If you are looking to run a quality profitable gym, you need to learn how to maintain your gym equipment properly. Your clients join your gym to utilize that equipment in order to meet their fitness goals. But if they find your equipment not working well, they’ll have no reason to come back.
Your staff will get demoralized if clients stay away from your gym, and the costs of repairs or purchasing new equipment will soar. Since you will have few or no customers, you will run into financial problems, and may not be able to meet your financial obligations.
So, to keep your gym operating at maximum potential, it is important to keep your equipment well maintained. Here are some tips to help you keep your gym equipment in top shape:
1. Clean your gym equipment regularly
Gym equipment accumulates dust and sweat from people using them for their physical fitness. The sweat may corrode surfaces, damaging the equipment, while the dirt or dust may clog moving parts and impede their functionality.
Be sure to check the user manual for each piece of equipment to ensure you use the correct cleaning products and do it the right way. It’s also important to have small towels at appropriate locations in the gym, so users can wipe sweat and dust off the equipment after use.
2. Buy from reputable brands
It may be a little cheaper to purchase knock-off brands, but can be so costly in the long run. Manufacturers cut corners when it comes to quality in order to keep prices low. This means that this equipment will break down constantly, and pose dangers to users.
Quality brands tend to be expensive, but are worth all the trouble. They last longer, and often require minimal maintenance if you use them properly. You and your clients will enjoy using them since you won’t be spending sleepless nights worrying about their condition.
3. Perform regular inspections for wear and tear
Regular inspections reduce the element of surprise. You just don’t want to open the gym in the morning, usher in your clients – only to discover indoor rower isn’t working. This would certainly cause frustrations on your staff and clients because they would not be able to proceed with their day’s activities.
If you don’t know where to look, you could hire professional technicians to check for the wear and tear, and take reliable measures to fix them. You may incur some costs, but they will be nothing compared to the loss of customers when equipment fails without warning.
4. Keep cleaning sprays away from gym electronics
Keeping the gym clean and sanitary is important for creating the best environment for physical fitness and avoiding the spread of diseases, such as COVID-19. While you may want to keep gym wipes within arm’s reach, it may be more costly than using sprays.
Sprays are just as effective as gym wipes but have one big problem: drenching equipment. Upholstered benches won’t have a problem with sprays, but fragile electronic components, such as a treadmill, may take a hit. You may consider stocking gym wipes for such equipment to avoid complications.
5. Take note of equipment usage
You need to take records of the frequency of use of each of your gym equipment. Naturally, those items used more regularly tend to develop wear and tear earlier than the less used machinery. Taking note of the usage of each piece of equipment can help you know where to check, especially if you plan to undertake routine checks.
It can be part of your regular book-keeping, such as inventory management, and client records. If you make it part of your daily routine, it can be much easier with time. It may seem overwhelming at first, but it will go a long way in helping you become proactive.
6. Update software
Modern gym equipment comes with all sorts of software-powered technologies. For instance, some equipment is equipped with systems that measure speed, distance, and calories burned, among other important body statistics.
These systems need to be maintained to function properly by updating their software as soon as updates are released. Outdated software may cause them to lose their accuracy, and prevent your clients from achieving their desired fitness goals. Lack of accuracy, or constant malfunctions, also dent your reputation and may drive away your clients.
7. Read those manuals
The manuals may have many pages or written in strange languages, but you still have to find time to read them carefully. You may even miss out on warranty instructions if you don’t read those documents since some often include warranty details.
The manuals will also enlighten you on the proper and safe use of the equipment, as well as their appropriate maintenance practices. If you don’t read the manual, you run the risk of relying on guesswork. You may damage the equipment, or sustain injuries due to improper use.
Finally, insure your gym equipment
Even with the best maintenance practices, your gym equipment may be prone to unexpected damages and mishaps. We at provide insurance coverage to gym equipment to all our affiliates, trainers, and ISR instructors. You too can join the community, and obtain our reliable insurance services.
If you are looking for a reputable insurance company for covering your gym equipment, you may consider partnering with us at CrossFit RRG. We take pride in quick response times, great customer service, and efficiency when handling our clients. If you want to find out more about our services, please contact us today.