early summer

As the weather starts to warm up, and people head outside to get their fitness fix, sales of workout gear start dropping. In an effort to boost business, retailers will slash prices on fitness equipment. Check out your favorite fitness-gear retailers for great deals on exercise equipment early in the season. 

Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day, which usually falls sometime in mid-July, will bring deep discounts on fitness gear. Be sure to do your research before Prime Day arrives so you can pick up the best deals before they go dead. You can also use a site deal hunter like camelcamelcamel to ensure you don’t miss a deal.

After food-based holidays

Fitness sales and gym memberships tend to peak after holidays in which the celebration centers around food. This includes Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday. All of that eating sends consumers into a desire to try getting back into shape, so retailers want to capitalize on that interest. If you’re looking for a new treadmill, elliptical or smart home gym, the week following these holidays is the perfect time to look for bargain-priced products.

How to save on fitness gear throughout the year

Regardless of when you decide to shop fitness gear, these tips can help you get the biggest bang for your buck:

• Research your purchase online. Don’t drop a boatload of money on an exercise bike, treadmill or another workout machine without researching it thoroughly. Look for positive ratings and reviews and reports on its durability and functionality.
• Layer coupons and sales. Look for manufacturer coupons and discounts to layer with retail sale events for maximum savings. 
• Sign up for email alerts. If you’re in the market for an exercise machine, it’s a good idea to sign up for email alerts at fitness retailers so you can get first dibs on their sales.
• Be aware of shipping fees. Ordering large, heavy equipment online can mean paying heavy shipping fees. Be sure to pay attention to the shipping costs as you shop so you don’t mistakenly believe you’ve found a great bargain until it’s time to pay those fees.
• Be aware of return policies. If you aren’t testing out floor models in showrooms before buying an exercise machine, you may end up with a treadmill that’s too large for your living space or an exercise bike that’s impossible to get moving. To avoid disappointment and a colossal waste of money, pay attention to return policies as you shop. 
• Consider used gear. For big savings on fitness gear, consider purchasing pre-owned equipment on sites like eBay and Craigslist. Just be sure to do your research and not to pay for equipment before you’ve seen it.

Setting up a well-equipped home gym should not require you to bust your budget. Use this guide to know when to buy fitness gear throughout the year. 

Your Turn: Have you snagged a fabulous deal on fitness gear? Tell us all about it in the comments.