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Updated: 1/12/2021
This year, COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and the gym, our favourite place, reopened. While the pandemic brought many restrictions it also reinforced our need for clean and safe training environments. By following this cleaning and maintenance advice, you can make sure your gym is in tip-top condition.
There are many differing rules around the UK. Knowing that you're adhering to the government guidelines, and helping your community keep active means you are part of the solution.
Research suggests that gyms and fitness studios that follow the frameworks are safe and the place to build:
- Immunity
- Strength
- Energy
- Motivation
- Positive mindset
- Resilience to stress
- Happiness
- Mental alertness
ukactive have published guidance to operators in their COVID-19 hub which is worth reading thoroughly. We also wanted to provide maintenance advice for your machines, to make sure you're kicking off 2022 safely and effectively.
Gym Equipment Cleaning
Continue to clean workout stations after each use and ensure there are cleaning tools for users close to hand.
With an increase in the number of times you're cleaning, we want to emphasise the importance that you (and your customers) do not spray cleaning solutions straight on to the equipment. Spray onto a hygienic cloth/paper towel, and use that to wipe the machine.
Make sure you are using a mild, non-corrosive cleaning agent that doesn't have a high alcohol or ammonia content. By doing so you decrease the risk of causing damage to costly touchscreens, or stripping the paint and colour from metal and rubbers.
Pay particular attention to touch screens, buttons, handholds, saddles and foot pedals to make sure these are properly disinfected before the next user.
Remember to use a different cloth/wipe for each machine, to avoid cross-contamination. Ensure the waste buckets nearby are always emptied and kept tidy.
If you have plate loaded and free weight equipment in your facility, bars and plates will need regular cleaning. To combat rust on weight lifting bars from all this cleaning, we recommend you carry out maintenance oiling at least once a week. Check out our Barbell Maintenance Guide to see how to best look after your bars.
Remember to keep your extra sanitation stations around the gym floor. Keep these topped up and within easy reach of the cardio machines, strength machines, by entry/exit points and changing rooms.
Fogging Machines
In the wake of COVID-19, fogging machines have become an extremely popular way of cleaning equipment quickly, especially in large gyms. This type of cleaning apparatus is great for non-electrical machines. However please do not use it on any machine with electrical elements. The use of a fogger on equipment with electrical elements will damage the machinery and you will likely face large costs for repair or replacement.
Proactive Communication
January and February are traditionally high traffic periods for gyms. Make sure you are communicating with members if there are any restrictions in place.
If you have an app, make sure capacity limits and busy times are highlighted clearly so members can avoid queuing. Post on your social channels, send out a newsletter, or use WhatsApp to keep everyone up to date.
Proactive communication steps like these will further help build trust with your members, and keep the facility as safe as possible.
Maintenance Advice
The equipment in your gym was made to be running frequently and like any machine should be checked to ensure it’s in the best condition.
Here are a couple of quick checks you can do to keep your equipment operational.
Note: When we say oil, we tend to mean silicone oil or another water-based lubricant. Steer clear of WD40-type lubricants. The active chemicals in these can strip the paint layers on the machines or damage protective plastic shrouds.
Treadmills
Make sure that the belt is rotated by a quarter at least every two weeks. This will avoid the belt setting in the curve of the running deck. Especially in hot weather, when rubber softens during the day and hardens in the coolness of the night, it's important to keep your belt in shape.
Having someone using the treadmill for 10 minutes keeps the tension of the belt accurate and allows you to check for snags in the motor or deck.
Upright, Recumbent and Exercise Bike
For any belt-driven bikes it is important you rotate the pedals or use the bike for 10 mins at least every two weeks. This ensures the belt doesn't become misshapen. Chain driven belts should also be rotated and checked for grinding.
Any break pads on non-magnetic indoor cycles may have dried up over the stagnant weeks, so make sure you oil them as required. You can find out how to do this in our Indoor Cycle Maintenance Guide.
Check any batteries in cycle computers (or power meters with Stages Bikes) are fully charged.
Rowing Machines
The mechanism in the rowers may need some regular use to keep at full capacity. More importantly, it's worth checking the seat runners and making sure they are not seized up and rusting. Oil and clean as required to make sure they glide smoothly along the beam.
Other Fitness Equipment
Common sense will allow you to check most other machines, following similar guidelines as laid out above. If you're unsure about anything, our service team are happy to answer any queries you may have regarding maintenance and repairs.
Social Distancing Guidelines
Restrictions are still in place in some parts of the UK so it is important that you consider your layouts. This allows your members to socially distance within your gym.
More and more members are looking for workout stations where they don’t need to move around the gym. We work with our customers to create zones and stations for their customers which includes equipment such as FITBOX. Speak to a member of our team to discuss design and layout through [email protected].
