Keystone Fitness Equipment Superstore

WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS ARE YOU?

We are Canada’s leading provider of refurbished and used commercial fitness equipment.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?

With over 30,000 square feet and more than 2,000 machines in stock, Keystone offers the largest inventory of used equipment in Canada.  We employ a large staff of experienced commercial fitness equipment technicians as well as a knowledgeable sales team.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?

Keystone has been operating in the fitness industry for more than 20 years with automotive industry roots that date back to the 1950’s.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A BUSINESS OWNER/OPERATOR AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

Our greatest challenge by far was sourcing used commercial “gym-quality” equipment while at the same time keeping it affordable.  We have achieved this by establishing long term relationships with national gym operators and by relying on word-of-mouth and referrals from customers rather than expensive advertising.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR BUYERS ACHIEVE WITHIN YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE?

We hope that our customers can buy the same quality of equipment they have at the gym for their own personal training studios or home gyms without breaking the bank.

WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF CANADIAN BUSINESS YOU CURRENTLY HAVE?

Keystone’s focus is on the Canadian market at roughly 95% of our sales.  The remainder of our sales are to developing countries with more basic needs.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR A HOME GYM?

The easy answer is “whatever they use at the gym” but the essentials our clients demand are typically dumbbells and an adjustable bench or an Olympic bar with plates and a power cage… along with their favorite piece of cardio equipment.

I HAVE LIMITED SPACE AT HOME. WHAT EQUIPMENT WOULD GIVE ME THE MOST BENEFITS IN A SMALL SPACE?

For cardio equipment that would be a Spin or Stationary bike with wheels that can be easily moved out of the way.  The ideal piece of strength equipment for a small space would be a 2 stack Functional Trainer that tucks nicely into a corner… there is not much you can’t do with one of those!

SHOULD I GET FREE WEIGHTS OR WEIGHT MACHINES?

Right now?  Whatever you can find ?

WHERE CAN I FIND DUMBBELLS AND PLATES AT A REASONABLE PRICE?

Kijiji and Facebook are not where to look currently for reasonable prices on free weights.  Keystone has a large inventory of Olympic plate & dumbbell sets that are still at pre-pandemic prices.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE INDOOR CYCLING BIKES GONE?

Into people’s homes!  The demand for Indoor cycles has never been greater and it has been tough to find used bikes at a decent price.  After being out of these bikes for 6 months Keystone has finally received hundreds of new and used commercial bikes for home and commercial use.

WHY ARE NEIGHBOURHOOD “GARAGE GYMS” SUCH A BIG DEAL?

In a time where socializing is discouraged, people are building the coolest Fitness Caves!  One neighbour gives up their garage and turns it into a Fitness Studio.  Everyone pitches in and buys a piece of equipment then they all workout inside their own “fitness bubble”.  Real fitness equipment is a huge step up from the milk jug kettlebells we saw in March.

IS ONE-ON-ONE TRAINING MAKING A COMEBACK OR IS VIRTUAL TRAINING REPLACING IT?

Studio owners who can offer this type of training in a one-on-one atmosphere can naturally follow the current rules so there has been a resurgence.

I’M OPENING MY OWN FITNESS STUDIO. HOW CAN KEYSTONE FITNESS SUPPORT ME PLANNING AND EXECUTING IT?

Keystone can assist with free layout planning, equipment sourcing, financing and delivery/set up making it a seamless and affordable solution.

IS THE QUALITY OF REFURBISHED FITNESS EQUIPMENT COMPARABLE TO NEW EQUIPMENT?

A refurbished piece of fitness equipment from Keystone is as good mechanically as the same piece of equipment when it was new.  We use original equipment manufactured parts whenever possible and replace all parts that are subject to wear to ensure many more years of trouble-free operation.

IS USED, NON-REFURBISHED EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE AS WELL?

Yes, for those who want to save money or simply have more equipment to use we also offer used/serviced equipment.  This equipment receives basic service to check for proper, safe operation as well as lubrication and adjustments prior to leaving our facility.

To get your own fitness equipment, visit the Keystone Fitness website.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

President/Founder of Keystone Fitness Equipment Superstore, Jim has been in the industry since 2000.