Fitness Equipment Service: Elliptical Trainer Maintenance

Elliptical trainers are a great way to get a low impact, high benefit workout. With variable resistance and state-of-the-art electronics, elliptical's are popular machines for both gyms and homes. Here's some information about maintaining an elliptical to keep it in trouble-free operating condition.

Fitness Equipment Service: Maintenance Procedures Depend on the Type of Elliptical

There are two basic styles of elliptical trainers. One type has a front drive, meaning that the flywheel is located on the front of the machine and sits in front of the user. The other type has a rear drive where the flywheel is located behind the user. Front drive models have rollers and tracks and generally require more maintenance than the rear drive models that have a simpler design.

Fitness Equipment Service - Cleaning an Elliptical Trainer

It's important to keep the tracks and wheels clean on a front drive machine. If dirt and grime accumulate in the tracks, the machine will not operate smoothly and will feel jerky in use. Cleaning frequency sometimes depends on how much the machine is used, but it's a good idea to check and clean the tracks and wheels weekly. Rear drive elliptical's do not have wheels and tracks. Instead they use a floating mechanism with bearings that roll freely, which are generally easier to maintain.

Other Maintenance Activities

Inspect the trainer weekly and tighten any loose nuts, bolts and screws. If the machine has an electronic console, check it for correct operation. Consult the owner's manual and lubricate moving parts using an approved lubricant and following the procedure outlined in the manual. It's also important to ascertain that the machine is both strong enough and large enough to accommodate users with varying body weights and sizes. If the maximum weight capacity of the machine is routinely exceeded, premature wear will occur, which may result in significant damage. Most elliptical trainers come with a tube of manufacturer-approved lubricant. Follow the recommendations in the manual, paying special attention to lubricating the rails to reduce friction between the rail and the wheel. Perform lubrication annually, more often if the machine receives heavy use. The flywheel also requires weekly cleaning and maintenance. Some elliptical's have grease fittings that require the use of a grease gun filled with an approved lubricant, such as white lithium grease.

Use a Mat to Extend the Life of an Elliptical

An important accessory for an elliptical trainer is a rubber equipment mat. These are fairly inexpensive and using one will help keep the machine clean by preventing dirt and dust from invading the drive mechanism. A mat will also protect the carpeting or flooring beneath the trainer.

Other Service and Maintenance Concerns

Be sure to check the warranty of the machine to determine whether it requires lubrication to be performed by a service technician rather than DIY service by the owner. In some cases, attempting DIY lubrication will void the machine's warranty.

With regular cleaning, maintenance and a protective rubber mat, the popular elliptical trainer will give years of trouble-free service.

Find out how we can help you with our fitness equipment services by calling our friendly office staff on 0845 6410753 or email contact@fitnessworld.co.uk