Estimated read time: 7 minutes

Owning fitness equipment is like owning a car, it’s not going to last forever. However, with proper maintenance and care, you can often increase the lifespan of your equipment. 

Overtime, your fitness equipment will require servicing and repair. Eventually, parts will begin to break down, electronics may not function as properly, and there may come a point where you may ask yourself, “when should I upgrade or replace my equipment?”

When it comes to repairing versus replacing your gym equipment, it is a case-by-case basis. If your machines are subject to more neglect than a product that is properly maintained, it won’t have the same lifespan. 

So what are the general signs you should look for before you decide to replace your equipment? Well thankfully, we at Akfit are here to help educate you on when it is time to repair or replace your fitness products. 

For over three decades, Akfit has operated as a Canadian specialty fitness store in Sudbury, Ontario. We’ve been working closely with our clients locally within northern Ontario, the rest of Canada, and beyond. Helping them find the equipment that is right for them, and to provide servicing and maintenance plans. 

This article will provide you with a general overview of what signs you should look for before deciding whether or not you want to repair or replace your gym equipment. 

In this article:

1. When to Repair Your Fitness Equipment
2. When to Replace Your Fitness Equipment
3. Akfit’s Servicing and Maintenance Plans
4. Reach Out to Akfit

When to Repair Your Fitness Equipment

If you purchased any equipment for a home or commercial gym, there is a good chance that you want it to last. After all, some machines, such as functional trainers and cardio machines, can be a financial investment. 

Your Equipment is Still Covered by Warranty

Before deciding that it is time to replace your equipment, there is one rule of thumb you can follow to see if your equipment requires repair: the warranty. 

Many types of fitness equipment have warranties on different parts including electronics, motors, cables, belts, labor, and more. If you want to avoid having to replace your equipment, take good advantage of any warranties that may be included with your gym equipment. 

It is important to note that not all equipment provides the same longevity on their warranties. Cable machines, for example, may provide lifetime warranties on cables. Whereas warranties on specific treadmill parts may only last 5 years. 

If you choose to repair your equipment past its warranty, do so with caution. While proper maintenance can increase the lifespan of equipment, when they are subject to wear and tear and other problems, these problems are bound to happen again. 

The Cost to Repair is Low

Another factor to consider is the cost. Some forms of fitness equipment will most likely cost less to repair than others. Adjustable dumbbells for example, most commonly take damage from the pins, and pins and can be easily replaced for a cost as low as $15. 

As previously mentioned, owning fitness equipment is like owning a car, once certain parts begin to falter, you are bound to run into other problems or have recurring issues. 

It’s a good idea to weigh out the cost of repairing your equipment versus replacing it. If you find yourself spending more than $500 out of your pocket to keep your equipment alive, it may be best to reconsider if the machine is worth holding on to. 

Could You Fix the Problem Yourself?

In many cases, your fitness equipment may not require repair or replacement at all. In fact, there are many common problems that can arise in your equipment that can be potentially self-diagnosed and troubleshooted or fixed at home. 

For more information on common problems that can arise in your gym equipment, check out our other informational articles on problems:

5 Common Problems with Exercise Bikes and How to Fix Them

5 Common Problems with Your Elliptical Train and How to Fix Them

5 Problems with Treadmills and How to Fix Them

When to Replace Your Gym Equipment

Eventually, there will come a time when repairing your fitness equipment isn’t worth the money, time, or struggle. 

As previously mentioned, if you find yourself spending more than $500 on repairing your equipment after the warranty has expired, then it may be a good idea to consider replacing it. 

However, there are a few key factors that, when presented, should prompt you to replace your equipment without question. 

A Newly Replaced Part Could Expose a New Problem

In some rare cases, when you replace one part on your machine, it could expose a new issue with your equipment. In fact, sometimes a bigger issue can present itself that is more difficult to identify until a new part is put in or some troubleshooting takes place. 

This can ultimately raise the cost of fixing your equipment and potentially create recurring issues. 

If this is the case, then it may be time to replace your machine. 

Rubber Falling Off of Free Weights

Overtime, with any fitness equipment, you can spot general wear and tear. 

With dumbbells or other free weights, you may spot rusting, cracks, or rubber heads breaking off. These issues usually arise through neglect or dropping heavy weight on the ground frequently. 

While it may be common, cracks and rubber heads breaking off should be taken seriously as they can pose a serious safety risk. 

If your free weights suffer from these problems, consider purchasing a new set of weights.  Safety comes first after all!

It is important to note that commercial fitness facilities are liable for their fitness equipment and for your safety.

Your Equipment is Deemed Unsafe for Use

If you are unsure your equipment requires repair or replacement, you can always contact a local equipment servicing team to diagnose the problem. If your equipment is deemed unsafe for use, replace it immediately. 

Even though there are plenty of safety features in quality fitness equipment, the moment that your equipment is considered no longer safe for use, you should not expose yourself, or your customers to the potential hazards that may arise. 

Your Equipment Consistently Requires Repair

As your fitness equipment ages, it will be subject to more and more issues over time, especially with heavy use or use within a popular commercial facility. 

With this, if you are repeatedly spending money on repairing your equipment it may be worth replacing it. Overtime the warranties will expire as well, which may not be ideal for your wallet. 

Problems with Rubber Mats or Flooring

While issues with flooring may not be as common as finding potential issues with your fitness equipment, problems can still appear. 

If you notice and rips or tear in your rubber flooring or mats, it is time to replace it. 

If your mat or rubber flooring is subjected to a loud volume of heavy lifting, the flooring or mat could also become squished and obsolete. In this case, the rubber flooring and mats should also be replaced because it will no longer provide the same protection to your flooring or support to your body.

Having the proper flooring in your gym is crucial for the safety of your workout area, your equipment, and the safety of yourself and your customers. 

If your floor is beginning to pose a risk to yourself or others, consider purchasing new tiles or mats. If you are unsure of which gym flooring is right for you, check out Flooring Options for Your Commercial Gym.

Parts Are Unavailable

If you require a part to be replaced and the part availability is low, you may want to consider replacing your equipment. 

Overtime, fitness equipment has become more advanced and some parts change. This can make finding older parts for your equipment difficult. 

While you may be willing to wait for the right part, you will be at the mercy of busy commercial facilities. This problem is especially prevalent with recent supply chain shortages in the fitness industry. If you want to skip the wait and get back to your fitness routine, it is likely worthwhile to replace your equipment

Ultimately, if your fitness equipment is providing continuous safety issues for you, your customers, or the cost is too high to recover, then it is time to replace it.

Equipment Servicing and Maintenance at Akfit

If your gym equipment requires a diagnosis, repair, or maintenance, you may not know what to do. It can be especially difficult if you are unfamiliar on how to properly identify or fix the problem.

Thankfully, at Akfit we have a dedicated and insured on-site service department to help you out. 

In fact, Akfit is the authorized service repair center for fitness equipment in northern Ontario under all of the manufacturer’s whose products we sell. When you contact your fitness product manufacturer and if you live within northern Ontario, they will direct you to us. 

Our service department is open Monday to Saturday every week from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. The service team offers repair and replacement services, and also preventative maintenance plans to help increase the longevity of your gym equipment.

Our trained and insured service team will visit you at your home or commercial facility to provide the necessary service that is required for your equipment, whether it's a part replacement, repair, or just maintenance.

When it comes to maintenance, our customized preventative maintenance plan checklist will outline specific details for taking care of your equipment, such as:

• Cleaning
• Inspecting
• Adjusting
• Lubricating
• Diagnosing
• Testing

Further, our factory trained professionals will perform comprehensive maintenance on your equipment. When maintenance is completed, a copy of the maintenance checklist will be provided to you for your records.

Any recommendations and potential problems will be noted on the form for your consideration.

For more detailed information, check out What to Do If Your Fitness Equipment Breaks Down: Servicing at Akfit.

If you wish to contact our servicing team, submit a service request with us. 

Reach Out to Akfit

We hope that we have provided you with the helpful information you were seeking when considering if it is time to repair or replace your fitness equipment. 

However, as previously mentioned, Akfit has an on-site service department that is here to help you diagnose the problem with your equipment if you are unsure. 

If you believe it is time for an upgrade or replacement, then we can help you as well! 

We sell a variety of gym equipment for residential and commercial gyms and we will work closely with you to help you find the equipment that can be best suited for your fitness related needs or your customers. 

Check out some of our best-sellers:

• Best Selling Cardio Equipment at Akfit
• 5 Best Selling Treadmills at Akfit
• 5 Best Selling Spin Bikes at Akfit

We highly recommend reaching out to us with your fitness equipment related questions or concerns. You can also visit us in-store at our Sudbury location, or book a virtual meeting with our fitness experts too.  

Don’t forget to inquire about our preventative maintenance plans either. You can have the assistance of insured fitness professionals to help diagnose and increase the lifespan of your fitness equipment.