5 Signs It’s Time to Book a Exercise Equipment Repair Appointment
5 Signs It’s Time to Book a Exercise Equipment Repair Appointment
Whether you run a gym or have a home gym, your equipment represents a significant investment. To get the best out of it and avoid accidents or injuries, you need to keep them well maintained.
Hundreds of thousands of people every year get injured – some even killed – by exercise equipment. Likely many of these problems could have been avoided with regular exercise equipment repair and maintenance.
Let’s look at 5 signs; it’s time to book an exercise equipment repair appointment.
1. Cracked or Fraying Weight Cables
The last thing you want is the cables on your weight machines to come crashing down mid-rep. Checking the cables should be a regular part of maintenance for a home gym and should be done every day in a professional gym.
First, remove the selector pin. This allows you to check the length of the cable with no weights attached.
Then extend the unit to full length. You might need another person to do this while you inspect the cable. The danger signs you are looking for are:
- cracked plastic casing
- frayed cables
- breaks in the casing
Don’t forget to inspect both ends. They take the heaviest load and may go first.
If you see any signs of this kind of damage, hang up the ‘Do Not Use’ sign until you can get it repaired. These are moving parts that bear a heavy load and are subject to constant friction.
Regular maintenance and scheduled replacement of this type of part will help to keep your gym fully functioning. You should plan to replace these every two to three years.
This will save you having to continually disappoint and frustrate your paying customers with out-of-order signs. Replacing these parts according to a schedule helps to prolong the life of the equipment. It also keeps your customers happy and shows that you care about providing good service.
2. Paint Chips and Cracks
We might accept that over time our equipment loses its showroom finish. But with exercise equipment, especially strength equipment, this can be a sign of something more sinister.
Wherever there are cracks in the powder coating, two things may be happening – the frame is cracked, or the frame is starting to rust.
Most of us are not qualified to determine what the problem is. That’s why we shouldn’t quickly dismiss cracks in the paintwork as being merely surface issues.
Sweat is corrosive – if it gets into cracks, it will cause rust. It is the chloride in the perspiration that causes metal to rust. As there’s no way to stop yourself or your clients from sweating, cleaning is essential.
Every day, equipment needs to be thoroughly cleaned. A simple solution of Dawn dish soap and water is recommended for daily cleaning. Go light on the Dawn.
If you notice chips or cracks emerging, shut the machine down and call the experts in. Exercise equipment repair specialists will be able to accurately diagnose the problem and provide solutions.
3. Worn or Loose Treadmill Belt
The belt of your treadmill takes a pounding every time you use it, so it’s no surprise that it needs regular maintenance and repair.
Signs you have a worn belt include noticeable wear or fraying on the belt. All belts have a seam – what condition is yours in? If it’s starting to show signs of wear, you need a repair.
A worn belt will affect the motor. It won’t run smoothly, which puts extra pressure on the belt and other components.
Over time, you may notice that your belt stops or slips while you are running. This is a telltale sign that you have a loose belt. Call in an exercise equipment service and repair company to take a look.
They can advise you whether a simple adjustment will sort out the problem or you need to get a new belt. They will usually be able to supply the fitness and exercise equipment repair parts needed.
4. Cracked or Torn Exercise Equipment Upholstery
If you’re running a gym, cracked and torn upholstery is a double threat. First of all, it’s an eyesore which will put off potential and current customers. Secondly, it’s hard to clean and can harbor bacteria and viruses.
For the home gym user, it’s a great way to ruin your decor, plus there’s the bacteria issue to consider. Every time gym equipment is used, you need to wipe it down. A simple weak soap solution is all that you need.
But if your upholstery is getting torn and cracked, it’s time for some equipment repair. Most companies supply spare parts, including upholstery and foam fittings.
A quick search for exercise equipment repair near me will bring up your options for local equipment repair services. They will do the hard work for you, finding the correct parts for your model and fitting them correctly.
5. Cracking on Welded Joints
We demand a lot of our exercise equipment. Even machines with relatively few moving parts like Smith machines need regular frame checks. The welded joints are their Achilles’ heel.
Check all welded joints regularly as part of your regular maintenance program. If you notice any cracks, put the machine out of use and call in a fitness equipment repair service.
Stress fractures can also occur over time on non-welded steel sections. Check the whole frame of all exercise equipment regularly and call in an equipment repair service when you notice any cracks.
Book Your Exercise Equipment Repair Today!
Don’t become part of the yearly exercise equipment statistics! Exercise equipment repair and maintenance should happen regularly, and especially when you notice an issue. Any delays will only make the problem worse.
Call in the professionals. Exercise equipment service and repair companies are skilled in working with exercise equipment of all varieties, both mechanical and electrical.
Check out our website today to learn more about our services and schedule a visit.
