Home gyms require attention to certain details while observing
the general condition of the unit over time. The main preventative
maintenance items for most home gyms is to keep the gym clean and
dust-free and ensure that the guide rods and pulleys are
lubricated. As with most mechanical machines, dust, lint, sweat,
and dirt affect the overall performance of the gym. Regularly,
wipe down the gym to remove any dust or sweat. A mild detergent
and a clean rag will do the job. Most home gyms also require
lubrication of the guide rods (the two rods that the weight plates
slide up and down on). Most manufactures recommend a wet silicon
spray or lithium grease to be used. Check with the owner's manual
for the manufacture's exact recommendations. Most home gyms
require lubrication only once or twice a year or whenever the
guide rods seam sticky or rough when the weight plates are sliding
up or down. Pulleys can also be lubricated with silicon spray if
sticky or squeaky.
On a regular basis it is a good idea to thoroughly inspect the
gym. Check the cables for imperfections. If you find the cable is
fraying, pinched, creased, or starting to separate in places, it
is recommend that the cable be replaced. Also check the slack in
the cable tension. Some cables can stretch out over time, if there
is a lot of slack make an adjustment to tighten up the cable
around the pulleys. When cables become too loose, it can cause a
slight gap at the beginning of a lift where there is no weight for
an inch or two. Loose cables can also come off of a pulley and get
stuck between the pulley and the steel frame. If the cable is
pulled while in this stuck position, it can cause the cable to
fray or become pinched. Check with the owner's manual for places
to adjust the cables on your gym.
Check the gym for stability regularly by ensuring all the bolts
are properly tightened and that the gym is level. Make sure that
the gym is functioning properly before engaging in any exercises. |
