For every piece of equipment in your facility you should come up with some type of numbering or barcode system. This assures you can keep records and history of your individual units and not be confused with others.
Once a week, check your strength and free weight cable units. Put the weight stack pin in the top plate or lowest numbered plate. Remove any cable attachment bars on the free weight pieces. Pull that cable down four to five feet or move the movement arms enough so you can closely look for cracks or kinks in the nylon coating. Pay attention to where the cables run over the pulleys, a very common wear areas. For your multi-adjustable cables, you must check the exact spot at the ball or swivel attachment, a very common and overlooked area where the cable will start to break because of all the frequent adjustments.
The other odd thing to look for is a twisted cable like a candy cane — it almost looks like the cable is stretching. That is a sign of the cable breaking inside the nylon coating. The machine should be put out of order and the cable should be replaced immediately.
Also, check your pop pin knobs, frame caps and weight stack pins weekly. Missing knobs can be a nuisance and irritant by not allowing your users to adjust the equipment properly. Replace if missing. Loose knobs should be tightened when encountered. Grab the shaft with a set of pliers and tighten the knob with your hand so you can get that extra one-quarter turn.
Missing/cracked rubber or plastic frame caps can make your equipment slide on the floor or uneven in some situations. Again, replace these if they’re missing.
Broken or missing weight stack pins and tethers can lead into a troubled facility. One missing pin can cause havoc. Your user will take a pin from another machine and that can spiral out of control. All these minor parts can be a safety issue and subject your users to improvise, so it’s best to be checking once a week, documenting troubled areas and staying on top of them.
Once a month your equipment padding should be inspected. Visually and physically checking all your pads monthly can be a great way to keep your pads in good shape. Use your hand to check pads you can’t see, like thigh and leg pads.
Vinyl is very porous which sweat and dirt can penetrate. That’s why you will see discoloration of lighter colors. Vinyl that starts to wear will become hard and brittle, especially in high impact areas you will see cracks. Cracks can appear small but within weeks can become very large and irritating to your members — some areas sooner than others like bicep curls, leg raise, elbows or head areas. Most manufactures don’t go the extra mile to put covers in those high-wear areas. It’s vital to recognize those areas because that can save your facility hundreds of dollars a year.
It’s important to know cleaning your pads will help to make them last longer. There are many good cleaners on the market but use caution when using concentrates and follow manufactures’ suggested ratios.
FullCirclePadding.com is a full-service website for the fitness industry with replacement pads, cables, parts and accessories for any name brand. You can reach our customer service at
cs@fullcirclepadding.com.
