Where is the best place for trainers to purchase fitness equipment?

IDEA World Convention will get you new equipment, at some great prices. I've snagged some kettlebells and a Bosu Ballast Ball there(which I wish I would have bought a few). But, if you really look, depending on where you live, Craigslist has TONS of value. I basically built most of my gym through Craigslist. I got Reebok Core boards for 15 bucks, a Free Motion Chest Press, which I use for EVERYTHING it seems like, for $600. Brand New, that thing is like four grand. Anyway. I think shopping around is the best way to go. There isn't a one stop shop if you are trying to save money.

I mainly use OPTP (http://www.optp.com) and Fitness Wholesale (http://www.fwonline.com). It is worth comparing prices between all internet places, also including the prices for Shipping and Handling. I often buy foam rollers, and here OPTP is more competitive for price per item as well as in S&H.

Over the last couple of years I have shopped a lot for odds and ends at second hand shops like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's, Play It Again Sports, etc. I have gotten some real quality products at some amazing savings over MSRP.

I would say the World Fitness Convention is the best place to shop for equipment (http://www.ideafit.com/conference/idea-world-fitness-convention-2011). If you are not planning to attend any sessions and want to purchase equipment only then contact IDEA and they'll give you a free expo hall pass.

If you know what you're looking for, try Perform Better online (http://www.performbetter.com/) or Power Systems (http://www.power-systems.com/).

I shopped around everywhere and found good deals on Craig's list and ebay but, some of the more costly items I purchased from (http://fitnessblowout.com/). They don't have knowledgable professionals or great customer service but if you keep an eye out for deals, they certainly do have those. (ex. free shipping, upgraded free lifetime warranties, etc.)

Idea fitness convention in LA of course! Fitness wholesale (www.fwonline.com) & stott Pilates for any Pilates equipment, hands down the best quality.

I shop around. Not one specific place for most things. I just look for the best deal with free shipping.

Hi Leah,
I agree with Leah...IDEA World! It's one of the best opportunities to get all your equipment as well as to try them out at fabulous discounts!

I also use Fundamental Fitness Productss (www.funfitpro.com), Perform Better, Power System.

I'm a HUGE fan of www.performbetter.com mainly because they have an excellent selection of fitness "props" and they continue to add new items to their inventory on a regular basis. Also, they usually have some sort of promotion running on their site that can save you money on shipping or on the overall price of your order.

That depends on you knowledge of the equipment, methods as a trainer, and where you are using the equipment(indoors,outdoors,big space,etc.)

I agree Power Systems and Perform Better are both great places to get your equipment.

I have never worked for a gym and have only been in my own studio, so I have had to search for the best prices for everything since I was starting from scratch. I happened to find a gym that was going out of business through CraigsList and managed to snag a bunch of cheap weights off of the owners hands.
Big Fitness also has some great prices on things.
However, Amazon is my go to place, since I can easily shop around and find the best price while also seeing all the customer reviews, which help immensely.

I use Perform Better and Power Systems for most of my needs. The best thing to do is spend some time researching different companies, websites, brands, locations(for shipping price reasons, and references if you are making big purchases.

I used google search, e-bay, amazon, Craigslist and some local stores to buy most of my gear. Shopping around is what I think is best way for best deals. Also, January is a good month for NEW equipment sales.