When Should One Replace Their Exercise Equipment?

How quickly you replace your exercise equipment depends greatly on the type of exercise equipment you need to replace and how well you've maintained the equipment. Well-made commercial equipment that has received regular maintenance will last longer than most residential equipment or fitness accessories that have received infrequent or insufficient maintenance.

Electrically Powered Cardio Equipment

Electrically powered cardio equipment such as treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals and rowing machines generally wear out faster than weight equipment. All of the moving components and electronics have a shelf life, and once they break, you need to have the piece repaired or replaced. Denis Bruntmyer, a fitness maintenance tech at a gym in Salem, Oregon, says that most commercial cardio equipment should be on a three- to seven-year replacement schedule. The amount of use that the equipment receives and the regularity of maintenance affects the overall length of time a piece of equipment will last.

Weight Equipment

The simpler and sturdier a piece of equipment, the longer it will last. Weight equipment without moving parts -- dumbbells, plate weights, kettlebells and fixed barbells -- can last 15 or more years easily. Some equipment can last indefinitely. Machine weights with moving parts should be on a 10- to 20-year replacement program, and according to Denis Bruntmyer, weight equipment often needs to be replaced due to changes in fitness fads rather than the actual functionality of the equipment. The better you take care of your weight equipment, the longer it will last.

Fitness Accessories

Fitness accessories -- exercise balls, fitness bands and other small equipment -- will need to be replaced according to wear and tear. Generally speaking, by inspecting the equipment regularly you can gauge whether it's time to replace the item. For instance, the American College of Sports Medicine suggests checking exercise bands for wear and tear before every use. Cracks, discoloration and rough spots can all indicate that the band could break while in use. You should also inspect stability balls, BOSU balls and other fitness accessories for the same problems.

Considerations

To extend the life of your equipment, clean the surface of the item after every use and set up weekly and monthly maintenance schedules. The types of maintenance that should be performed will vary based on the equipment, but keeping moving parts well oiled and free of debris will play a part in the life of your equipment.