GoKawiilIf you own fitness gear to work out at home, chances are you’ve invested in a large piece of cardio equipment, such as a treadmill or even an exercise bike. These types of machines are expensive, so it's important to take care of them to help them last longer.
Depending on the machine you own, there are different ways to care for it. Knowing how to maintain and what to look out for will make this easier. Whether you own a treadmill or a rowing machine, there are ways to keep them functioning like new at no extra cost.
We spoke to a gym owner and personal trainer about maintaining gym equipment to take the guesswork out for you. If you own any of these machines, make sure you’re doing this to maintain them throughout the year.
Treadmills: Don’t neglect the belt
Make sure to keep your treadmill belt clean and well-maintained -- epecially if you use the same sneakers for outdoor activities. Svetlana Snezhkina/Getty Images
If you own a treadmill, you know that for it to run well, you want the belt to remain smooth whether you run, jog or walk on it. Marshall Weber, a certified personal trainer and owner of Functional Idaho Gym, recommends maintaining your treadmill on a monthly basis. This also depends on how often you and anyone else in your household use the treadmill during the week. Some signs a treadmill needs TLC include a belt that sounds or feels off.
“If you begin to notice that your belt from the machine is squeaky or you feel it slipping under your feet, that is a strong sign you need to do a little bit of upkeep, because a properly maintained belt should feel smooth,” Weber says.
The good news is you don’t need to hire a professional to service your treadmill. To learn how to lubricate your treadmill, you can do it yourself by following a YouTube tutorial -- just make sure it aligns with your manufacturer’s instructions. Peloton, for instance, offers its own treadmill maintenance tips.
Keep it clean and dust-free
When cleaning your belt, don’t neglect the area underneath it. “Dust builds up under it, which people forget,” says Cara D'Orazio, a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and specialist in sports conditioning. Weber agrees, saying, “I recommend taking the incline all the way up, sliding a light towel under the belt and letting the machine run for a few seconds.” This will help remove the dirt hiding under the belt.
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