How Long Does Home Gym Equipment Last?

How Long Does Home Gym Equipment Last?

Investing in home gym equipment is a serious step towards achieving your fitness goals.

You can enjoy the benefits of a personal gym in the comforts of your home at any time of the day with high-quality fitness equipment.

As consumer reports stated in an article about Best Equipment for a Home Gym, “Once you know what you’re looking to achieve and where you can make a little room to move, you can set yourself up for success at any budget.”

Whatever budget you spend on your home gym equipment, you should consider how long it will last to make sure it’s worth the money.

Treadmills used gym equipment in Shreveport - Fitness Expo

The Lifespan of Home Gym Equipment

With regular use, the average piece of fitness equipment should last between seven and twelve years.

However, it may not last that long with excessive use and if it is not properly maintained. It may exceed its lifespan with regular maintenance and if used sparingly.

The two biggest culprits in the wear and tear of home gym equipment are dust and sweat.

Dust poses a problem if it goes into working parts and can greatly shorten the lifespan of your exercise equipment.

The damaging effects of dust can be avoided by dusting the frame and surrounding area weekly.

Sweat is corrosive and can damage metal parts of your workout equipment over time.

Wiping down the equipment after each workout with a damp cloth will prevent this problem.

For the lifespan of specific home gym equipment, take a look at this list:

  • Treadmills – 7 to 12 years with an average of 10 years
  • Ellipticals, exercise bikes, and strength machines – last up to 20 years
  • Barbells and weights – last up to a lifetime

Remember that the more complicated the equipment, the more important maintenance is for long life.

Here are ways on how to protect your gym equipment.

Commercial vs Home Equipment Manufacturing

Fitness equipment manufacturers offer home and commercial versions of their machines.

Commercial gym equipment typically costs more but it is built to last even with daily usage.

They have longer warranties and the parts like the frames and the motor, are built using high-quality materials.

The home version of fitness equipment is more economical, though they may look appealing.

A majority of residential gym equipment, however, is not as well-built as commercial gym equipment.

But you need not worry if you plan to pick a piece of commercial gym equipment for your home gym because you can enjoy working out for years to come as it will serve you better and longer in your home gym endeavors.

gym equipment life expectancy

Maintenance and Repairs of Home Gym Equipment

Home gym maintenance is much easier than you think. Basic maintenance is required to keep your warranty intact.

You can find some maintenance guidelines in the fine print that comes with your equipment.

Here are some useful tips on how to keep your workout equipment looking and working good:

  • Wipe everything down

    Keep your gym equipment clean by wiping it down after each use with Windex, Lysol, or whichever sanitizing spray you prefer to use.

    This will keep the sweat that dried out on padded surfaces from causing premature cracking or fading. Sanitizing is also essential for yourself and anyone else who is using the equipment.

    Wipe all the other parts aside from the padding every two weeks to keep them dust-free and looking good.

  • Oil or grease moving parts at least once a month or more if needed

    Weight tracks need regular oil applications, especially if used heavily. Use a rag to prevent over-spraying of oil.

    For cardio equipment, read your user’s manual for oiling or greasing instructions.

    Many high-end cardio machines have oil reservoirs that need to be checked and filled occasionally.

  • Inspect machines monthly for wear and tear

    Some damages on your gym equipment are not as obvious to notice while you are working out.

    This may increase your chance of injury if not noticed and fixed in time.

    Check your workout equipment over for cracks, bends, and other irregularities that shouldn’t be there. Check the weld points on the machine as well once in a while to make sure there are no cracks.

    Check cables starting at their various attachment points, then visually examine them along their entire length.

    Pay attention to the parts of the cable that make contact with pulleys. Replace cables and resistance bands right away if you see cracks to prevent serious injuries.

Know Your Gym Equipment Life Expectancy

Maintenance of home gym equipment is easy and not very time-consuming.

Your equipment can last you years longer than the average lifespan of seven to twelve years if you don’t abuse its usage, you regularly clean it, and regularly inspect it for wear and tear issues.

Call us at Fitness Expo to know more about how to increase the life expectancy of your exercise equipment.


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