First of all, if you want your commercial gym equipment to last longer, then start out with an investment in quality products purchased from a reputable dealer. High-end, name brand gym equipment may be pricey, but better machines give you an advantage from the start, and will increase the lifespan of your gym assets significantly. You will also want to deal with a reputable supplier when you need replacement equipment and or repairs and servicing.
Once you have good quality gym equipment on the floor, maintaining that equipment is the next most important task. Cleaning machines and making safety checks can be some of the least exciting jobs you’ll do when you’re a gym owner. Most find it tedious and time-consuming, and it certainly can be. But if you want to run a successful and profitable gym, maintenance should be made a top priority.
Importance of Maintaining Equipment at Your Gym
Staying on top of gym equipment maintenance translates directly to cost savings. Not only will your equipment last longer – often well past its warranty – but you can also avoid liability lawsuits due to injuries from defective or damaged equipment.
Keeping your machines in good repair helps you avoid spending money on costly replacements.
Increased revenue is another reason why maintaining gym equipment is important. Gym members are more likely to return to a facility with new or like-new cardio equipment. Plus no one likes to see “Out of Order” signs on their favorite machine, or to have to wait in line for a workout. Attractive weights and gym machines that operate smoothly attract business, and when you are providing a safe and satisfying experience to gym members, they are likely to recommend you to others.
How to Maintain Gym Equipment
When it comes to the maintenance of gym equipment, it is good to have an efficient system in place. Specifically, establishing a maintenance schedule that helps staff stay on top of tasks, and benefits your members. This can save a great deal of time and money and go a long way in helping to retain and attract clients.
Performing regular health and safety checks regularly is an excellent way to make sure that equipment is clean and in working order at all times. It brings customer satisfaction, longer memberships, and more clients.
An efficient gym equipment maintenance schedule makes it possible to build and maintain a stellar reputation. In the fitness industry, this is critical;having a reputation for poorly-maintained equipment can hurt and even sink your business. With a few solid tips, though, that need not be the case.
Word travels fast in the fitness world. The last thing that you want is for your clients to leave the gym and take their business to your competitors. To ensure that it doesn’t happen, have a great-looking gym and equipment. Maintain high standards for hygiene, health and safety.
Protecting Your Gym, Fitness Equipment, and Clients
Checking your equipment on a regular basis reduces the risk of injuries at your gym or health club. However, accidents can still happen, which is why gym owners should protect themselves with liability insurance coverage. That way, you won’t have to worry about lawsuits. Coverage for damage to your equipment is also a good idea.
Fitness machines and equipment typically come with manuals that provide information on cleaning and maintenance. Following the instructions and recommendations will prolong the life of your equipment and help keep your patrons safe and healthy, so be sure to adhere to scheduled maintenance.
In general, healthy and safety checks should be conducted on a daily basis. You or your staff will want to do regular walk-throughs and check all of your equipment and gear, including fitness mats, training benches, dumbbell sets, treadmills, ellipticals, cross trainers, and resistance training machines.
Check to see that everything is functioning properly and in good condition, not worn down, noisy, or jerky. Keep a record of your inspections.
Gym Equipment Hygiene Tips
When people sweat all over your equipment during workouts, they leave bacteria on it, so it’s important to clean and sanitize your machines, free weights, and accessories every day. Schedule a professional cleaning crew at least once a week if possible.
Do not use cleaning sprays on gym equipment, especially cardio machines, as some chemicals can cause malfunctions, cracking, and other forms of damage. Avoid products with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and ammonia.
Always have wipes on hand to keep your equipment clean and sanitary. Again, they should not contain damaging chemicals. Putting up gym etiquette posters encouraging hygiene and safety can also help with maintaining a clean and safe environment.
For the safety of gym members and member retention, take steps towards preventing the misuse of equipment. Take note of the most used equipment and ensure that your staff are well-trained in health and safety practices.
Having a guide and checklist can be very helpful for scheduled maintenance of equipment. When you need it to be professionally repaired or serviced, it’s easy to find a local technician at gympart.com. In addition, our company specializes in replacement parts and services to help you maintain your gym and fitness equipment.
In summary, the importance of maintaining equipment in a gym cannot be overstated. It is essential for safety and health on your premises, preventing injuries and illnesses that you could be held liable for as a gym owner. It also offers a plethora of other benefits, all of which improve your bottom line.
