Moving gym equipment is a workout in itself, often requiring just as much strength and endurance as training! However, without adequate preparation, you could risk damaging the gear and causing serious injuries. If you're confident that you can manage this difficult task, these tips will help.
Dismantle the Equipment Properly
You should always keep hold of user manuals specifically for this task. If you haven't kept them, contact the equipment manufacturer. Most gym equipment is oddly shaped, which can cause difficulties with lifting and transportation. Dismantling the equipment may seem tedious, but it will make your job a whole lot easier. Familiarise yourself with the mechanics of each machine before you start and take photos from multiple angles so you know how everything should look and fit together once it's re-assembled.
Secure the Moving Parts
Cables, pedals, straps, and rods – there's plenty that could get in the way and pose a potential hazard. If you can remove moving parts, do so; otherwise, secure them with duct tape. Never leave weight plates inside machines, even if they are secured with rods. They will not only increase the load but could damage the equipment when in transit. Weights should be the first thing you remove and the last thing you put back.
Acknowledge Your Physical Limitations
Just like when you're training, you should respect and acknowledge your physical limitations. Removing gym equipment is a workout in itself. And it's not just the weights that can be strenuous. For example, Olympic bars weigh 20 kilos without any plates. Never attempt to remove gym equipment on your own; it's a two man job.
Remove Weights Individually
If you have equipment that contains weight stacks, take extra care. These are often attached to machines with rods, and if you remove the guide rods before the weights, they will no longer be secure. Remove weight plates individually, lifting them over the guide rod; and only remove the guide rods when the entire stack is empty. When you finally remove the guide rods, do not place them back into the weight plates for transportation. Without the support of the machine's frame, they could easily bend.
Choose a Suitable Location
When you've transported all of the gym equipment to the new location, set up the frame in your chosen spot. Make sure there is enough room for the maximum extension of the equipment, while leaving adequate space to walk around it without having to duck, bend or manoeuvre. Dimensions are easily overlooked. To prevent any issues, measure the length and width of the frame before you start the move and cross reference it with your chosen space.
Gym removals aren't easy. If you're worried about health, safety or damaging your equipment, don't take any chances; consider hiring professional removalists to do it all for you.
Share20 April 2016
I'm going on a year of foreign exchange, so I am moving all of my stuff into a storage unit until I get back so I can save money on rent. I don't have much money so I am trying to do this for as little money as possible as I want to make sure that I know the best way to pack things to save space and get the smallest possible unit. This blog has some of the tricks that I have picked up in packing my household in the most space-efficient way and should be useful for anyone else packing up a household for storage.