Investing in at-home gym equipment is a trend that is not going away! According to a Civic Science Poll conducted in 2024, 52% of people exercise regularly from home. As the end of the year approaches and many people are planning to jump back on their machines in the new year, it is also the perfect time to make sure your expensive investment is running as well as you will.
Prism Specialties is the nation-wide leader in specialty restoration. Bryan Cash, the owner of a Florida-based franchise for Prism Specialties, has ample experience restoring gym equipment for large, national fitness centers. At times, they have restored more than 300 fitness machines at once.
Bryan recommends the below tips which are meant to help homeowners maintain and extend the life of their at-home gym equipment before a professional needs to be called.
Source: tonal.com
Contents
Make Wipe Downs a Habit
The main composition of sweat is salt water, and this can have a corrosive effect on machines overtime. Make wiping it down after each use a habit. This simple 5-minute task can go a long way to expand years of life for your workout machine. Make sure to pay attention to the joints and grooves in the machine where sweat can collect over time.
- If you have had your work out machine for more than a year, inspect the machine for what appears to be dried water spots. This residue on the machine is a sign that sweat has already accumulated on the machine and could soon begin to have a corrosive effect.
- For cardio equipment like an exercise bike, there is wiring and sensors from the interface to the pedals down below. Wiping down the machine after each use will help keep those sensors safe.
Treat Rust Immediately Upon Discovery
If sweat has been falling on several areas of your machine without being cleaned, there is a chance some rust has begun to form. If there is rust on your workout machine, prioritize cleaning that as soon as possible.
- Use one of the many chemical solutions available at your local store to remove the rust from your machine. Once it is clean, treat it with a rust inhibitor to help prevent future rust in the area.
Source: trxtraining.com
Lubrication is a Must
Another thing to bear in mind, especially when a piece of equipment has had years of sweat accumulated, is to make sure that your mechanical joints and pivot points are lubricated properly. Over time and usage, workout equipment can lose their lubrication and become sticky or stiff, leading to degraded performance or even significant damage.
- There are several lubricants you can find at your local stores that are specifically for exercise equipment. Apply a generous amount to the parts of your machine that have become stiffer over time.
Tend to the Sensors on Self-Powered Machines
A problem that typically comes up with self-powered machines is an issue with sensors. Over the course of time and usage, sensors can gather dust and other grime. This can lead to the machine not sensing when you begin working out and, as a result, not functioning properly. Luckily it is often a quick fix.
- Opening up the machine and cleaning the sensor will often make the machine work once more. IMPORTANT: Unplug your machine first before any disassembly
- Look for where the sensor is on the inside of your machine (It can often look like a small plastic cube right next to a wheel or pulley). If you are reasonably mechanically inclined, use a screwdriver or other necessary tools to remove the sensor cover. Once that cover is removed, use a damp cloth to remove any dirt that has collected on the sensor and then cover it back up.
Source: si.com
Properly Secure Bolts & Cables
For machines that have bolts and cables, it is important that all joints are secured tightly at all times. Loose joints can lead to a large break or even a safety concern for those who are using the equipment.
- If you have a bolt that is frequently becoming loose from average use, adding a small amount of blue thread lock to the bolt will keep it in place. Thread lock can be found at your local hardware store. Just a tiny dot on the threads of the bolt is all that is needed – a little dot goes a long way!
- Many machines with cables will be coated in black plastic. If you notice that plastic is beginning to come loose or cracked, that is a sign of wear and tear on that cable to a point where it is causing extra strain. If your machine is doing this, it is time to consult a professional.
Pay Attention to Pins on Strength Equipment
Sometimes, especially in cases of improper use of the pin in the weight stack of a machine can become bent. While it might seem easy to use a different pin from a different company, that can be a big safety concern.
- It is highly recommended to purchase a new pin for the exact model of the strength machine you have. Not only will this help protect the equipment, but it will help protect you from possible injury as improper pins can slide out of place unexpectedly.
Source: argos.co.uk
Turn it on!
For those who have not kept up with their New Year Resolution, it is important to still turn your machine on at least once a month to make sure it is still running properly and is not accumulating too much dust.
- Never store your home gym equipment outside, even when not in regular use – this can lead to weather damage, dirt/insect accumulation, and more.
Taking time to clean, repair, and update your equipment with the tips shared above can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. As someone who treats exercise as a personal priority, Cash knows how important home gym equipment can be as an investment in your health. The typical life span of at-home equipment is 5-7 years, and taking extra care can guarantee your investment is worthwhile.
