How to Maintain Gym Equipment

Unless you are a trained mechanic, do not try to fix electrical issues on your own.

In order to avoid crowded gyms and exercise classes, many people invest in home fitness equipment they can use and store in their garage, living room or bedroom. Investing in fitness equipment saves money in the long run, but elliptical machines, treadmills and workout stations still can be expensive. You want to take proper care of your equipment to avoid replacing parts or the machine as a whole.

Things You'll Need

• Disinfectant spray
• Towel
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Lubricant

Instructions

1. Disinfect regularly. Gym equipment can become easily soiled with body sweat and dirt. Use disinfectant spray that doesn't contain alcohol or bleach that eventually will damage seat pads or rubber. After each workout, spray your machine and wipe it down with a towel. Go over the entire surface and get into nooks or crannies that might collect dirt. Also spray and wipe individual weights. If you are cleaning an elliptical machine, pay close attention to remove any dirt that gets in the wheels.

2. Keep parts tightened. When fitness machines are used regularly, their screws, nuts and bolts loosen. If one comes off during a workout, the machine can easily break or cause injury. Maintain the "joints" of your fitness equipment to prevent this from happening. Use a screwdriver to tighten screws and a wrench to keep nuts and bolts secure.

3. Lubricate parts. Over time, moving parts of fitness equipment grind together. When this happens, metal can be permanently damaged if not properly lubricated. Many types of general lubricant are available, but the manufacturer of your machine may have its own recommendation. Review your owner's manual for information.

4. Avoid misuse. If you are finishing up a particularly hard set of exercises, you might be tempted to allow the weights to slam down. You run the risk of breaking essential parts of your machine by doing this. Treat your equipment with care. Set weights down gently and keep a close eye on children who might be tempted to use your equipment as a playground.

5. Repair if necessary. If your machine has a squeak or creak that you cannot seem to fix on your own, do not continue using it. There may be an internal problem that cannot be diagnosed with the naked eye. Ask a professional repair service to take a look at your equipment. You likely will be charged a fee, but it's better than having to replace the entire machine if it becomes unusable.

References

• Zogics: Shop
• Smooth Fitness: Elliptical Trainer Buying Guide
• Fitness Repair Parts.com: Maintenance Items: Lubricant Products
• Healthy Eating World: Gym Equipment Maintenance -- How to Maintain a Spinning Bike: An Easy Procedure