Purchasing exercise equipment is not only an investment in your health but an expensive monetary investment as well. The life expectancy of exercise equipment is dependent on multiple factors including the type of equipment, whether it is privately owned or part of a gym or fitness center, how often the equipment is used and whether it was a brand new purchase or refurbished equipment.
Public vs. Private Use
Due to the high volume of people, the life expectancy of exercise equipment at gyms, community and fitness centers tends to be less than the life expectancy of exercise equipment used privately. Cardio equipment in a public setting tends to last about three years before needing replacement parts or other kinds of maintenance while strength training equipment such as free weights, racks and benches tends to last about five years. Strength training equipment that utilizes weight stacks may last longer as they are better controlled due to the resistance bands and cords.
Refurbished Equipment
Used or refurbished exercise equipment provides the same health benefits at a fraction of the cost. Many of these types of equipment have been stripped down, broken parts replaced and/or the exercise equipment tested in order to ensure it is 100-percent operational. Refurbished equipment also comes with a warranty, ranging from a few months to the remaining lifespan of the exercise equipment. Speak with a refurbished exercise equipment dealer to determine how long the original owners owned the equipment as well as the expected life expectancy.
Maintenance Matters
Just like any other device that comes with a motor, maintenance helps extend the life expectancy of exercise equipment. Be sure to follow the maintenance and/or cleaning guide that accompanies exercise equipment. Important maintenance responsibilities may include daily cleanings and vacuuming and ensuring components are properly lubricated. Refrain from using cleaning solvents and chemicals. Use either warm, soapy water or disposable wipes when cleaning. Lack of maintenance may age your exercise equipment significantly as well as cause damage or premature failure of key parts.
Equipment Retirement
When it costs too much money to keep your exercise equipment running, then it may be time to consider selling it to a refurbished exercise equipment dealer or to get rid of the equipment altogether. Set up a day for someone to pick up the exercise equipment or arrange for proper disposal of the equipment. Consider donating the equipment to a local charity such as the Salvation Army or Fitness4Charity, a non-profit organization that provides refurbished exercise equipment to families in need.
References
- Athletic Business; Fitness - Meet the Experts: Spanning the Life of Equipment; Ronale Tucker Rhodes; February 2008
- American Fitness Professionals and Associates; Refurbished Exercise Equipment: Commercial Exercise Machines at a Fraction of the Cost; John Phung
- Fitness4Charity: Empowering Lives Through Fitness
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