Gym equipment and fitness machines are big and heavy, which is just the nature of how they’re built and used.
According to a June 2023 survey in the United States by Statista, around 40 percent of respondents stated that they owned or had access to home exercise equipment, while around 10 percent expressed plans to buy a home gym soon. With so many people investing in fitness equipment, knowing the right way to move gym equipment is essential.
The process isn’t as simple as just transporting these items from one place to another. It requires careful planning to avoid injury and ensure your equipment arrives in top condition.
This guide will help you learn how to move your gym equipment safely without any damage if you aren’t using professional movers.
1. Create a Workout Equipment Inventory List
Before you start moving your gym equipment, take a moment to create an inventory list. This will help you keep track of everything. Find out which exercise machines can be easily carried and which ones require special handling. A thorough inventory list of your fitness equipment will help you avoid surprises later and ensure you’re well-prepared for the move.
2. Clean Your Exercise Equipment
Cleaning your exercise equipment not only gives it a fresh look but also ensures it’s germ-free for your new setup. You can use basic cleaning solutions, such as wipes, or tools like a vacuum with a duster attachment or a microfiber cloth.
Pay special attention to areas that come into direct contact with your hands or body, as these are more prone to collecting sweat and grime. Regular maintenance of your equipment will help extend its lifespan and keep it functioning optimally.
3. Measure the Dimensions and Make a Plan
It is important to measure the size of your gym equipment and the spaces you’ll need to pass through, such as doorways, hallways, and staircases. While smaller items like dumbbells, kettlebells, rods, and benches usually fit through doors without a problem, larger equipment like bicycles, smith machines, and ellipticals may require disassembly. Plan ahead to ensure everything will fit, so you can move your equipment to its new spot without any hassle.
4. Gather the Right Supplies to Move Gym Equipment
Based on the inventory list you created in the first step, you can now list the packing supplies you’ll need. Using the right supplies for the job is the most important part of learning how to move gym equipment.
Moving small fitness items like exercise bands and hand weights is easy. But for larger pieces of equipment, such as treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and rowing machines, you’ll need the right supplies. Here’s a list of what to gather:
- Dolly or Hand truck Heavy-duty tape
- Furniture Dolly Protective gloves
- Moving straps Bubble wrap
- Padding and Blankets Cleaning tools
- Moving Boxes Tool kit
If you’re renting a moving truck, check if it comes with additional moving equipment, such as ramps or extra dollies. Planning well and having the supplies before the moving day can make the process much smoother.
5. Disassemble When Necessary
For simpler fitness items, disassembly isn’t required; just pack them securely to prevent damage. However, for larger and more complex equipment, such as treadmills and ellipticals, dismantling is essential. Taking these items apart makes them easier to move and helps prevent damage during the relocation.
How to Disassemble Gym Equipment
Read the Manual
Before you start, check the equipment’s manual for specific disassembly instructions and safety precautions.
Disconnect the Power Cord
Unplug the equipment from the wall outlet to ensure safety during disassembly.
Unscrew Nuts and Bolts
The next step is to carefully remove any screws, nuts, or bolts that hold the pieces together.
Remove Extra Parts
Detach weights, resistance bands, or other accessories and pack these parts separately to avoid losing them.
Keep Parts Organized
Place all screws, bolts, and small components in labeled bags to ensure you can easily reassemble the equipment later.
6. Pack Up Your Gym Equipment
Once you’ve disconnected everything, start packing. Wrap each part—like the treadmill’s console, the elliptical handlebars, or the rowing machine’s seat—in bubble wrap and secure it with packing tape for protection.
Label each wrapped part so you can easily reassemble it later. You can use moving blankets or extra bubble wrap for additional cushioning, especially for delicate items like the motor of a stationary bike or the screen of a weight machine.
For smaller items like dumbbells, kettlebells, jump ropes, yoga mats, and exercise bands, pack them in sturdy boxes or bags. Later, label each box by its contents, such as “15 lb dumbbells” or “resistance bands,” to keep everything organized.
7. Protect Your Floors and Equipment When Moving
Gym equipment like heavy plates and dumbbells can fall and damage your wooden floor. Here are some tips to safely move your exercise equipment –
Use Floor Protectors
Place moving blankets, cardboard, or furniture pads on the floor to cushion it against scratches and dents.
Wrap Equipment
Cover equipment with moving blankets, bubble wrap, or furniture pads to shield it from scratches and impacts. Secure the wrapping with packing tape to keep it in place.
Dollies and Hand Trucks
Utilize moving dollies or hand trucks to lift and transport heavy items. This not only helps in protecting the floors but also reduces the risk of injury during the move.
8. Lift Safely and Smartly
If you’re planning to move your gym equipment on your own or with the help of friends or family, using proper lifting techniques is crucial to prevent injury. When handling heavy items, always lift with your legs instead of your back to avoid strain.
For heavy or bulky gym equipment, using a dolly or hand truck is one of the easiest and safest methods. This is especially helpful for moving items like treadmills, ellipticals, or stationary bikes.
Secure the equipment on the dolly with straps if needed, and push rather than pull to minimize strain. While using moving straps, make sure they are positioned correctly to distribute the weight evenly.
How to Move Equipment Up and Down Stairs
If you’re carrying heavy items, always have a friend assist you. One person should guide from above while the other supports from below. For larger equipment, consider using a stair dolly, which is designed to safely move heavy objects up and down stairs.
How to Move Dumbbells, Kettlebells, or Hand Weights
- For lighter items like dumbbells, kettlebells, and rods, you can often carry them by hand.
- Group similar items together in sturdy boxes or bins to keep everything organized.
- Make sure not to overload the boxes, so they are easy to lift and carry.
How to Move a Treadmill
- First, unplug the treadmill and fold it if possible.
- If your treadmill has built-in wheels, simply tilt it and roll it to your moving vehicle.
- For heavier treadmills, use a dolly to lift and transport them.
- Once loaded in the moving truck, secure the treadmill with straps to prevent any shifting during the move.
How to Move a Universal Home Gym
Moving a universal home gym involves relocating a large and often complex piece of fitness equipment.
- To move a universal home gym, you can start by disassembling the equipment into smaller parts.
- After that, take off the pulleys and cables that are usually attached with quick-release pins.
- Keep track of small components like nuts, bolts, and screws, preferably in labeled bags.
- Once you remove all the major components, you can carry the frame out more easily.
- Wrap each piece with moving blankets or bubble wrap to prevent damage. Use straps to secure heavy parts like weight stacks or frames.
9. Create a Plan to Transport Gym Equipment
When moving gym equipment, it’s important to consider how you’ll transport it. If you choose the DIY route, ensure you have the right vehicle—like a truck or trailer—that allows you to transport large items like treadmills or ellipticals in an upright position.
Alternatively, if you hire professional movers, they will have the experience and equipment needed to handle and transport your gym equipment correctly. They can provide the appropriate vehicle and help position the equipment safely.
10. Load Your Equipment into the Truck
For loading items, bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and maintain a firm grip on the equipment to distribute the weight evenly.
Start by placing heavier items first into the truck. Add lighter items on top or you can place boxes or containers. Once inside the truck, position the equipment in a secure area and use additional straps or tie-downs if needed to prevent any movement during the transit.
11. Unloading and Setup
When you arrive at your new location, carefully unload your gym equipment to avoid any damage. Make sure the truck is parked properly to easily unload the items. Once you’re inside your new location, place the equipment in its designated spots. Avoid dragging the items across the floor to prevent scratches or damage.
After you unload everything, you can set up your fitness equipment. Go through the instructions for each piece of equipment and double-check all safety features before assembling them.
12. Test the Equipment Before Using
After you reassemble exercise machines, it is good to test them to ensure they’re working properly and have not been damaged on the way. Make sure the power cords are connected well and immediately replace any damaged threads if needed. If everything feels right, plug in each machine, and test all buttons and safety features.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared to handle your gym equipment safely. These tips will help protect your gear and your body. And if the task feels too big, local movers are just a call away!
You can always depend on professionals for help!
Hiring a moving company near you can save you from physical strain and potential injury. They know how to safely handle and transport heavy and delicate fitness machines, ensuring your equipment arrives in perfect condition. Plus, they have the tools and expertise to make the move seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Move Gym Equipment
Can you move your gym equipment by yourself?
While you can move lighter gym equipment on your own, large and heavy pieces should always be moved with the help of another person. You’ll need a dolly and straps to safely move and transport the equipment. Even if you’re just shifting it to another room, having assistance for bulky pieces is still a good idea.
How much do moving companies charge to move gym equipment?
The cost of moving gym equipment with a professional moving company can vary depending on your equipment type. Most moving companies charge hourly rates, and the cost of hiring movers also depends on the size and weight of the equipment, the distance of the move, and any special handling requirements.
Do I need to disassemble gym equipment before moving?
Yes, it is a good idea to disassemble gym equipment before moving. Doing so makes it easier to transport and reduces the risk of damage. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disassembly and keep all parts organized for reassembly at your new location.
