The pandemic, which is still in full effect, has forced gyms to close and has left millions of people unable to go outside. Because of this, people from all across the world, instead of going to the gym, have brought the gym to them. Storing gym equipment at home, however, is not easy, and your equipment requires a lot of maintenance to keep it in good condition. If you do not take care of your gym equipment, you risk shortening its lifespan.

In this article, we are going to tell you how you can properly maintain and store your gym equipment at home. When you are using gym machinery, friction and heat can cause damage to internal and external parts of your equipment. Rowing machines are an example of this and require proper maintenance. Any machinery with moving parts will need lubrication at some point or another. By maintaining and storing your gym equipment properly, you will ensure that your gym equipment lasts as long as you!

Here is how to properly maintain and store your gym equipment at home.

Brands and Reputation

I am not the type of person to advocate for purchasing things simply by virtue of their brands, but when it comes to gym equipment established brands are best stuck to. Established brands have built their reputations on the quality of their products, and thus, can be trusted. When you buy gym equipment from lesser brands there is always the chance that the items might not have been constructed to the same standard as more reputable brands’ items. With all of that said, still read reviews and testimonials, because it is possible to find diamonds in the proverbial dirt.

Gym Equipment Storage

To begin with, you need to have proper storage equipment for your gym equipment. While machines do not need ‘storage’ per se, they do need somewhere to put them where they will not be damaged, knocked, or misused. For free weights or weight bars, find a power rack for sale, or alternatively, a weight rack. Power bars are the superior option, as they double as a spotter for weight bars. If you do not store your gym equipment properly, it can become damaged, lose its effectiveness, or just slowly degrade over time. If it is metal equipment, it can also rust if not stored properly.

Cleaning Your Equipment

One of the most important parts of maintaining your gym equipment is cleaning it wspecially frequently used equipment like treadmills, barbells, training benches, etc. Many people’s gym equipment begins to rust because they do not clean their sweat off of the equipment or they store their equipment in damp areas. Clean your equipment thoroughly after using it, disinfect it, and then dry it. When you are cleaning your gym equipment, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not use harsh, abrasive chemicals. Properly cleaning your equipment will eliminate dust, odors, debris, or contaminants on your equipment. If you notice any of those things remain, then clean it again!

Tips from the Manufacturer

One of the easiest ways to maintain your gym equipment is to read the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. In the instructions, you will find the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning your equipment. Your best bet at increasing the lifespan and longevity of your gym equipment is to follow these instructions. After all, who knows something better than its creator?

Lubricating Your Equipment

When you are using gym machinery, friction and heat can cause damage to internal and external parts of your equipment. Rowing machines are an example of this. Any machinery with moving parts will need lubrication at some point or another. You should always ask the manufacturer, and failing that, your local gym, which the best lubricant for your machinery would be.

Never Allow Equipment Misuse

Part of maintaining your gym equipment is ensuring that it is used for its intended purpose. When you begin to misuse gym equipment, you risk breaking it or shortening its lifespan. Equipment misuse is not something you should encourage nor participate in yourself. Your equipment has an intended purpose, and that is all that it should be used for. When you begin to create a culture of equipment misuse among your friends or whoever shares your gym with you, you risk damaging and breaking your equipment.

Delicacy and Care

While gym equipment is not made of glass and you do not need to be too delicate, you should still be careful with it. You see a lot of people throw their weights on the floor after a set, and while maybe this is okay in a gym, with the equipment that you have bought and paid for this is not okay. If you intend on doing that, put protective mats down to protect the floor and the weights. Be delicate and careful with your equipment.

Maintaining and storing your gym equipment properly will increase its lifespan and prevent it from breaking prematurely. All of the tips here can be used to properly maintain and store your equipment, so please use them.