7 Easy Steps to Keep your Exercise Equipment Well Maintained
If you run a fitness center or a gym, keeping your exercise equipment and facilities well maintained is one of the golden rules you have to do for your club members.
There is nothing more disappointing and irritating for a fitness club member to see a sign that says “Out of Order” on the fitness equipment they want to use for their exercise routine. Just imagine the impression your fitness center would give if this sign would be around for weeks or months. Your gym goers would surely think twice before signing up for next month’s membership and find your fitness center irresponsible to keep their equipment and facilities well maintained as well as poor management.
Without these recurring membership income and less new sign ups, just think what would happen to your fitness business long term.
Exercise equipment can be very expensive. There are fitness centers that have the best and newest equipments available however they may also come with a steep gym membership fee.
Other fitness centers lease machines or possibly get used ones to save on the cost. However not all fitness centers know the value of maintaining their fitness equipment to ensure that these exercise machines would last longer.
What are the ways to maintain your exercise equipment?
- Ensure that your gym equipment are kept clean – People come to the gym to do their work outs and eventually sweat. Have a staff perform simple cleaning tasks at certain time intervals. This way, they will be able to also observe If a certain machine needs small repairs while cleaning it. Provide small towels near the gym equipment so that guests can wipe off any droplets of sweat before they use the exercise machine, and after they use it
- Take note which fitness equipment is commonly used. Cardiovascular and Resistance building equipment are probably the most commonly used among fitness goers. Set a schedule to the staff to have them regularly test the equipment, find out whether there is a slight repair needed or if the whole machine needs to be replaced. You don’t want your gym goers to sue you when they have an accident due to a poorly maintained exercise machine.
- Check the manual of your exercise equipment manufacturer – Guidelines will be writing in these manuals so that you can allocate how long and how many people you would need to get your maintenance job done.
- Lubricate the pedals of exercise bicycles, elliptical machines, cross trainers
- Disinfect and wipe fitness equipment thoroughly – You do not want diseases spreading around your customers
- Your fitness staff should be well trained with the maintenance and cleaning guidelines of gym equipment
- Keep a repair kit available in your gym
These simple steps to prevention will keep your gym equipment working in good shape and save you from unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs if proper maintenance was observed.
Your fitness center would also get a good reputation among gym goers and fuel your business.
Jump Ropes
Jumping a rope for fun and exercise has been around a very long time. Jump ropes have progressed far from simply grabbing a length of hemp rope and jumping over it. There are styles and designs for almost everything imaginable. Today, we know that it’s a beneficial exercise, and many athletes include it in their daily regimen.
Jumping rope actually has some benefits over running as an exercise. There is less stress to the legs and knees due to the fact that the body’s weight is distributed on the balls of the feet during landing rather than the heels, which makes it a lower-impact exercise and lessens the chances of joint damage. It’s also good for building cardiovascular stamina and arm, wrist, and shoulder strength. More than anything, though, it helps build up coordination and precision in the footwork. Boxers have long known that jumping rope helps with their footwork, and other athletes such as runners, track and field participants, and wrestlers, now jump rope to help with their footwork and timing. Even Mixed Martial Arts combatants have taken to using jump ropes to compliment their regimens. Jumping rope also has several advantages over other exercises. It requires only a single piece of very inexpensive equipment. You can do it completely by yourself with no trainer or partner required. You also need very little space to do it in, usually just stepping outside is good enough, but if the weather is bad, a garage with a high enough ceiling will do the trick. Jumping rope also requires little training. Just grab a rope and go. Just about anybody can do it.
SPORTSMITH currently sells a variety of ropes in different lengths, styles, and prices for different needs. Here are some examples of what we currently offer.
This one is designed purely for speed, such as when you see someone twirling the rope around two or even three times during a single jump. This is a basic, inexpensive rope that’s perfect for the beginner, or for someone more advanced.
This rope is a little longer than the basic speed rope, and has several great features. Foam padded handles help you grip the rope, even with sweaty hands. A ball-bearing system in the molded handles delivers lightning fast speed as well.
DELUXE LEATHER SPEED ROPE – 9’
Instead of a plastic polymer rope, this one features a sturdy, traditional leather one. It includes the same foam padded handles and ball-bearing system seen in the Deluxe Speed Rope as well.
Designed more for beginners, this rope features elongated beads that slow the rope’s orbit down, allowing you to learn the timing and cadence of the exercises. It includes foam padded handles.
Buddy Lee - ROPE MASTER PVC CORD ROPE – 9’
A recent addition to our jump rope line, the Rope Master has several interesting features. Its bearing swivel system allows for a lot of customization. You can easily replace the rope, or even adjust it to your height quickly, using the included tool. The rope itself is incredibly thin but strong, and coupled with the bearing swivel system, allows for some of the fastest speed rope action around. Foam padded handles included.
Buddy Lee - AERO SPEED ADJUSTABLE ROPE
The Aero Speed is a new type of rope. One that is completely adjustable to your needs. The rope length is adjustable to almost any height. It’s lightweight, made of strong aluminum, and includes a replaceable swivel bearing system. Because of the way it’s constructed, its also good for almost any type of jumps, from incredibly fast speed jumps, to slow and steady power jumps. Foam padded handles included.
This is a basic speed rope, but has a uniquely constructed handle that allows for almost no friction. The handles have a metal core, giving them heft and sturdiness. It is Ideal for blazing speed jumps and crossing maneuvers.
Featuring a thumb rest at the tip of each handle, this rope allows for superior control. It is designed for speed jumps, and uses a plastic coated steel cable for the rope, which is almost unbreakable. Handles designed with a tough a durable plastic with long lasting ball bearings. Handles are designed by competition jumpers who want the most out of their abilities
Note that SPORTSMITH also stocks racks and hangers for these ropes, so they will always be handy when you need them. Grab yourself a rope today and get to jumping!
Stairmaster Steppers – Preventative Maintenance
About This Video
Inspect the heart rate grips (if equipped) and make sure there is no accumulation of sweat on or around the contacts. A non-abrasive cleaner can be used on the contact heart rate grips daily.
Inspect all the shrouds and ensure they are securely fastened and no cracks have developed. Use of abrasive cleaners can create cracks in the shrouds or cause them to become brittle.
Inspect the cup holder shroud. Make sure there have been no holes drilled into the shroud for the purpose of allowing sweat to drain and preventing accumulation. The proper method of dealing with the sweat accumulation in the cup holder shroud is regular cleaning of the area.
Once you’ve made all the shroud inspections, step up onto the pedals. Feel the motion of the unit and verify smooth operation. Listen for irregular noises. A good maintenance routine allows you to recognize how a unit in good operating condition should feel and sound.
Next, inspect the step chains. The links of the chain should move freely. The chains should be lubricated on a 3 month basis with 30w motor oil.
Inspect the pedal hardware. Each step the user takes, there is movement of the pedal hardware. Ensure that all the snap rings are secure to their shafts and none are working free. If a snap ring is not secure, it’s possible that damage to the pedal can occur or it could fall off during exercise and possible injury could occur.
These are the main points for preventive maintenance.
Ride the Wave
BONGO AND INDO BOARDS
Originally developed to aid surfers and skiers with their balance, Balance Boards have become popular the world over with athletes of all sorts. Even a simple activity such as running requires a certain amount of balance, and these products can help hone and perfect balance, and can provide challenging exercises for even professional athletes.
THE BONGO BALANCE BOARD
The Bongo Balance Board is currently one of the best known examples of the product. It is a “rocker-roller” board, which emphasizes a side-to-side movement. It is constructed of high-impact plywood and polypropylene, and utilizes a nylon and rubber bungee cord to hold the roller portion onto the board for added safety. The wheels of the roller are designed to move independently, making certain exercises more challenging, and have a tapered tip, allowing for limited front-to-back movements.
The Bongo Balance Board is primarily designed to develop balance, as its name implies. This means not only working muscles associated with bodily balance, but also the areas of the brain that determine balance. These brain areas can be “trained” by repeated use of a Balance Board, and they become more efficient at their job by this training.
Sports trainers and athletes have long known of the benefits of having a strong “core” (and not just athletes, many other lines of work benefit from a strong core, such as the military). The core is essentially the torso of the body, without the arms and legs. It determines or assists is virtually every movement made. Exercising with a Balance Board forces the core to make movements and adjustments that the muscles are generally not used to making, therefore they get strengthened and exercised whereas they usually would not be. Of course, the core isn’t the only part of the body utilized when using a balance board. Virtually all the muscles in the body, from the neck down, are used to make micro-corrections while attempting to maintain balance. All you need to do is use a Balance Board once to understand this, as you’ll feel your entire body attempting to keep its’ balance, and every part of you seems to be involved. It’s truly exercise like no other, and muscles that would never see use otherwise get a great workout.
Some users of Balance Boards state that there is an almost transcendental experience from the balance attempt. The individual parts of the body coming together as one to keep the body from falling is something that virtually no other type of exercise can duplicate. Some users report almost falling into a “trance” state while perfectly balanced. While the physical benefits of using a Balance Board are obvious, the mental benefits cannot be overlooked.
THE INDO BOARD
The Indo Board is similar in function to the Bongo Balance Board, with a few exceptions. First, the Indo Board comes in a large variety of designs and shapes. These have both “surfer” and “skier” motifs, and one of the styles of Indo Board is actually shaped like a miniature surf board. While one type of Indo Board comes with a “rocker” styled roller exactly like the Bongo Board, there are also styles that also come with the IndoFLO Balance Cushion. The cushion has the effect of an “all around” exercise session, as you have to keep the board balanced while it’s capable of 360° movement. This makes keeping your overall balance much more challenging, as instead of just moving side to side, you’re body has to literally move everyplace to maintain it’s balance. The cushion also allows for more esoteric exercises, such as using the board for elevation while doing push-ups (and using the cushion makes push-ups far more challenging, as you have to constantly keep your upper body in motion to maintain your balance). The IndoFLO cushion is mouth-inflatable, and you can adjust the difficulty of your workout by how much you inflate it. A fully inflated cushion makes for a more challenging workout, while a less full one will be easier to balance on. Made of high-impact laminated hardwoods, the Indo Board is built to last, and will give you years of fun and effective exercise.
CONCEPT 2 ROWING MACHINE PARTS
SPORTSMITH™ is always looking at ways to get new parts and products to its customers, and we pride ourselves on carrying parts for the best exercise equipment in the world. Currently, Concept2 makes some of the best indoor rowing machines in the business, and we are proud to carry the parts that make these machines go!
SPORTSMITH™ has recently begun carrying parts for Concept 2 rowers to all 5 models in the Concept2 line (models A-E). We currently carry over 100 different parts for all Concept2 lines. This includes everything from foot straps and seats to bolts and pulleys. Just go to www.sportsmith.net and use our easy to understand interface to see all the items we carry for your Concept2 indoor rower.
StairMaster StepMill Preventative Maintenance
About This Video
One of the most import aspects when servicing or caring for a Stairmaster Stepmill is the Preventive Maintenance of the unit.This video covers the key components of Preventive Maintenance and the tools or supplies necessary to perform the maintenance procedures.
Tools Required: Rivet Fastener Removal Tool, 9/16” Socket, Ratchet Wrench, 3/16” Hex Wrench or Bit Socket, lithium grease, clean rag
It will be necessary to remove the plastic covers in order to perform the Preventive Maintenance steps covered in this video. It takes approximately 5 minutes to remove the plastic covers.
Once the plastic covers are removed, the first thing to do is visually inspect the step chains and step assembly. The step chains should not have any visible slack. If there is too much slack in the chain, it can create a downward slope in the steps. If the slack in the chain and sloping steps are not addressed, this creates potential for problems. (Some of the older models, such as the 7000PT, the location of the power input harness was 11 inches lower than its location on the SM916 allowing for the sloping steps to rub against the power input harness causing damage to the harness.)
If upon inspection you see slack in either step chain or the downward slope in the steps, you need to adjust the tension of the step chain. First, loosen the 9/16” bolts of the pillow block bearings for the upper and lower sprocket assemblies. Now to adjust the chain tension by using the 3/16” hex wrench or bit socket and tightening the allen head screws located on the upper and lower pillow blocks. You want to be sure that the allen head screws have equal number of exposed threads on both the upper and lower pillow blocks. Once you have made this adjustment and the number of exposed threads is equal between the upper and lower pillow blocks, you can retighten the 9/16” bolts of the pillow blocks bearings.
Inspect the newly adjusted chain to ensure the downward slope of the step assembly has improved and that there is no longer any visible slack in the step chain. There step assembly should have only minor deflection. If slack in the step chain or the downward slope of the step was observed on the other side, repeat this procedure on the other side as needed.
Another point of focus for preventive maintenance is the step hinges of the step assembly. Over time, the hinge is exposed to a lot of sweat and warrants inspection, cleaning, and lubrication. Wipe away any dust or debris from the step. Apply a bead of lithium grease along the step hinge. Run your finger along the step hinge to spread the grease. Perform this procedure on all 8 step hinges.
The next area covered is the bearing plate and step shaft bearings. Run a bead of your lithium grease in along the visible area where the bearings have tracked along the bearing plate. Again, run your finger along the bearing plate to spread the grease. If you have excess grease, apply the excess to the step shaft bearing. The main purpose is to provide a layer of grease on the bearing plate that the bearings can pick up as the track around. The bearing needs to be lubricated since it is constantly turning on its shaft. Repeat this procedure on the other side.
Inspect for any dust or debris that may have built up on the inside of the frame and plastic panels. After freshly applying grease, you want the inside of the unit to be as clean as possible to keep anything from contaminating your new grease. Wipe the inside of the unit with your clean rag to remove any dust or debris.
The drive chain (located on the user’s left of the machine) and step chains should be inspected. Both chains should be free of any major debris buildup and the links should move freely. If a chain appears to have a frozen link, you can lubricate the chain with 30w motor oil. If this does not remove the kink in the chain, it may be necessary to replace the chain.
Another point of inspection for preventive maintenance is the alternator belt. You should inspect for any cracks or fraying of the belt. If the belt has an appearance of fraying or cracking, the belt should be replaced.
Lastly, the drive chain tensioned by an idler sprocket; the idler sprocket should have free movement to keep tension on the chain. You should be able to lift up on the idler sprocket and it release tension from the chain. When you release the idler sprocket, it should spring back into position applying tension onto the chain.
This covers the steps of preventive maintenance for the Stairmaster Stepmill.
For more videos on Stairmaster Troubleshooting click here.
Thintervention
Check out SPORTSMITH's kettlebells making an appearance on Bravo Channel's Thintervention. You can find them at the 4:20 mark as Jackie Warner takes the clients to Laguna Beach for some Surf and Sand workout.
For more information about SPORTSMITH ketllebells click here.
Kettlebells
So what is a kettlebell? In the simplest of terms, it’s a heavy weight with a handle. Modern kettlebells resemble a round ball with a flattened bottom. The handle attaches to the top of the “ball”. Modern kettlebells come in a variety of weights and colors. They can also be rubberized or powder coated.
What's so great about kettlebells? Kettlebells have recently seen a spike in their popularity. The increase in kettlebell training is due, partially, to the fact that it gets back to the basics of training. That training requires functional, whole body fitness. Athletes training with kettlebells are able to condition their whole body. Kettlebell exercises require this, because in order to lift and control a kettlebell your entire body is contracting as a group, especially the core. By doing this, your body is building strength and stability all at the same time. Kettlebell workouts engage multiple muscle groups at once. Therefore, they are a great option for a total body workout in a quick amount of time.
Sportsmith’s uniquely designed free weight system, cast iron Kettlebells are an ideal weight-training complement to traditional dumbbells, barbells and weight machines. The rounded handle facilitates a unique lifting method and greater range of motion and control, and the novel design creates additional leverage that enables different muscle groups to work together effectively, optimizing your workout. Perform squats, swings, snatches and clean-and-jerk exercises to build muscle, increase aerobic endurance and promote cardiovascular health.
For more information about Sportsmith Kettlebells click here.
AIREX® Exercise Mats
SPORTSMITH™ is proud to partner with AIREX®. We are currently carrying a wide variety of AIREX® sports and yoga mats. While we have long carried several of Airex’s balance pads, wedges, and beams, we now carry several in their Yoga and Pilate’s line of foam mats. Below is a sampling of what mats SPORTSMITH offers.
Airex Fitline Exercise Mat
Exercise mat provides superb cushioning with a non-slip surface and mat is soft, warm and comfortable to the touch.
Uses:
- Balance and stability programs
- Agility gymnastics
- Gymnastics
- Aerobics
- Exercise
- Training
- Fitness
- Pilates
- Yoga
Airex Coronella Exercise Mat
Buoyancy of this mat is sufficient to keep an adult safely afloat while still maintaining contact with the water. Mat will remain flexible with body movements but prevents the patient from slipping off into the pool.
In water, this mat provides a safe and stable platform to enable a variety of physical activities in the hydrotherapy pool.
Exercise mat provides superb cushioning with a non-slip surface and mat is soft, warm and comfortable to the touch.
Use mat for exercise, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, training, balance and stability programs.
- CE-approved (93/42/EC)
Airex Corona Exercise Mat
Buoyancy of this mat is sufficient to keep an adult safely afloat while still maintaining contact with the water. Mat will remain flexible with body movements but prevents the patient from slipping off into the pool.
In water, this mat provides a safe and stable platform to enable a variety of physical activities in the hydrotherapy pool.
Exercise mat provides superb cushioning with a non-slip surface and mat is soft, warm and comfortable to the touch.
Uses:
- Balance and stability programs
- Antenatal exercises
- Physiotherapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Rehabilitation
- Exercise
- Training
Airex Piloga Yoga Mat
Exercise mat provides superb cushioning with a non-slip surface and mat is soft, warm and comfortable to the touch.
Uses:
- Exercise
- Fitness
- Pilates
- Yoga
Airex Hercules Exercise Mat
Buoyancy of this mat is sufficient to keep an adult safely afloat while still maintaining contact with the water. Mat will remain flexible with body movements but prevents the patient from slipping off into the pool.
In water, this mat provides a safe and stable platform to enable a variety of physical activities in the hydrotherapy pool.
Exercise mat provides superb cushioning with a non-slip surface and mat is soft, warm and comfortable to the touch.
Uses:
- Balance and stability programs
- Inlay in Bobath tables
- Physiotherapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Rehabilitation
- Exercise
- Training
AIREX® mats are for indoor and outdoor use.
- Rolls up for easy storage or transportation
- Closed-cell structure, impervious to water
- Hygienic through “Sanitized” treatment
- Hard wearing and long lasting
- Flat, non-slip surface
- Easy to clean
StairMaster Stepper Resistance Troubleshooting
About This Video
This video covers general resistance troubleshooting for the Stairmaster 4400CL, 4600CL, and SC916 Steppers
Tools Needed: Volt Meter, Jumper Wire
Resistance problems could be either mechanical or electrical in nature.
Mechanical problems are easily identified by noise. If a grinding noise is heard while pedaling, this is an indicator the drive hub assembly is having a problem. If a ratcheting sound is heard while pedaling, this is an indicator of a loose belt or a belt that could be coming off.
Once you’ve eliminated the possible mechanical causes for resistance problems, then it is time to investigate the electrical system.
The easiest test of the electrical system when investigating a resistance problem is to step onto the pedals and access Diagnostics. This is done by pressing Level ^, 6, ENTER. (DIAGNOSTICS will appear in the upper display window.) Press Level Down twice to get to the alternator test. (ALT TEST will appear in the upper display window.) Press ENTER to begin the test. As the video shows, resistance drops out when the test begins. So, if this occurs, press the Level ^ one time. This will turn the field ON. This verifies that voltage is passing from the display through the display cable to the lower control board. This confirms there is good communication between the console and the lower control board and that the voltage is being supplied to the alternator. If resistance is lost during this portion of the test, inspecting the cable should be the first step of action. Look for bent pins, loose connection or crimped wire.
Other components of the electrical system to inspect for resistance problems are the battery, load resistor, speed sensor and alternator.
We’ll discuss the battery first. In order to get a proper reading, testing the battery should be done with the pedals in motion. There are 3 different battery readings a person may encounter. A reading of 6 VDC or greater indicates a good battery. A reading below 6 VDC but higher than 4.8 VDC indicates the battery needs charged for 24 hours. A reading below 4.8 VDC indicates your battery is bad and needs replaced. For more information, watch our battery testing video.
If your battery is good, the next item to check is the speed sensor. The speed sensor should be spaced a business card thickness away from the speed disc. If the speed sensor is spaced properly, the function of the speed sensor can be verified by confirming that proper voltage is present. For more speed sensor troubleshooting, watch our video on speed sensor testing and adjustment.
Next to inspect is the load resistor. Load resistor testing is pretty simple. Load resistors are ohm rated, and you want to verify the proper ohms for the load resistor being tested. Load resistors can cause the resistance to come and go. This means you may pedal a few steps and then the pedals will drop or loose resistance. Then, as the load resistor cools down a bit, you may get resistance again for a few steps. If the resistance goes back and forth like this, the load resistor likely needs replaced. For more information, see our load resistor testing video.
The last electrical component to inspect when investigating a resistance problem is the alternator. The alternator can be easily tested by performing the B+ to Field jumper test. For details on how to perform this test, watch our alternator testing video.
For more information about this video click here.