Professional Fitness Equipment Moving

Professional Fitness Equipment Moving

Purchasing workout machines is one thing, but when it comes to fitness equipment moving, you're going to need a little extra help. Whether it's for your home gym or for a school, business or institution, gym equipment is heavy and often takes more than one person to safely move.

Luckily, moving your gym doesn't have to be a task that you tackle on your own or even by bribing your best friends to help. Professionals movers can do the job for you and save much more than just your back.

Reasons To Hire Professional Movers

Unless you happen to be the strongest person in the world, you're going to need assistance with moving the biggest workout machines from one location to another. Items like a treadmill, an elliptical machine, weight machines and weight racks can be too heavy and bulky for even the fittest individual to move safely. Professional movers like Show Me Weights not only have the strength to do the job right with the proper number of team members, but we are also trained in safety protocols and have support equipment to help us prevent injury.

In addition to providing the numbers and strength necessary to move your equipment safely, professional movers also offer the following savings:

• Time: We can do the job quickly and efficiently so that your machines get where they need to go on time. We'll work with your schedule and can even discuss storage options if needed.
• Money: If time is money, then having professionals move your equipment will save you lots of it. Although you may need to pay a service charge, hiring the pros can often save you money in the long run over doing it yourself.
• Safety: Your personal safety is important, but so is the safety of your machines. Professional movers take precautions with the equipment they transport so as not to cause damage.

While it might seem like pro fitness equipment movers might only be necessary when moving a whole gym, they can also be useful for moving a couple of machines for home use. Even if you're just transporting a machine or two for personal use at home, consider looking into professional movers if you think you might need extra help.

What Professional Fitness Equipment Movers Do

Moving exercise equipment sounds simple on the surface, but there is a lot more to it than simply transporting a machine from Point A to Point B. Because there is so much involved with the process, you should take some time upfront to research possible moving companies and compare prices. It is a good idea to find at least three companies and compare their prices, guarantees, reviews and experience. Once you have decided on the company you plan to use, you can discuss the process. Here's what you should be able to expect from most experienced moving services.

Assist in Disassembly

Most gym equipment is too large and bulky to fit through doorways and sit safely in a transport vehicle. It's normal to disassemble larger machines during the move and reassemble them at their destination. Some machines are more complex than others, so disassembly can take some time; luckily, our team can help.

Organize Smaller Parts

During disassembly, you're bound to have a lot of smaller parts to keep track of, such as nuts and bolts. Pro moving companies can help to organize and keep track of these smaller parts so they stay with the machines to which they belong. Keeping these parts together saves time and makes installation easier later.

Prep Uniquely Shaped Equipment for Transport

Different machines require different preparation to help prevent damage both to the machine and its surroundings. When you hire professional movers, you'll probably notice them take extra care for unique machines, such as the following:

• Stationary, Upright and Recumbent Bikes: Electric bikes should be unplugged and, if their cords can completely be detached, have the cords stored separately. If the bike can't be completely taken apart, it should have a protective cover on it during the move. When moving the bike, there should always be protective coverings on the floor to prevent damage to the flooring.
• Treadmills and Ellipticals: Treadmills should be flat while they are being disassembled, and ellipticals should have all moving parts removed. There are a lot of washers, cords and screws that may come off of that need to be carefully stored and organized. All larger parts of treadmills and ellipticals should have a protective covering over them during the move.
• Racks: Racks are mostly just large but may need to be covered to help protect them as well as to prevent them from damaging other equipment. Padding on the floor may be necessary during the move to help prevent scuffs and other floor damage.
• Free Weights: Individually, free weights might seem easy to move, but when you have a lot of them together, you need extra padding and careful arrangement to make sure they are not damaged or cause damage. Pro equipment movers can ensure free weights are transported safely and securely.

Move the Equipment to the New Location

After taking apart and prepping all of your gym equipment, experienced moving companies then load and transport all of your machines and parts to the new location. At Show Me Weights, we are experienced with transporting and installing indoor and outdoor equipment for schools, businesses and institutions.

Assemble Equipment (If Needed)

If assembly and installation are part of moving your gym, many pro moving companies will reassemble your equipment at the new location. This process goes much faster if all of the parts were carefully organized with their respective machines during the disassembly process. Assembly and installation may add to the overall cost of the move, but having the professionals do it for you will undoubtedly save you a lot of time and stress. In addition, many companies include a guarantee with their work, so you can rest assured that the job is done right or that the company will fix it if an issue is found with the assembly or installation later.

Keep in mind that both disassembly and reassembly can be time-intensive depending on the machine. Most larger machines such as bikes, treadmills and ellipticals can take around two hours just to assemble. Be patient with the process as the movers do their job.

How To Prepare for Moving Your Equipment

Even when you hire a professional company to do the hard work of moving the equipment for you, it's important that you take steps to prepare for the event to help the process go smoother. Here are some things that you may be able to do ahead of time to cut down on the time involved with the move:

• Disassemble: While you don't necessarily have to completely take apart every machine on your own, you can take apart simpler machines or take steps to make disassembly easier. For example, you can remove weights from machines that use them. If electrical machines have easy-to-remove cords, you can disconnect those and label which machine they go to for quick reassembly. Secure wires on machines that have them so they're not exposed. If you do take apart any screws, bolts or washers, be sure to put them in a clearly labeled bag so they get back to the right machine later.
• Clean and Sanitize: If your workout machines are part of a business or institution, chances are good that they are cleaned regularly. Still, as the machines are disassembled for the move, you'll want to deep clean and sanitize them again. The move provides a unique opportunity to clean parts of machines that are more difficult to reach when the equipment is fully assembled. Take advantage of this and get your equipment looking like new again.
• Create an Inventory List: It's wise to have your very own complete list of your machines (and maybe even their various parts) so you can ensure everything makes it to the new location safely. As you take everything apart and it's moved onto the truck for transport, write the equipment down and check each one off at your new exercise space.

It's possible that the company you hire to move the equipment will take care of each of these steps for you. In that case, you'll just need to make sure you follow the company's preparation instructions. You can also make assembly at the new location easier by clearly marking out where each machine needs to go for installation.

Our Professional Team Gets the Job Done Right

At Show Me Weights, we have years of experience using, assembling and disassembling all kinds of home and gym fitness equipment. Our team is trained in safely using and moving equipment to protect themselves and their surroundings. When you're ready to move your gym from one location to another, we can help. To learn more about our moving and installation services, come visit us in person at our showroom in Fenton, Missouri. You can also contact us by calling 636-326-1885. Are you looking to buy? We offer a wide range of equipment and accessories to meet your needs. Contact us today!

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Creating and Installing a Home Gym

Having a personal gym is a convenient way to maintain an exercise and fitness regimen from the comfort of your home. Getting your home gym organized is a lengthy process and a process where mistakes could injury or property damage. It all starts with the gym equipment you select, your fitness equipment moving plan and long-term care for your equipment.

Selecting Gym Equipment

There are many different exercise components found in a commercial gym, and what you choose to put in your own setup should take into account your budget, your available space and your overall fitness goals. There are those who are using a home gym for weight training and bodybuilding efforts, while others prefer to focus on cardio or full-body training exercises. You will need variety with your equipment in order to reap the maximum benefits on your body.

1. Adjustable Dumbbells

Dumbbells are used for total body strength training and choosing an adjustable product conserves space. Many of the adjustable options range from three to 24 pounds and can be changed in three-pound increments. These weights stimulate muscle growth by working different muscles through exerting force and demanding flexibility.

2. Treadmill or Elliptical

Treadmills and ellipticals are great for aerobic exercises. Both pieces of equipment simulate either walking or running and with adjustable levels of difficulty. These machines can boost cardio fitness. Though there are similarities between the two, the differences between the two deal with the impact on the body, the overall results of the exercise with regard to muscle mass and the ability to comfortably use the machines.

3. Weight Bench

A focus on weightlifting means you need a weight bench in your home gym. There are many options, such as flat and adjustable for either decline or incline presses, and you can use a bench for more than just lifting. It can be used for bodyweight workouts, as well as cross-training in areas of cardio. It is considered a staple in the home gym, regardless of what your overall fitness goals may be.

4. All-In-One Machines

In the interest of saving space, many serious fitness pros invest in an all-in-one machine for a consistent fitness routine that works each area of the body. Home gym equipment options include weight machines and resistance bands for lifting, curling, pressing and upper and lower body exercises with resistance. Many like the safety benefit of an all-in-one machine, especially when working out at home where there is no spotter or trainer on hand.

5. Exercise Bike or Rowing Machine

In addition to an elliptical machine or treadmill, having an exercise bike or rowing machine in your home gym setup rounds out your workout opportunities. A rowing machine is a full-body workout that builds and tones muscles, aids in weight loss and increases your overall stamina. An exercise bike can be used for both cardio and aerobic goals, and many rely on a bike to aid in burning body fat and calories. The activity strengthens the muscles, lungs and heart.

Moving Your Gym

Regardless of how well you know fitness equipment or how strong you think you are, you should always rely on professional moving companies to handle your home gym moving, setup and maintenance. The movers at Show Me Weights aren’t just a team of strong individuals that provide the muscle to install your equipment. It is a team with experience moving a wide range of equipment pieces. You may be able to carry in some barbells, resistance bands or flooring on your own, but you need a pro for safely moving exercise equipment.

There is a right way and a wrong way to move fitness equipment and set it up. You may be an expert at using the machine, but more than likely, you are not an expert at setting it up the way the manufacturer designed it. It is about safety both during install and later equipment use, and it is about equipment longevity and warranty. Think about the what-if situations you could create by doing your own install.

1. Damage

The pieces of equipment that you are bringing into the home may be large or oversized boxes, and they most certainly will be heavy. There is a strong possibility that you will not be able to handle the equipment on your own both carrying it into the house or garage or when trying to put all the components together. Dropping different pieces can cause damage that impacts your ability to set up a machine correctly or use the machine correctly. Any damage that you create sabotages your workout efforts.

A professional installation team is also able to tell if any piece of equipment arrived damaged, saving you from warranty issues or later harm. They are familiar with what the parts should look like and how they are to be assembled.

2. Injury

Trying to wrestle a box or heavy bar by yourself can lead to injury. Experienced fitness equipment movers, like the team at Show Me Weights, know the importance of protecting the body from injury while lifting or maneuvering heavy or awkward objects. Because professional movers know how the machine is going to be assembled, there is less risk of confusion with mishandling parts or attaching pieces the wrong way. These mistakes often lead to injury.

3. Invalid Warranty

Most pieces of exercise equipment will come with a warranty from the manufacture. However, these warranties often carry exclusions for damages that occur due to mishandling or improper installation. When you assume responsibility for the installation, you could be invalidating your warranty from day one. Professional installation teams are often trained on the equipment and certified by the manufacturer for install. This means that any damage done could be covered and not be an additional expense to you.

4. Additional Expenses

Home gym equipment is an investment and not one that you should jeopardize by trying to handle your own moving and setup. By invalidating your warranty, you run the risk of additional expenses with repairs and technicians should something be damaged during the move or installation. If you damage your personal property by dropping pieces of equipment or the machine toppling over due to faulty construction, you have the additional expenses to care for the damage. Injuring yourself when carrying around pieces of the machine or trying to assemble it can also lead to additional expenses through medical bills or lost wages for time off work.

5. Ineffective Workouts

You bought equipment to help reach your fitness goals but not having the equipment moved and installed by professionals can lead to ineffective workouts and a reduced lifespan on your machines. Tightening all the bolts or nuts correctly, making sure the weights are evenly placed, securing the supports or carefully assembling the control panel or motor housing are important for preserving the function of the machine the way it was designed. Poor calibration or imbalance can impact your workouts and cause undue wear and tear on the machine.

Caring for Your Home Gym

Once your equipment has safely been set up, you need to take care of it if you want it to last. Improper use isn’t the only thing that can shorten the lifespan of an elliptical machine or other pieces of equipment. Failing to maintain each piece and having it professionally repaired can mean early retirement for your fitness equipment. Basic maintenance is also usually a component of a valid warranty. There some easy steps to take on your part to ensure your home gym equipment will last.

• Wipe everything down after use. Use an approved cleaner or sanitizer spray, and throughout wipe down padded surfaces after your workout. Sweat can cause the padded surface to dry out, leading to fading or cracking of the material. Once a month, you should use a vinyl conditioner on the padded surfaces to prevent tearing.
• Wipe down all the parts of your machine or equipment every two weeks. You don’t want chalk particles, dust or other debris building up around the machine. Home gyms in the garage often accumulate dust or dirt sooner, so clean it as needed if this is the case. If you let dust buildup in the pulley bearings, the tracks, the pivot bearings or other moving parts, it can lead to damage.
• Grease moving parts as necessary. You should oil the moving parts at least once a month, though more often is suggested if you maintain a workout schedule that puts the equipment through heavy use. Follow any manufacture recommendations, though it is often acceptable to use a silicone-based spray on a lint-free rag. Apply the lubricant to the weight tracks or exposed grease fittings. A cardio machine may have its own oil reservoir that needs to be filled separately.

Calling the Pros

Whether you have questions about maintenance or you need your home gym equipment relocated, the team at Show Me Weights are the ones to call. From state-of-the-art equipment to professional installation, you can rely on their help to get your fitness goals started and home gym setup. From beginner equipment to serious training products, Show Me Weights can get your home gym installed efficiently and correctly. Call them today at 636-326-1885.

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How To Prepare Your Home Gym Equipment for a Big Move

A big move is a complicated mix of strategy and logistics, and can often be one of life's most stressful experiences. When you must incorporate fitness equipment moving along with moving your regular household furniture and goods, it can add to the overall complexity and stress level of the moving experience. Given that, by nature, most exercise equipment is heavy and irregularly-shaped, special accommodations and considerations need to be made by moving companies and equipment movers in general. Here are some rules-of-thumb to follow when getting your gym equipment ready for your move.

 

Before You Begin

1. Take inventory

Before you start preparing your equipment or making arrangements, go piece-by-piece through all your equipment, making sure you actually want to take everything with you. Ask yourself when is the last time you've used each item. If you've never used it or haven't in a long time, it may be worth considering whether you can sell it or give it away to someone who would use it. As moving costs are normally calculated by both distance and weight, you don't want to move heavy objects if you are unlikely to need or use them later. Also, now is a good time to look over your equipment to see that everything is in good working order and without damage or significant wear-and-tear. 

2. Clean and Tune-up

Wipe everything down with a clean cloth or paper towels and a disinfectant, such as a mild bleach solution. While this is good practice any time, it's important now, especially if movers will be handling your equipment. As you clean, check to see if any maintenance is needed for each piece of gym equipment you plan to move. If you take care of it now, it will be one less thing standing in your way of resuming your routine once you are settled in your new home. 

3. Calculate

Though it isn't completely necessary, it may help with planning and decision-making if you tally the weight and dimensions of your gear, particularly if you have power equipment or weight machines. There's no need to break out the scale, however — a quick internet search will give you the specs of each item. Then when it comes to hiring your movers and discussing details, you'll have accurate information to give them.

 

Packing and Moving the Small Stuff

It makes sense to prepare and pack your smaller items first since you shouldn't need any assistance or special accommodations for them. Start with your hand weights, dumbbells, small medicine balls, etc. — the heavier of the small items to move — so you can evenly distribute the weight in your packing boxes. Make sure you use reinforced moving boxes or plastic bins designed for heavy items. It would be disastrous to have your free weights break through the bottom and damage other items you're moving, not to mention injure you or your movers. 

Pack a maximum of four heavy items per box. You can wrap your weights in bubble wrap, newspaper, or packing peanuts, or better yet, use towels you would need to pack anyway. It's a good idea to have some sort of cushioning between the weights themselves and between the weights and the bottom of the box, so no damage will occur during transport. 

Rolled-up yoga mats can be great for cushioning heavy or breakable items if you can find the right size box for their length, and you can use other household linens, such as sheets, blankets, and tablecloths to take up space and prevent things from shifting around. The more you can prevent the movement of items within the boxes, the safer everything will be. 

When combining items of different categories in your boxes (gym equipment and linens, for instance,) label the outside of the boxes so you'll know approximately where everything is once you arrive in your new home. Though it may not be terribly inconvenient if you don't know where your kettlebell is, you'll feel differently if you need a bath towel and don't remember that you wrapped it around your hand weights.

 

Getting Your Big Equipment Ready

When moving your gym, the less hands-on help you have from your moving company, the lower the total cost will be. It's certainly easier (and recommended) to have professionals with experience moving your exercise equipment, but if you want to handle it yourself and save money, here are some helpful tips to follow.

1. Treadmill

Treadmills are one of the heaviest pieces of exercise equipment you can move, weighing in at several hundred pounds. It's highly recommended that you consult your machine's owner's manual because every brand is different, but in general, you can follow these steps: 

• If your treadmill is at an incline, set it back to zero and remove the safety key. Seal the key in a labeled envelope and tape it securely to the machine using packing or duct tape.
• Unplug it, and fold up the walking deck, and lock it into place with the locking pin. (If your machine doesn't fold, you will need to disassemble it or have help carrying the whole unit onto the moving truck.)
• If you still have the original box, pack the treadmill back into it. If not, use moving blankets to protect the treadmill, your walls, and doorways from damage as you move it out.
• If you don't have help moving the unit, use a dolly or hand truck and tilt the treadmill back towards you at a 45-degree angle to lift it onto the deck.
• Tie the treadmill down in the moving trailer with rope or ratchet straps to keep it secure during the move.
  

2. Elliptical Machine

An elliptical can be challenging to move because of its unique shape and overall weight. Unfortunately, you may have to disassemble it completely unless you have some serious help lifting the unit on and off the moving truck at either end of your move. You can break it down into four main pieces: the main console, base, handlebars, and pedals. Use furniture blankets or pads to wrap each part individually and pack them in the original boxes if you have them, or in moving boxes if you don't. If you have help moving it and don't want to take your elliptical apart, make sure to secure the handlebars and pedals with rope or bungee cords so they cannot move and have the stronger person take the front of the machine, where the bulk of the weight sits.

3. Stationary Bike

Stationary bikes have always been popular at-home exercise machines, but thanks to innovators like Peloton, they have become more popular than ever. Luckily, they are fairly simple to move and don't require disassembly. The most important thing is to protect the screen, ends of the handlebars, and pedals from damage or from causing damage to your walls and doorways as you move the unit out.  Secure a piece of cardboard over the screen and bubble-wrap the handles and pedals before wrapping the whole bike in a moving blanket. Get help putting it into the truck unless there's a hydraulic lift to do the work for you — the expense and delicate nature of your stationary bike require a little TLC upfront so you can continue to use it without issues once you arrive in your new home.

 
Choosing a Mover

If you have expensive equipment or an abundance of heavy pieces in your home gym, it's wise to look for movers that specialize in moving exercise equipment. Not only can you injure yourself or damage your equipment if you try to do it yourself, but any repair and replacement costs will not be covered if any damage does occur. Moving companies carry insurance that will cover damages to your gear as long as they pack and move the pieces themselves.

Because of this liability, moving companies stay up-to-date on the latest equipment and best practices on how to pack and transport them properly. The best movers make sure their staff is well-trained and conscientious of the delicate electronics and components of power equipment, as well as knowledgeable about how to distribute the weight in packing boxes and on the truck to minimize the possibility of damage during transport. When researching online for a moving company, pay special attention to their customer reviews and the number of years they've been in business. Expertise and experience usually go hand-in-hand, and companies without high customer satisfaction rarely make it long in the industry.

 

Relocating is hectic and stressful enough without having to worry whether the contents of your beloved home gym will arrive at your new home intact and in perfect working order. Hiring professionals to handle your move — or at the very least, carefully planning, preparing, and packing your equipment — will ultimately save time, money, and headaches. If you're moving to a home with even more dedicated workout space, now might be the time to choose some new gear. To upgrade your weights or exercise equipment or to explore new storage and flooring options, visit Show Me Weights for a great selection of quality fitness equipment. 

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Ditch the Dues With a Home Gym

You may think your gym membership dues are affordable in light of the access to machines and professional training you receive, but some facilities harbor a few secrets that aren’t worth the expense you keep justifying. In fact, your money could be better spent by investing in a home gym. With Show Me Weights offering first-class weight machines and fitness equipment moving assistance, you don’t need to pay your monthly dues any longer.

What You Leave Behind

You may not realize what little secrets your gym facility is guarding as you casually claim a treadmill or elliptical machine. Consider what you stand to gain from saying goodbye to a gym membership and hello to your own workout space.

1. Fewer Germs

You may see facility staff moving through the area wiping down machines or spraying disinfect after an individual moves on, but you are mistaken if you think the facility is thoroughly sanitized and free from germs. One study found that almost 75% of gym equipment in a public facility stays contaminated with cold-causing rhinovirus germs even after a schedules wipe down. Pathogens like MRSA or other staph infections left on a machine, bench or piece of equipment can enter through a scrape or cut on your skin. Fungi, bacteria and mold also thrive on the sweaty mats, in the damp, dark lockers and all over the public benches.

2. Overpriced Workouts With Misrepresented Trainers

The guys and gals that are hired as trainers may seem toned and tightened, but certification in personal fitness or training doesn’t mean the individual has a wealth of experience and formal instruction. There are online programs offering certification for a trainer, and few people actually check the education or credentials of the trainers on the roster or the class instructors. You would be better off investing your money into specialized pieces of equipment to build your own gym setup at home.

3. Sudden Charges or Fees

Your membership contract may be subject to change at the discretion of the administration. Membership rates may increase or the usage charges for certain amenities could go up. Your contract may also be a sticking point, in spite of lower membership prices for new enrollees or at another local gym. You may be charged a late fee for payments not made on time or a quarterly maintenance fee for thorough cleaning of the facility. You are also charged a membership fee whether or not you visit the gym at all each month. Few people look at their monthly statements to see everything they are being billed for.

4. Spur of the Moment Cancellations

Working out usually requires a bit of planning on your part, especially when you have a work schedule or domestic responsibilities that limit how often you can go to the gym. On days of inclement weather, holidays or administrative emergencies, the gym has the right to close the doors and restrict attendance. Your best intentions to go workout can be canceled for reasons beyond your control. You won’t often get a refund for these inconveniences, either.

What You Stand To Gain

The process of building your own setup brings more benefits than you will find with keeping your gym membership.

1. No Commute Headaches

With a home gym, you are literally steps away from a workout opportunity. You don’t have to get up an hour earlier each morning in order to spend 30 minutes at the gym. You don’t have to rush out the door from work to beat the traffic in order to get a spot on the rowing machine. So much of the headache with commuting to the gym is lost when you set up a workout space in your garage or spare bedroom.

2. No Inconvenient Closures

The money you spend on your home gym is well spent since you have access to working out seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Wide awake at two in the morning? You can hop on the treadmill and tire yourself out. Don’t have plans for the holiday? You can spend as much time as you want working off your holiday sweets or the family feast. There aren’t any restrictions on when you can work out.

3. No Annoying People

There are few other places besides the gym where you will encounter so many annoying people. Not that you don’t appreciate the commitment people are making toward their health and wellness, but sometimes, the habits, sounds and actions of the people around you are just too much. The chatterbox on the cellphone who took up residence beside you or the loud grunts and groans coming from the weight bench can be a distraction. Working out at home takes these annoyances out of the equation. You can be the one on the cellphone or you can enjoy some focused silence. The choice is yours in a home fitness station.

4. No Wasted Efforts

All of the time and money you spend on a home gym is an investment that lasts. From the initial equipment purchases to how long you choose to work out each day, you will see positive results for your efforts. Being able to use the same piece of equipment regularly or being able to keep a more consistent workout schedule will produce better outcomes than a hit-or-miss membership. There are a lot of things that can get in the way of working out at the gym but having the equipment in your home removes most of these obstacles. This makes the most of the effort you put into your workout.

What Your Home Gym Plan Should Include

You won’t be able to recreate a professional facility overnight, but Show Me Weights can get you started with some key pieces of equipment. Personal gym equipment is an expensive investment, and all your machines or components should be treated with care. From the initial purchase to installation and use, you can preserve the life and function of your fitness equipment when you follow the manufacturer's guidelines for setup, use and maintenance. This means relying on expert advice when getting started.

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