1. Play It Again Sports ‑ Ellicott City
9150 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Phone: (410) 418-9371. Superpages+1
Why it’s a good option:
- This store specializes in sporting goods and fitness equipment—including used/second-hand gear, which means potential savings if you’re buying dumbbells, benches, smaller items. Superpages+1
- They are located conveniently in Ellicott City, so if you want to browse physical inventory rather than order online, this gives you that local option.
- Because they handle used equipment, you may find deals on weight sets, racks or gym accessories that can reduce cost significantly—especially helpful if you’re building a home gym on a budget.
Tip / Things to check:
- For larger pieces (e.g., heavy racks, commercial machines) inspect condition thoroughly—used gear may show wear, missing parts, or require refurbishing.
- Check delivery/installation options if you buy bulky equipment (they might only sell the item, you may be responsible for moving/assembly).
- Because stock of used items changes quickly, call ahead to inquire about availability of what you need (bars, plates, benches) to avoid wasted trip.
- If your focus is heavy strength training (Olympic racks, bumper plates, full rigs), the used-gear store may have limited selection compared to specialty stores—so be prepared to ask whether they can special-order or have back-stock.
2. DICK’S Sporting Goods – Ellicott City
9220 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Why it’s a solid alternative:
- As a large national sporting-goods store, it carries a broad range of gym equipment: cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals), weight benches, dumbbells, and accessories for a home gym.
- Good if your gym setup is moderate—cardio + strength + accessories—and you want one place where you can compare brands, try some equipment in-store, and pick up everything from mats/resistance bands to dumbbells/benches.
- Because it is a mainstream retailer, you’ll likely have standard delivery/pick-up options and standard warranties.
Tip / Things to check:
- The depth of selection for very heavy commercial racks or specialty power-lifting gear may be limited; if you’re building a serious heavy-duty rig, you may need to look elsewhere or ask for special order.
- Check delivery and installation terms—large machines may require extra fees, dedicated delivery windows, and space/clearance in your home (ceiling height, floor, footprint).
- Since it’s a general store, staff may be less specialised in heavy-equipment setup/garage-gym-rigs than dedicated fitness-equipment stores—so come with your measurements (space, ceiling height, width/length) and desired exercises planned.
How to decide & next steps
- If your focus is budget-friendly, used gear, smaller scale home gym, go with Play It Again Sports.
- If you want a one-stop store for standard gym equipment (cardio + strength) and prefer new gear from major brands, DICK’S Sporting Goods is a convenient choice.
- Before purchase, measure your space (floor area, ceiling height, clearance around equipment), define your workout needs (e.g., squats, deadlifts, cardio, bench press) and budget.
- Ask about delivery/assembly, warranty/returns, and especially for large equipment ask about installers, freight delivery, whether they haul away packaging or old gear.
- Consider whether you’ll expand your gym setup later—if so, ask whether the store carries modular systems or upgrade-friendly equipment (racks with add-ons, weight plate availability, etc).