Staying in shape is much easier when you actually enjoy whatever’s making you sweat. But often it seems the greater the fun factor, the higher the cost... That’s where other people’s cast-offs come in. Often, they’re practically unused and a fraction of the price. We asked the experts how you can find genuine second-hand bargains.

IF YOU WANT TO LOG TIME ON THE GREEN

BUY USED Golf clubs

BECAUSE They’re super expensive new, around $400-$600 for a decent set, and as little as $60-$200 used. Until you truly get into the game, second-hand makes sense.

SHOP SAVVY To test clubs, hold the handle straight out at eye level to make sure the shaft is straight. Then check the face (the area you smack the ball with) for cracks. If it fails, forget it. “Have a look at the fittings – not everyone is the same height; some women might need a stronger shaft,” says Heather Brown, owner of Golf Universe in Burwood, Victoria (golfuniverse.com.au).

ESTIMATED SAVINGS Used clubs can save you a whopping 70 per cent.

IF YOU WANT TO GET BACK TO NATURE

BUY USED Camping gear

BECAUSE At any given time, hundreds of tents are listed on eBay, and many of them have been slept in once then relegated to the garage. You can also pick up sleeping bags and near-new cooking gear.

SHOP SAVVY Before buying a tent, ask the seller: (1) Are all the pegs and rods accounted for? and (2) On a scale of one to 10 (one being a commuter-train bathroom), how does the tent smell? Ditto this second question with sleeping bags. Then ask if you can swing by and check it out – even if you won’t. If the seller agrees, consider them trustworthy. Sold!

ESTIMATED SAVINGS Around 70 per cent for a three to four person tent.

IF YOU WANT TO WORK OUT AT HOME

BUY USED Cardio/weight machines

BECAUSE Most workout machines sold online or at specialist shops were put through their paces just a few times before they became glorified dust collectors.

SHOP SAVVY Start your search online, but it’s worth asking the staff at your gym for recommendations. Telltale sign a machine is well past its prime? When you pedal, step or run, it makes a grinding sound – proof positive someone (or thousands of someones) clocked up some serious hours on it. If you’re looking to buy from a second-hand retailer, only go to one that offers a test-drive and 30-day warranty. Peter Verity, owner of used sporting gear store Mirage Gym Equipment in Melbourne (miragegymequipment.com.au), has treadmills for $2800 down from $12,000, and weight machines such as lat pull-downs starting at $1500 from $5000.

ESTIMATED SAVINGS Up to 85 per cent.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH FISH

BUY USED Air tank

BECAUSE With proper care, an air tank can outlive all of us. A used air tank will set you back anything from $200, meaning you’ll save, “up to 50 per cent,” says Rachael Letts from Abyss Scuba in Sydney (abyss.com.au), which often has second-hand scuba packages. SHOP SAVVY Key pre-purchase question: is there air in the cylinder? Air pressure keeps condensation from building up inside and rusting the tank. You want a tank that’s been stowed with no less than 90 kilos of air in it, but have it serviced just in case – your life and lungs are worth a few extra bucks. All air tanks have to undergo hydrostatic testing once every 12 months, at a cost of around $55.

ESTIMATED SAVINGS Up to 50 per cent.

IF YOU WANT TO PROVE YOUR PEDAL POWER

BUY USED Bike

BECAUSE If you’re not into padded pants and carbon-rim wheels, used bikes are a great way to get into riding.

SHOP SAVVY Keep your wits about you when buying second-hand cycles, as most don’t come with a warranty and it’s hard to be sure of their history. Where possible when inspecting a bike, tke along a friend who knows their crank sprockets from their speed cassettes. Look for bargains at your local bike shop, check the Trading Post or head online. “But beware of bikes you can’t test-ride first,” says a spokesman from Bicycles Victoria (bv.com.au).

ESTIMATED SAVINGS Up to 50 per cent.

IF YOU WANT TO TAKE IT TO THE RIVER

BUY USED Kayaking gear

BECAUSE Tour outfitters sell off kayaks and paddles at the end of the season (typically mid-autumn).

SHOP SAVVY Ask your local outfitter if you can come in a week before the sale to test some of the boats and paddles. While you’re there, check the hull (the part of the kayak that sits in the water) for cracks, dents and other signs it’s slammed into a rock.

ESTIMATED SAVINGS Around 40 to 80 per cent.

IF YOU WANT TO RIDE THE WAVES

BUY USED Surfboard

BECAUSE This way, you won’t mind if it gets beaten up while you learn to ride.

SHOP SAVVY Lynette Madden from Bennett Surfboards in Sydney (bennettsurfboards.com) suggests a soft board (or “soft top” in surfie speak) because the body is slightly more pliable and less likely to have water wounds that detract from performance.

ESTIMATED SAVINGS Around 35 to 50 per cent.

What to buy used

Dumbbells are a no-brainer to buy used because they don’t plug into anything and are built to be indestructible. Head to your local gym and see what they’re offloading.

OK, it sounds a little unsavoury, but you can snap up great rarely worn or “brand new with tags” (BNWT) designer hoodies, tees and accessories online. Keep an eye out on eBay.

What to buy new

Any sort of gear that touches your face, mouth or feet, like hiking boots, goggles and snorkels. Hello germs!

Protective items, including helmets and knee or elbow pads. The outside may look pristine, but there’s no telling the state of the material inside – the stuff that cushions when you crash and burn.