Pros and Cons of Buying Workout Gear Online

Online shopping has increased dramatically and there are reasons for it. But some people are still wary. What if it breaks in the mail or isn’t ‘as pictured’? There’s a lot of questions you can ask.

We’ll walk you through every pro and con (and some of the solutions to the cons) so you can decide if you should join the bandwagon.

CONS:

1. You Can’t See The Item in Person.

This is the cold hard truth of online shopping. There are duds out there. You could order something and get an item that is not at all ‘as pictured.’ But let me tell you, there are good companies out there! Like I said, use Amazon! Or look at Google reviews. Other buyers will tell you which companies to watch out for, and which companies to subscribe to. Even though you may not be able to see the item in person, other people have, and they can tell you just what they thought and whether or not their expectations were met. Plus, workout gear purchased online often comes with tutorial videos, workout guides, and more--all things you can access right from your phone.

2. It Can Be a Hassle to Return Products Purchased Online.

This is such a large fear, but it doesn’t have to be. Almost every company worth shopping from has an FAQ section. In that location, you can see the answer to every question you have on returns. You can find out if return shipping is covered, how much of the product is refundable, and more. A little research goes a long way. For workout gear specifically, you can look for things such as weight limits, instructions, etc.

3. Online Shopping Takes Some Research.

As you can tell, online shopping requires research. You need to look at reviews, FAQs, and the fine line details of the description. It can be a hefty task. When you shop at a brick-and-mortar location, there is no research required. Just a simple visual comparison and perhaps reading the descriptions of the products. But isn’t that a less-informed decision? You can only compare what that specific store sells, and there are no reviews to read or FAQS to look over. When you online shop, you can easily be a well-informed and smart shopper, with no reason to return your product.

4. Shipping Problems Could Occur.

Items can break in the mail or get lost, but again, the right company and shipping service should warrantee that these are problems you don’t have to worry about.

PROS:

1. It’s Christmas At Your Doorstep.

Or your birthday, or just a good day. Coming home to a package on your doorstep, (one you ordered just for yourself and have been impatiently waiting for) is one of the BEST feelings. It’s almost so good that you start to worry you’ll order too much because you just love getting mail. It’s that great. Sure, you get bills and birthday cards, but a personal package right on your doorstep? That’s beauty. But then, you get to open the package, like you’re opening a gift. That’s why it really is Christmas at your doorstep when you online shop. And, if you’ve ordered workout gear, it feels even better. You’ve got a fitness solution right there in a brown package, waiting for you to open it, and motivating you to be healthier.

2. You Can Avoid Crowded Shopping Centers & Stores.

Sometimes it is excruciatingly painful to go shopping. There’s pressure to find what you need, get a good price, and do it all without getting lost in a department store. Google search can’t help you find the right shelf. Online shopping saves you ALL of those hassles. You can easily find what you’re looking for and you can avoid judgmental bystanders and pushy sales people. It’s just you and your computer all cozied up at home, deciding which yoga mat to buy.

3. Your Options Are Dramatically Increased.

We didn’t realize it before online shopping, but when you go to brick-and-mortar stores to find what you need, you’re kind of limited. Not all brands and options are available. When you shop online, the options are endless. If you want the zebra leggings and purple resistance bands, you'll find them. You can find just what you need and get it straight to your doorstep, even if it comes from across the world.

4. It’s Faster, If You Allow It To Be.

When you shop at brick-and-mortar stores, sometimes you have to go from location to location to get what you need. Shopping can take hours. With online shopping, you can find just what you need with a quick search.

Yes, online shopping can take longer if you’re the kind of person who gets overwhelmed by endless options. That’s why you have to find your go-to websites and brands. Once you’ve ordered 1 or 2 items from Company A, and your expectations have been met, you’ll know that Company A is reliable. If Company A sells workout gear, from then on, you can go to Company A for any and all work-out gear. How do you find Company A? Do your research. Look at reviews, social media, and the company’s FAQs. Do they have free returns? What are their other policies? Or use Amazon. You can filter by reviews, shipping, price, and more!

This applies to buying workout gear, or really anything. Clothing can be an exception, but if you can return the items for free, why not send them straight to your door?

Okay, I’ll be honest. I’m biased. I’m a writer for an online company and an online shopper myself. But that means I know the ins and outs of online shopping and know from experience what works and what doesn’t work. As I’ve told you, there are some cons to online shopping, but if you shop from the right stores, there are hardly any cons. The right online store allows you to return the items without hassle and has a ton of good reviews.

We aim to be that kind of online store, the one you can trust and expect quality products from. Take a look at our options. You won’t be disappointed with your decision to buy workout and adventure gear from us.

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About the Author

Lauren Kutschke is a freelance content writer and social media manager. She loves to hike, ski and spend time with her husband and dog. Lauren has a passion for photography and is currently learning German.

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