Whether your treadmill is in a gym or at the home, your best friend is going to be the operation manual. Whether in booklet form or on-line, make sure to read it thoroughly and see what the manufacturer recommends for regular maintenance and cleaning. If in doubt, either visit the company's website or give them a call for further information.

The cleaning supplies you'll need are simple. Some soft rags, a cleaning solution of some kind (mild, non-acid soap is best), some Isopropyl alcohol, and a vacuum with a hose attachment. That's pretty much it. Remember to observe proper safety. Turn off and unplug the machine before doing ANY cleaning to it.

Give your machine a wipe down after each workout. This keeps your body oils and sweat off the machine, which can corrode certain parts. A clean rag or equipment wipes will do the trick. Once a week, give it a more thorough cleaning, especially if it's in a gym environment. Take a mild soap and water solution and apply to a rag. Give it a once over, paying attention to the areas that are touched the most, such as the hand rails, the heart monitor grips, and the control console. Be sure the rag is damp, not dripping wet.

Dirt and dust are also a big issue with treadmills. The deck that the belt runs over needs a smooth surface to run correctly, and even small particles of dust collecting underneath the belt can cause big damage to the deck. To prevent this, all you need is a simple vacuum cleaner. If equipped, periodically raise the elevation, pop on the hose attachment and vacuum underneath the machine.  Hand dust any places the hose won't reach. Also, lift the motor cover and vacuum the exposed area. If the treadmill is in a gym, make sure that your patrons don't wear the shoes they came in off the street with on the treadmill. Proper workout shoes will keep the grime and dirt off the treadmill and decrease your maintenance issues.

The deck is one of the most expensive parts of any treadmill, and you want to keep it in good working order. Some decks require waxing. Depending on the machine, the wax is either applied automatically from an internal reservoir or the deck needs to be waxed by the user. Either way, make sure you do this! Keep the reservoir full, and make sure you have wax on hand if you have to do it yourself. Keep the surfaces of the deck clean from grime, and give it a good wipe down with a soft cloth once a week.

Cleaning the heart monitor grips is important, too, especially in a gym. Many people rely on these to check their heart rates during workouts, and since the grips are touched by many, many different hands, they can get dirty very fast. Combat this with a little Isopropyl alcohol or use a disinfecting wipe. Apply Isopropyl alcohol to rag and wipe down. Even if it doesn't look dirty, it probably is. Cleaning these grips once a week will keep them working like new.

Belt slippage is a common problem with most treadmills, but it's an easy one to fix if you know how. If you notice that the belt on your machine looks or feels  slippery, it probably needs to be tightened. At the rear part of the machine, there will be two large adjustment bolts. Find where these are using your manual. After getting the proper sized socket and wrench (something you should have in case of maintenance issues anyway), give them a quarter turn clockwise, then get on the treadmill and check if it still feels the same. Keep turning the bolts a quarter turn then checking until it no longer slips.

A treadmill is like any other machine. It needs a little TLC from time to time. Keeping it clean and maintained will make sure that it lasts you a long time.

Instructional Video about How to Assemble a Wooden Plyo Box by Sportsmith

What kind of videos are on the Sportsmith site? Well, we currently host about 100 different videos (with more to come!) and they cover a variety of technical and how-to subjects. Want to revive an old felt brake pad on your spin bike? We can show you how. Our tech videos range from simple, such as how to install a ramp sleeve on a Precor elliptical machine, to the complicated, such as replacing the running belt on a treadmill.

As always, we at SPORTSMITH strive to diversify and bring you, our customer, a full suite of services. We want you to get the most out of our service and your purchases. What better way to do that than show you how to repair and extend the life of those purchases. Just click on the “Need Help Click Here” button found on the top of the Sportsmith.net website. All videos are embedded, so you won’t have to leave the site to see any of them. We also have our own YouTube channel, so be sure to check out all fitness repair videos there as well!

• Sportsmith How-Tos
• Sportsmith Fitness Equipment Repair Videos
• Sportsmith YouTube Channel

What tech support videos would you like to see? Click here to tell us.

Fitness Equipment Cleaning Wipes

By far our best selling wipe (and one of our best selling items overall), this box contains 2 rolls of 900 sheets each. These wipes clean and deodorize and are alcohol free. They come in sealed bags. So just pop a roll into a dispenser (see below), and you're all set. They are designed for use on gym equipment, and are safe for most any surfaces.

Antibacterial Wipes

These alcohol and lint free hand wipes come with 4 sealed packages per case, 800 sheets per roll. These are FDA approved wipes that are a great way to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. They won't dry your hands out, and smell fresh and clean.

WIPESPlus Surface Disinfecting Wipes

As with several other wipes we carry, these are alcohol free. Useful for more than just equipment, these wipes come 4 packages to a box with 800 sheets per roll. Intended as an all purpose wipe, these can be used on any surface that potentially dirty hands touch, including counter tops, doorknobs, and most gym equipment. Kills a wide variety of microbes, including the virulent staphylococcus aureus and several types of influenza virus, even destroys certain types of fungus. Don't be left defenseless against the ravages of these types of nasties, folks. Defend yourself with these low priced bug killers.

Purell Sanitizing Wipes

Featuring the same anti-microbial power that's in Purell hand sanitizer, these convenient wipes destroy 99.9% of all common germs that cause illness. Packaged in a convenient, transportable bucket, just pop the top, get what you need, and replace the air tight lid. We also carry refills for the bucket once you run out. These are ideal for workplaces, gyms, offices, anywhere large groups of people gather. 1200 sheets per roll. NOTE: Due to this product containing Isopropanol alcohol, they CANNOT be sent via air. Ground shipping ONLY.

Dispensers and Floor Stand

We also carry a dispenser in which to put our various lines of wipes. In addition, we also carry a floor stand to put the dispensers in. No need to look in a hundred different places for what you need!

Enter the Lock Jaw Collar. This is a fairly new product that has been getting rave reviews by weightlifters all over the world. Its simple, easy to use design has made it popular with both amateur and professional lifters alike. It’s incredibly easy to use. Simply pull on the release handle to release it, and push it down firmly to secure it to the bar. Nothing could be easier. The collars are constructed of high-impact nylon resin polymer, so not only are they extremely durable, they’re completely immune to the effects of the environment. No rusting here! The chain like design also fits any barbell out there. The inside surface is a non-slip material, so they won’t slide off, and unlike the heavier metal collars, they only add about 12 ounces to your overall weight. Currently, SPORTSMITH carries them in a matte black color, and you receive a discount when purchasing multiple pairs. Grab some today, and take your weightlifting game to the next level!

Standard Medicine Balls

These are the no-frills smooth balls. They are quite “bouncy”, and come in several weights. First, we have the Standard Weight set, which comes in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 kilogram weights. Each ball is differently colored depending on it's weight, so there's no confusion as to what ball you're using. Several different styles of storage racks are available for these balls as well. You can purchase these individually, as a set of 5, or as a set of 5 including a storage rack. Made of a super tough rubberized shell with a weighted core, these balls are easily inflated with any standard sports ball pump.

Dual Grip Medicine Balls

These balls are made of the same tough outer shell and weighted core as the standard balls, but feature two textured handles on each side. The handles are molded directly into the material, so the ball retains a perfect sphere shape. Balls with handles allow you to do different exercises that the standard balls don't allow, and you can even substitute them for actual lifting weights in a pinch. Available in 5 different sizes, like the standard ball, each weight is color coded. Uses the same storage racks as the standard ball, and the same sets are available for purchase.

Dynamax Soft medicine Balls

Soft medicine balls tend to be used somewhat differently than the harder variety. Normally, you would use one as a follow up to strength exercises. They are also well suited to larger athletes due to their much larger 14” diameter. DynaMax balls are some of the best on the market today. The outer covering is incredibly tough while maintaining it's natural softness. They come in a variety of colors and weights, ranging from the light 6-pound ball to much larger sizes, like 20lbs. Mini sizes are also available for those with smaller hands.

D-Balls Aka Slam Balls

Dead Balls, also known as Slam Balls, are for the serious user of medicine balls. They have absolutely no bounce to them, stopping “dead” when they hit the floor, hence the name. Currently, we carry weights ranging from a relatively light 12 pounds all the way up to an absolutely monstrous 100 pound ball. A bright yellow coloration makes them easily visible, and they are constructed of a tough outer shell with a sand filled interior. If you think you know how to use a medicine ball, get yourself one of these and challenge yourself even further.

WOD Bars (WOD stands for Workout of the Day, which is an important feature in the CrossFit training regimen) are tough, sturdy, and made of the best materials available. They feature a lifetime guarantee against bending or breaking. That’s right, lifetime. Not many products out there today that can boast that kind of guarantee!

We currently stock 4 kinds of bars designed for CrossFitters. Two are designed for actual competition weightlifting. These come in a men's 20kg WOD Bar Elite and women's 15kg  WOD Bar. They are rated at 1,200 pounds of weight and are as heavy duty as they come. The other WOD  Bar we carry weighs in at 20kg, but is instead intended as a workout bar instead of a competitive bar. This is a great economy option for those on a budget (and who isn’t on a budget these days). Last there is the 5kg Aluminum technique bar for beginners. SPORTSMITH dedicatedly supports CrossFit and it’s affiliates, and there is no better time to get a great Olympic bar and save some money in the process!

Sportsmith Elite bars include a 28.5 mm shaft, acceptable whip, brass bushings for reliable spin and a smooth center with knurling for both powerlifting and olympic lifting. These bad boys are made in the USA and made for life!

From lifting bars and resistance bands, through suspension trainers and rotational pulley systems, all with training manuals and DVDs and packed in an individual carry bag, these exercise kits will allow you to continue your training regime away from home without risking any damage to your hotel room or Mom’s best bedroom.

Gym in a Bag (small/medium) and Gym in a Bag (large)

Weighing a mere 5½ lbs and measuring just 14½ in x 7 in x 6½ in, this combination of lifting bar, resistance bands and ankle/wrist cuffs will fit easily into your suitcase. The foam-padded steel bar disassembles into three pieces when not in use, and Gym in a Bag comes with an over-door attachment and specially–designed hooks on the four resistance bands, which are color-coded from light to vey heavy resistance. Let The Biggest Loser’s Kim Lyons guide you through your exercise routine in the free-standing illustrated flip-chart, or watch the accompanying 35 minute DVD. When you’ve finished your workout, just pack all your gear back into the padded nylon carry bag. Select the product that’s right for you according to your cuff size.

TRX® Suspension® Training Pro Pack

Leverage your own bodyweight to build core stability and strength, using training equipment originally designed for US Navy Seals constantly moving from one place to another, carrying their own gear and finding limited space for exercise at their destination. You may not be a Navy Seal, but your holiday travel plans, potentially heavy suitcase and cramped hotel room make this just the right equipment for you. Its total weight, in its own storage bag, is just 2.6 lbs, so it has little impact on your baggage allowance. Whatever your fitness level, you will find a range of exercises to suit you from the hundreds of possible multi-directional bodyweight resistance routines using the TRX® Suspension® Training Pro Pack. Use the illustrated manual provided or follow the included workout DVD, and start improving your core strength and flexibility even when you’re away from home. Add the  Door Anchor or the TRX® Xmount wall or beam mount accessories to give you even more training options. An additional TRX® cardio workout DVD is also available. Read the reviews to find out what other users think of this product.

Jungle Gym XT bodyweight suspension trainer

Unlike its more limited competitors, this product combines the triple features of V-shaped, neutral and wide-angled bodyweight suspension for building strength and toning muscles. Ergonomic handles and Easy-In Foot Cradles™ provide not only comfort but also hands-free flexibility. The pack contains a set of two door anchors featuring Duro-Link™, which will not leave scuff marks on walls or woodwork. The two 1500 lb, 8 ft suspension straps supplied can be doubled in length with the purchase of Jungle Gym XT Strap Xtenders. An instruction brochure, 90 minute DVD and workout wall poster are included, and the total weight of the set is 2.9 lbs.

Crosscore® WAR MACHINE® 

Ideal for functional training, this machine will improve your range of physical mobility as well as lifting core strength. Rated to 1000 lbs, the US-built suspended pulley training system fits neatly into the carry bag provided. It weighs a surprisingly low 5.2 lbs, given the relatively complex nature of the equipment and the fact that door and wall/ceiling mounts are included in the package to maximize the wide selection of achievable exercise routines. This apparatus is suitable for everyone, from novices to seasoned athletes, and is even appropriate for use in injury rehabilitation or where performance is limited by a disability. It comes with a DVD and training manual, which purchasers should consult before using the equipment in order to become familiar with safe usage procedures. Reviews confirm that this is an exciting piece of apparatus .

Holiday plans are no longer an excuse to abandon your training schedule, nor is dedication to your fitness program a reason to forsake holiday travel. Now you can have the best of both worlds, by taking your gym’s most important features with you. No more torn muscles or aching backs from dragging overweight equipment from house to car to house, and back again. You can even take some of this stuff on an airplane in your suitcase. So check out the details, read the reviews, and order your travel–friendly  fitness equipment now, to counteract any unplanned over-indulgence with new post-holiday exercise resolutions.