Like other types of mechanical devices, gym equipment requires regular maintenance. Just as you would have preventive service performed on your car to keep it in top running condition, so too is gym equipment maintenance a key factor for safe and effective performance. Regular maintenance also will extend the life of your equipment. Read on to learn how.

Be Proactive: Prevent Breakdowns with Preventive Maintenance

Many people call for service only when a machine breaks down. Unfortunately, sometimes this may be too late to avoid costly repair bills. Of course, keeping machines clean and calling for service promptly is always a good policy, but you may want to consider stopping problems before they happen with a regular fitness equipment maintenance program.

Choosing the Right Equipment is Key

The better the equipment, the more likely it is to perform reliably without frequent breakdowns. In a commercial environment, equipment downtime costs money. In a home environment, downtime can derail even the most ambitious fitness programme. So, the first step in reducing costly repairs is to buy top-quality equipment. Despite the additional cost, brand-name products usually are more durable and reliable. These products also have comprehensive warranties that help to keep repair costs low.

Safety is Another Important Issue

Improperly maintained fitness equipment can be downright dangerous to use. Sports scientists believe that as much as 25% of injuries could be avoided if users took the time to learn how to use gym equipment correctly. So regular maintenance and proper use go hand-in-hand. Even simple inspections for loose bolts, worn cables or incorrectly adjusted belts can contribute to an overall reduction in injury. While some basic maintenance activities can be self-performed, others require the expertise of trained engineers and technicians from fitness equipment servicing companies. It’s also helpful to keep a log book that will help service people correctly determine exactly what maintenance the machine requires.

Convenience is Importance as Well

When you have engaged a company to maintain your gym equipment, chances are that the cost of the contract will be less than the cost of a single, major equipment breakdown. Fitness centres and individuals find that it is often more convenient and more effective to service their machines on a regular schedule.

Tips for Success

Tip #1: Read the owner’s manual completely and always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance procedures and recommendations.

Tip #2: Cleanliness is key. Sweat can combine with dirt and dust to create a sticky deposit on machines that eventually will interfere with performance. Use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner such as a mixture of water and antibacterial detergent.

Tip #3: Keep the area around the machine clean with regular vacuuming. For treadmills, vacuuming under the motor cover will extend the life of both the deck and the belt.

Tip #4: Use only replacement parts that come from the manufacturer.

Tip #5: For equipment that is electrically powered, install surge protectors to prevent damage from power spikes.

Tip #6: For motorised equipment, keep moving parts free from dust and dirt because this can cause friction. The friction, in turn, will cause heat and this can significantly reduce the life of the motor.

Tip #7: Place rubber mats under equipment to reduce the chance of carpet fibres entering or interfering with moving parts.

Tip #8: For treadmills with automatic lubrication systems, check and clean the applicator nozzle.

Tip #9: Never apply cleaning solutions to the belt of a treadmill and check the belt regularly for correct tension and tracking.

Tip #10: For elliptical’s, clean the exterior and the display. If specified by the manufacturer, remove the cover and clean the area under it. In addition, ensure that the intermediate shaft belt is tight and centred.

Tip #11: For exercise bikes, check the tightness of the following attachments: seat, handlebars, pedals and crank arm. Lubricate the pedal shaft as recommended by the manufacturer.

Tip #12: For stair climbers and stair steppers, inspect pedals and hardware for tightness.

Tip #13: For strength machines, clean frames and make sure all bolts and screws are tight.

Tip #14: For free weights, check screws and bolts on dumbbells, racks and benches. Inspect weights for cracks. Prolong the life of your active assets & increase business proceeds with our Gym Equipment Maintenance services. For more information always feel free to visit us at www.fitnessequipment-services.co.uk

Muscle growth is at its prime at about 45 minutes after one stars working out. After this time has elapsed, muscle tissue breakdown will ensue negating the very reason for bodybuilding. Spending gym time appropriately reduces muscle breakdown and presents one with ample time for personal issues.

+ Plan on what exercise to take in advance

Bodybuilders should not wait until they get to the gym in order to decide on the exercise to take on. So much time is wasted when one tries to get ideas from fellow trainees in the gym. This hiccup should only appear when the machine you intended to use is already engaged. This is where making your plan flexible comes in.

+ Regulate the rest time between sets

Powerlifters will normally take 3 to 5 minute rests between the sets to enhance full recovery after the strenious lifts. Bodybuilders have also been using this method on the presumption that it will facilitate one to lift more heavy. Bodybuilding is about building big muscles and toning the physique. Power trainer’s mission is to gain as much strength as possible hence the heavy poundage they lift. Bodybuilders on the other hand focus on lifting less weight with increased reps and hence they should rest less. This rest should last no more than a minute and a half. This is ample time for breath recovery and lactic acid removal from the concerned muscles.

+ Avoid useless talk

This cannot be over emphasized. Useless talk will find its way into gym time leading to less time for training or stealing time scheduled for other business.
Many serious trainees put on headphones to ward off useless talk in the gym. It also serves to ward off people unless they need to pass to you important information.

Talkative training partners need to be alerted of their distractive talk.

+ Make use of the supersets and dropsets

These sets are good for building muscle while taking the least possible time.

Supersets are described as the isolated motions used to train body parts capable of having compound motion e.g. the legs hence the leg extension exercises.
Drop sets serve to progressively increase the sets in order to further stretch the fiber of the muscle. These sets will work similarly with other sets but in less time.

+ Reduce the breaks in between sessions

Carry all the stuff you need for an efficient workout session. Having a water bottle, face towel for the sweat etc. will reduce the number of breaks you need to take in order to get this and that done.

+ Avoid repeating exercises

What exercises are you performing that end up training the same body part?

One should try to get as many parts of the body as possible trained. Learning the benefits of various exercises will help you avoid repetition and consequently save time.

+ Shift training to off-peak hours

It is almost impossible to train both efficiently and sufficiently in a crowded gym. The queues for the machines and noise are depressing to a pysched up bodybuilder.

Off peak time, normally very early or late usually has no or less hassle and is a very good training experience.

+ Take to machines

Compared to training with deadweights, machines take less time to achieve the same results. It is easy to manipulate the machine to vary the poundage. It takes more time to stack up the plates or even getting a dumbbell to the training bench.

Other tips may include:

+ Eating just enough for the workout session. A bloated feeling will disrupt the intensity of the workout. Taking just enough food will for the workout will cause you to workout faster in order to avert catabolism hence gym time is managed properly.

+ Schedule time for training each bodypart.

+ Focus on finishing your workout in time. This will prevent daydreaming and ogling tightly dressed women in the gym.