How to Maintain your Home Gym

A home gym is a great investment for those who want to stay fit and healthy without the hassle and expense of a traditional gym membership. However, like any investment, a home gym requires regular maintenance to keep it in good working order. In this article, we will discuss the key steps you need to take to keep your home gym in top condition, so you can continue to enjoy your workouts without interruption. This article will help you understand the main causes of damage to home gyms and how to maintain your home gym to ensure you get the most out of your investment. So, whether you are new to the world of home gyms or a seasoned pro, read on to learn how to keep your gym in tip-top shape.

Threats to your home gym in the Winter

Two of the main threats to garage gyms is rust and corrosion and these often occur because garages are often not sealed or insulated as well as other indoor structures.

The main catalyst for rust and corrosion of any metal is water. Rust is a chemical process that involves iron/iron alloys, oxygen, and water. Often, “water” exposure occurs at the molecular level, causing a destructive oxide compound that causes rust and corrosion of metal materials. In the context of home gyms, the main source of water surprisingly comes from our sweat!

Did you know that the sodium chloride in our sweat can exacerbate the risk of metal rust and corrosion?

In the winter with the air going from cold to hot regularly it can often cause a lot of condensation which is not good especially for barbells and dumbbells as the moisture will cause rust. No need to panic though, there are some simple straightforward steps you can take to protect and maintain your gym equipment.

Tips to help preserve and protect your equipment:

Insulation 

If you can, try to get some good flooring in place. Preferably thick and high-quality flooring, the better the quality, the better the insulation. Having your doors, windows and walls properly sealed and insulated can help regulate the temperature, keep heat in and save energy costs.

*One thing to note, rubber floor tiles can experience shrinkage during the winter due to the cold. If you notice small gaps between your rubber floor tiles during the winter this is a normal and they will revert and expand as the temperature starts to rise towards the summer and spring.

Aircon/Heater 

Heating and air-conditioning units can help you regulate the temperature in your gym, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Keeping the temperature in your gym at the roughly the same level throughout the year can help prevent the damages that can occur due to outside weather changes.

Dehumidifiers

Changes in temperature can cause damp, dehumidifiers are a great way of preventing this by absorbing the moisture from the air. Alternatively, be sure to air out your space if you have had an intense sweat filled session and make sure to keep an eye out for damp prone areas so you can resolve and prevent the issue before it spreads.

Wipe down your equipment 

Make sure to wipe down all your equipment after use, this will not just to keep it clean but also to prevent any possible sweat corrosion. In addition to impacting metals, sweat and body oils can break down the finishes on upholstery, especially if it is not wiped down between uses. It is important to wipe down your things like your bench along with your dumbbells and barbells etc. to prevent them from sitting with sweat overnight.

Cleaning Equipment

Pick up a barbell brush and some 3-in-1 oil to keep your barbell knurling and dumbbell handles looking fresh and free from rust. Regularly cleaning them can really extend the life of your bars, plus they look great when they are shining! In addition, vacuum or sweep your floor regularly, debris from the outside like glass and small stones can damage your dumbbells, plates, and flooring.

Inspect Your Equipment Regularly

Check for loose bolts, frayed cables, and other signs of damage, and make repairs or replace equipment as needed. We would recommend you do this every few months as a rule of thumb but keep any eye out when using your equipment. For example, if your cable is not running smoothly, do not ignore it, address the issue immediately as there could be something like a foreign object or loose bolt causing damage.

Treadmill Tips

Treadmills are sophisticated and expensive pieces of home gym equipment, and we recommend you service your treadmill every 3 months. For our MuscleSquad range of treadmills we have created a video breaking down how to service and maintain your treadmill:

Summary

Maintaining your home gym requires you to pay attention to detail, invest a little time and labour. Which in the long run will pay dividends as it will prolong the life of your gym equipment, saving you costs for potential repairs/replacements etc. Overall, keeping your home gym clean, organized, and well-maintained will help ensure that it is safe to use and will last for a long time.