Let’s face it—your beloved treadmill has become an overpriced coat rack, and that stationary bike you promised you’d ride every day is now gathering dust in the corner. You’re not alone in this. A study by RunRepeat (2021) found that 90% of people stop using their home fitness equipment within the first year. Whether it’s a forgotten New Year’s resolution or a shift in your lifestyle, many are recognizing that it’s time to clear out the clutter and make space for what truly matters.
If you’re unsure what to do with old exercise equipment that no longer fits your needs, here are some friendly options—from resale and donation to professional removal.
Why You’re Ready to Let Go of Exercise Equipment
- Outdated or Broken: Repairs can be expensive, and new models are sleeker and more space-efficient.
- Bulky and Inconvenient: Treadmills, ellipticals, and multi-station machines can dominate valuable living space.
- Lifestyle Changes: Switched to hiking, yoga, or outdoor fitness? Your routine no longer requires heavy equipment.
- Moving or Downsizing: Large, awkward items are a hassle to relocate and may not fit in your new space.
- Embracing Minimalism: Decluttering for a More Peaceful and Intentional Lifestyle.
- Repurposing Rooms: Turn that unused home gym into a nursery, home office, hobby room, or guest suite.
- Donation-Ready: Help someone else achieve their fitness goals by giving your gear a second life.
What to Do with Used and Old Exercise Equipment
1. Sell It Online
There is a strong demand for used fitness equipment, particularly for high-quality brands and models. Selling your gear online can help you recoup some of your initial investment and give your equipment a second life.
Top platforms to sell exercise equipment:
- Facebook Marketplace — Local buyers make pickup easy.
- Craigslist — Great for larger items and quick sales.
- OfferUp — Mobile-friendly and popular for household goods.
- Play It Again Sports — A specialty store that buys and sells used sports gear.
PRO TIP:
- Clean and inspect your equipment before listing.
- Include clear photos and accurate descriptions.
- Set a reasonable price by researching similar listings to ensure a competitive rate.
2. Donate
If your exercise equipment is still in good working condition, consider donating it to help others in your community stay active. Some charities, schools, community centers, or nonprofit organizations accept gently used fitness gear.
Before donating:
- Call ahead to confirm if they accept large items. Many have restrictions due to space or liability.
- Ensure the equipment is clean and in good working condition.
- Ask if they offer pickup services or if you need to deliver the item.
PRO TIP: Donations provide great social value and may be eligible for tax deductions, so keep your donation receipt.
3. Recycle
When selling or donating isn’t an option—perhaps your equipment is old, damaged, or outdated—recycling is the eco-friendly way to go. Many parts of exercise machines can be recycled, reducing landfill waste and recovering valuable materials.
Common recyclable components:
- Metal frames: Steel and aluminum parts can be taken to scrap metal recyclers.
- Electronic displays and motors: Contain copper wiring and circuit boards, classified as electronic waste (e-waste).
- Plastic casings and panels: Some recycling centers accept certain types of plastics, but check local guidelines for specifics.
PRO TIP: Most cities do not offer curbside pickup for large exercise machines. Contact your local waste management or recycling center to learn about special drop-off days, bulky item collection, or e-waste recycling programs.
When to call in the PROs
If your equipment is:
- Too big or heavy to lift on your own,
- Broken, outdated, or no longer working,
- Bolted or attached to the floor or walls,
- Too bulky to fit through standard doorways.
… It may be time to bring in a professional junk removal service.
Expert crews handle the entire process—from safely disassembling and removing equipment to responsibly recycling or disposing of it. Trained professionals work quickly and carefully to protect your home during removal, giving you peace of mind while saving time, effort, and avoiding potential injuries.
What to Do Before Scheduling Removal
- Confirm What Can Be Taken: Check with the junk removal service to ensure they accept large or motorized equipment—some may have restrictions or charge extra for heavy items.
- Unplug the Equipment: Make sure all machines are disconnected from power sources to ensure safe and efficient removal.
- Measure Doorways and Pathways: Ensure the equipment can fit through your doors or hallways. This avoids last-minute delays and helps the removal crew come prepared with the right tools.
Let Us Do the Heavy Lifting 💪
Our professional full-service junk removal team makes it easy to say goodbye to unwanted exercise equipment. We’ll do all the lifting, loading, and hauling—while being careful not to damage your floors, walls, or doorways.
Our PROs help homeowners, businesses, property managers, gyms, schools, and fitness studios clear out all kinds of workout gear, including:
- Treadmills & Ellipticals
- Stationary & Spin Bikes
- Rowing Machines & Stair Steppers
- Weight Benches & Squat Racks
- Cable Machines & Smith Machines
- Dumbbells, Barbells & Kettlebells
- Yoga Mats, Foam Rollers & Resistance Bands
- Battle Ropes, Sandbags, and More
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Visit www.JUNKPRO.com, call us, or connect with us on social media. We’ll remove your exercise equipment quickly, safely, and responsibly so you can enjoy your space again without any hassle.
WE’RE ON-TIME. WE LOAD IT. WE HAUL IT AWAY.®
