Your largest investment as a fitness facility is the equipment, therefore maximizing the longevity of this equipment is vital. A few focused minutes a day will benefit all those involved such as your members and staff as well as the reputation of your facility. To start, strategically invest in equipment that aligns with your members’ needs and fitness goals. Be sure to prioritize versatile and durable equipment to guarantee your long-term value. Considering equipment with user-friendly interfaces will help attract and retain members.

Train Your Staff:

Properly introducing new equipment to staff including trainers, maintenance teams, and members will develop an educated, safe environment. Educating both staff and personal trainers about equipment features and programs will help to enhance member engagement as well as use equipment introductions to connect with team members. Most importantly, a well-trained staff that is comfortable and knowledgeable about equipment usage will promote the most safe and effective workouts while boosting the confidence of members alike. A great suggestion would be to consider offering introductory sessions for new equipment to create excitement and engagement.

Utilize a Daily Checklist:

Establish a routine maintenance schedule for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. For example, create a daily checklist for routine tasks such as wiping down equipment, vacuuming, and testing console buttons. The standard practice of cleaning and sanitizing equipment regularly will not only ensure a safe and hygienic environment for patrons, but it will also encourage your staff to conduct hands-on inspections to identify possible issues and reduce downtime. Therefore, through regular cleaning and maintenance tasks, you will help identify issues early and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Have Regular Checkups:

Implement a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan beyond manufacturer requirements. Regular checkups catch problems before they occur, will reduce loss of usage, and extend your equipment’s lifespan. Equipment owner’s manuals and manufacturer websites can provide maintenance guidelines in order to help establish a baseline for your routine checkups. Gym Source works with manufacturers and offers Preventive Maintenance and Service programs that you can enroll in. It is never a bad idea to take advantage of these services and leave it to the professionals.

Repair vs. Replace:

Like with any type of machine subject to high repeated usage, it is important to monitor its performance as well as maintenance costs in order to decide whether or not it is time to replace it. The decision to replace/upgrade equipment will need to be made when the time comes that it consistently requires repairs, becomes outdated, or of course, becomes a safety concern. A cost analysis will likely need to be conducted to evaluate the repair costs, frequency, and downtime to determine the replacement or upgrade timing. Putting a plan in place for replacements will ensure minimal disruption to members’ routines and increase the overall image of your facility.

It’s important to note that the advice provided aligns with best practices for fitness facility management. In any fitness facility, there should be much emphasis on the importance of maintaining fitness equipment to ensure member safety, satisfaction, and the facility’s reputation. Facility operators can benefit from incorporating these steps into their equipment management routines to enhance the overall experience for members and staff. 

Contact Gym Source today for all needs related to the health and wellness of your facility and its guests.