Gym Equipment Moving: Tips for Packing and Transportation

Table of Contents

• 1. What to Do Before Moving Your Gym Equipment?
• 2. How to Move Stationary Bikes?
• 3. How to Move an Elliptical Machine?
• 4. How to Pack and Move Collapsible Gym Equipment?
• 5. How to Move a Treadmill?
• 6. How to Move Weight Machines?
• 7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Eating clean and keeping fit seems to be all the rage nowadays as the world continues to grow ever more conscious of the risks presented by lifestyle diseases. This is why an increasing number are hitting the gym more than ever, with many signing up with their local fitness centers while others opt for an in-home facility.

In-home gyms in particular burgeoned during the COVID-19 global health pandemic as the world retreated indoors and movement became minimal.

Life being life, though, we’ll find ourselves having to move house at one point or the other. When that time comes, we need to figure out how to properly move gym equipment; something likely to present a conundrum since not many have been here before.

You can always hire residential or commercial packers and movers, but gym equipment moving can also be a DIY affair if you know how to go about it.

And that’s why we’re here.

 

What to Do Before Moving Your Gym Equipment?

Before packing up your fitness equipment, you will need to prepare it first, especially as it touches on the hygiene department.

1. Organize your gym pieces and come up with a packing plan – if your home gym boasts more than a single piece of exercise equipment like most, you need to sort the equipment by size and type and then figure out you will pack and move it. When moving exercise equipment, start by dividing them into larger and smaller pieces:

   For example, the former can include everything from the treadmill, to the elliptical, and weights, strength equipment like weight lifting machines and benches, as well as a rowing machine. The smaller piece category could comprise dumbbells, barbells, hand weights, kettlebells, portable steps, free weights, indoor cycles, steppers, yoga mats, and jump ropes.

2. Clean all workout equipment – like everything else, gym equipment moving should be preceded by a good cleanup session. Clean all the equipment using a fresh rag and multipurpose cleaner, wiping down the hand and foot supports and every other area that comes into contact with the body.

3. Wipe down all yoga accessories – do the same with all yoga accessories, including mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, and more.

4. Check the state of the equipment – the next step in the gym equipment moving process is to check each individual piece for components that may be broken, loose, or missing. If need be, label the parts for easier retrieval and assembly.

5. Wash your exercise towels – well, this should be part of your regular routine post-workout, but make sure to wash any exercise towels that need washing before gym moving.

6. Prepare the items needed for packing – as with everything else, you’ll need to gather supplies for moving exercise equipment in advance. For your average home gym, you will need the following:

   • Packing paper;
   • Zip ties;
   • Furniture dolly;
   • Screwdriver;
   • Wrench;
   • Packaging tape or masking tape;
   • Bubble wrap;
   • Unused blankets or towels;
   • Cardboard sheets;
   • Plastic bags;
   • Ratchet tie;
   • Newspapers;
   • Moving crates or plastic bins.

   With that out of the way, let’s look at what home gym equipment moving entails by narrowing down to some of the most common individual pieces.

 

How to Move Stationary Bikes?

The mere fact that they are effective and user-versatile makes stationary bikes a common feature in most in-home gyms. And the good news, if you’re contemplating moving fitness equipment, is that stationary bikes are a doddle to unravel.

Simply disconnect the power and proceed to cover the bike with the blanket you’ve set aside for moving purposes. Put the power cables into labeled bags. It’s good to protect the flooring so before you wheel out the bike, place some towels and cardboard sheets along the pathway. And that’s it. Get your stationary bike to the waiting vehicle, with some assistance if need be.

 

How to Move an Elliptical Machine?

Moving an elliptical can be a little tricky due to its weight and unwieldy shape. You’ll thus find that moving an elliptical machine is easier when you dismantle the entire thing to make maneuvering through the doorways and hallways easier.

To do that, use a wrench and screwdriver to detach the handlebars and pedals from the main base of the machine. Gather all the nuts and bolts and place them in a well-labeled plastic baggy. After disassembling the machine, wrap it in moving blankets or bubble wrap to protect the components from damage. Then carry the parts to the waiting vehicle.

Moving an elliptical can also be done without stripping the parts, but for this, you’ll need assistance. Assuming you’ve disconnected the machine from the socket, tilt the elliptical to one side and then throw the tie-down straps underneath. The straps should go over the legs (above the footholds).

Next, use the ratchet tie or zip ties to fasten the straps so that the legs (and arms) will be firmly secured on transit. But be careful not to exert too much pressure on the arms as it could lead to damage.

From there, get your helper to help you lift the elliptical onto the dolly, with each flanking the machine on either side. Then throw ample padding over the machine (bubble wrap and blankets should work) so you don’t scratch the walls, doors, and other surfaces, before carrying it to the waiting truck or moving van.

Lift the elliptical carefully from the dolly and place it inside the waiting vehicle. Keep the blankets on and ratchet tie until you reach the destination, upon which you should confirm if the legs are functioning properly. When you plug it in to test, make sure to use a low setting.

 

How to Pack and Move Collapsible Gym Equipment?

Collapsible equipment is a breeze to pack when doing gym equipment moving.

All you have to do is fold the collapsible parts of the machine and put them in the lock position to reduce movement while on the road. If the equipment comes with power cords and other cabling, use packaging or masking tape to stick them to the machine for ease of access when you get to your destination.

 

How to Move a Treadmill?

When moving fitness equipment like treadmills, it pays to be privy to the details of the machine. In particular, it’s good to know the weight and if the machine features a visible locking mechanism as little intricacies like these can have a say on how to move a treadmill.

Lifting a treadmill weighing over 50 lbs. will need an extra pair of hands, while a machine that comes in north of 100 pounds is best moved with the help of a dolly. As for the locking part, a locking mechanism can determine whether or not you’ll need moving blankets to protect the treadmill during transit.

A manual will come in handy when packing the treadmill for moving, and if you don’t have yours on hand, check if you can retrieve a copy of your model online. Moving a treadmill starts by disassembling the machine (after turning off the power and disconnecting any electrical cables, that is) and that’s where you’ll find a manual most useful since the actual packing is dependent on the model.

Fold-down the standing section of your treadmill, but if your model folds up instead, roll the larger section up. Then secure it to avoid damage. Any moving parts should be locked to keep them from shifting during transit.

With that done, time to load the machine onto the waiting vehicle. Have someone help you place the treadmill on the dolly which should be positioned just alongside, with each person standing on the opposite side. Next, wheel out the treadmill and lift it onto the vehicle.

When re-assembling the machine, unlock the moving parts and proceed to set up as per your user manual.

 

How to Move Weight Machines?

Most gym equipment moving jobs involve weight machines which – for many people – tend to be the centerpiece of their workout routine.

If you have a manual, it’s easier to work with to be sure you’re going about things the right way, especially when disconnecting the components. Moving crates will be your friend here as traditional packing boxes might not hold up, unless you can find good sturdy ones.

After unscrewing the components, put the screws, bolts, and nuts in a storage bag. You can attach them to the individual piece of equipment using tape to make your work easier when reassembling. Wrap the heavier parts in towels, newspapers, or packing paper, and then place them into a moving crate. If you don’t have a crate, you can leave them as is, provided they are wrapped.

Wrap the metal bars and weights with padding as well to prevent scratching and avoid damage to other items.

 

Gym equipment moving may seem daunting on the surface, but it’s really straightforward if you know what you’re doing. A manual does help, but in the absence of one, it is our sincere hope that the gym equipment moving guidelines we’ve shared with you here will be of use when you get down to it.

Alternatively, you can always avoid the hassle of it all by hiring a residential and commercial moving company that provides gym moving services, whether we’re talking in-home gyms or professional fitness centers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Pack Dumbbells for Moving?

Don’t we all love dumbbells? When it comes to moving these little but heavy gym accessories, the best way to pack them is to wrap them in generous padding. Use newspapers, packing paper, or bubble wrap. Then place them inside a moving crate or plastic bin, and voila!

If you have kettlebells, barbells, and other hand weights, basically follow the same procedure.

It’s advisable to use small boxes when moving exercise equipment of this nature to make lifting easier. That’s why cardboard boxes might also work in this case, provided they are sturdy enough.

How to Move a Treadmill Through a Door?

The best way to move a treadmill through a door is to roll it through using a furniture dolly. When loading the machine onto the dolly, make sure it’s well aligned so that it can easily fit through doorways.

If in doubt, you can confirm whether the treadmill will fit through the doorway by measuring the distance between the arms and the tread. If the arms do not fold or folding does not give you sufficient clearance, go ahead and detach them.

How to Move a Treadmill Upstairs?

Gym equipment moving involving large and heavy fitness equipment like a treadmill requires an assistant or two. Before moving your treadmill upstairs, establish its weight first in order to determine the ideal number of people required to move it.

Then – assuming your treadmill is prepared and ready for moving – one person should hold the machine from the front (preferably the stronger individual) and the second positioned at the back. Then make your way up the steps slowly and steadily. If you suffer from sweaty palms, wear gloves for a better grip.

How Much Does an Elliptical Weigh?

An elliptical machine can be classified as bulky gym machinery. The majority of elliptical machines weigh in the region of 100 to 150 pounds, but the type used commercially can go up to 250 to 400 pounds.