Exercise equipment isn’t cheap. Whether you’re investing in high-end professional equipment or building a home gym, it can easily cost thousands of dollars to get the equipment you need for a full-body workout.
With the cost of this equipment, you’re probably wondering about the average exercise equipment life expectancy and what you can do to extend the life of your gym equipment. Read on to learn how long gym equipment lasts and how to maximize your investment.
What Defines Exercise Equipment Life?
Exercise equipment life is the duration of time equipment can be used for before it becomes unsafe or non-functional. Protective coatings wear down, metal surfaces corrode, and moving parts break down as gym equipment is used repeatedly.
The expected life of a stationary bike, rowing machine, or other equipment can vary based on usage and maintenance.
Why Gym Equipment Lifespan Matters
Gym equipment isn’t cheap, so most people want equipment that’s built to stand the test of time. Choosing gym equipment with a longer lifespan helps you save money in the long run, and you don’t have to worry about replacing equipment every couple of years.
Maintenance is also key when it comes to exercise equipment life. Quality equipment that’s built to stand the test of time doesn’t require the same constant maintenance that cheaper equipment needs.
What Influences Gym Equipment Longevity
If you want your gym equipment to last a long time, it’s important to understand how your choice of equipment and usage impact longevity. Here’s a breakdown of what determines exercise equipment life.
Key Components Affecting Equipment Durability
For outdoor gym equipment, the protective coating is the first line of defense. Powder coated outdoor fitness equipment is designed to withstand inclement weather and prolonged exposure to UV rays. If this powder coat chips or cracks over time, it leaves the steel frame exposed and causes corrosion.
Moving parts are also a common failure point for gym equipment. Equipment with exposed moving parts is more likely to rust and corrode over time. Hinges, bolts, and resistance bands are especially vulnerable parts.
How Usage Patterns Impact Equipment Life
Choosing quality gym equipment is a good start, but the lifespan of your equipment is impacted by how you use it. The less you use gym equipment, the longer it tends to last. This is especially true for equipment with moving parts, stationary equipment can usually stand up to more wear and tear.
You can also expect a shorter exercise equipment life if you’re not the only one using your equipment. If you’re installing outdoor fitness equipment in a park or correctional facility, it probably won’t last as long as your personal gym equipment.
How to Maintain Your Gym Equipment for Longevity
Maintenance is one of the biggest keys to extending the life of your gym equipment. Even if you’re buying quality exercise equipment that’s designed to withstand the elements, you need to maintain your gym equipment regularly.
Best Practices for Equipment Cleaning and Inspection
It’s important to inspect and clean your exercise equipment on a regular basis. Even if your equipment is protected by a durable powder coating, regular cleaning helps prevent damage caused by built-up dirt and grime.
Cleaning your exercise equipment is simple. You can use a damp cloth to wipe down your equipment before drying it with a dry cloth. If your equipment is especially dirty, add a few drops of mild detergent to some warm water and use that to clean it. Equipment should be fully dried after cleaning.
As far as the schedule goes, you should clean your exercise equipment about once a week. Set up a weekly reminder in your calendar to make sure you’re cleaning your equipment regularly.
Inspections are also a key part of maximizing exercise equipment life. At the very least, you should inspect exercise equipment monthly to look for chipped or cracked paint, rust, and other signs of damage. If you spot a problem, make sure it’s fixed before continuing to use your equipment.
Tips for Proper Equipment Usage and Calibration
Improper usage of exercise equipment can shorten exercise equipment life. If you want to maximize the life of your exercise equipment, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid using exercise equipment for anything other than its intended purpose
- If you’re not sure how to use equipment, watch an instructional video first
- Check the weight capacity of each station and avoid overloading equipment
- Make sure each station is only being used by a single person at a time
When to Repair or Replace Gym Equipment
You can maximize exercise equipment life through regular maintenance and inspections, but you can only expect your exercise equipment to last so long. If you’re not sure whether to repair or replace gym equipment, here are some tips.
If your exercise equipment is fairly new, repairing it might be a more cost-effective solution. However, this depends on the cost of repairs and the cost of the equipment.
Older equipment that has more frequent problems isn’t usually worth repairing. If the repair cost is approaching the cost of replacing old equipment, we recommend upgrading your old equipment.
Common Mistakes in Gym Equipment Care
Whether you’re setting up a home gym or designing an outdoor fitness space for your local park, avoiding these common mistakes can help you maximize exercise equipment life:
- Cleaning: Exercise equipment needs to be cleaned regularly. If you’re not cleaning your equipment at least a few times a month, it’s more likely to break down.
- Inspections: Routine inspections help you identify problems before they escalate, so you can repair your equipment instead of replacing it.
- Using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can damage the powder coating on exercise equipment, so stick to gentle soaps and detergents.
How to Avoid Costly Equipment Breakdowns
If you want to avoid expensive exercise equipment breakdowns and maximize exercise equipment life, maintenance is key. Clean and inspect your equipment regularly and fix any chipped or cracked paint spots where bare metal is exposed.
Equipment with moving parts should be lubricated regularly. Silicone-based lubricants are generally best for exercise equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Lifespan of Common Gym Machines?
Gym equipment usually lasts for 7 to 12 years, but that can vary depending on how often you clean and inspect your equipment.
How Often Should I Service My Exercise Equipment?
Exercise equipment should be serviced once a week, and you should conduct inspections at least once a month.
Does Regular Maintenance Extend Equipment Life?
Yes, regular maintenance extends exercise equipment life. Cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating equipment can prevent long-term problems.
Can High Usage Significantly Reduce Equipment Longevity?
Yes, high-usage equipment typically won’t last as long. However, the impact of frequent exercise equipment usage can vary.
Conclusion: Equipment Life Tips
If you want to maximize your exercise equipment life, start by creating a cleaning and inspection schedule you can follow. If you have equipment with moving parts, lubrication is also essential.
At TriActive USA, we specialize in durable exercise equipment, including indoor and outdoor stations. Our outdoor equipment is protected by a durable powder coating that’s tested for 1,000 hours of salt spray resistance. Check out our catalog to find the best equipment for your gym.
