Moving is tough. Moving big, heavy exercise equipment can be even tougher. Think about your treadmill, weight bench, or the stack of weights in your home gym. These items are heavy, awkward shapes, and often expensive. Trying to move them without a plan can lead to injuries or damaged equipment. But with careful planning and the right steps, you can get your fitness gear to your new place safely.
Moving heavy gym equipment safely is important for everyone involved and for protecting your valuable machines. This guide gives you step-by-step advice to help you move your exercise gear the right way. We’ll cover everything from getting ready to thinking about hiring help.
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Getting Ready for the Move
Moving exercise equipment needs good planning. Don’t just try to lift and go. Taking time to prepare saves you pain and problems later.
Making a Plan
First, look at all the exercise equipment you need to move. What type is it? How big and heavy is it? Where is it located in your home? Think about the path you will take to get it outside. Are there stairs? Tight corners? Measure doorways and hallways.
Write down each piece of equipment. List what you think you need to do for each one. Do you need to take it apart? Will you need tools? How many people will you need to help?
Gathering Tools and Gear
Moving heavy items needs the right tools. Trying to move a treadmill or a weight bench without help or tools is a bad idea.
Here are some things you will likely need:
- Basic Tool Kit: Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers. These are for disassembling fitness equipment.
- Moving Blankets or Pads: To protect your equipment and your walls/floors.
- Plastic Wrap: To secure moving blankets and keep parts together.
- Packing Tape: Strong tape to seal boxes and bundles.
- Markers: To label everything clearly.
- Plastic Bags or Containers: To hold small parts like bolts, screws, and washers from items you take apart. Label these bags!
- Furniture Dolly: Using a furniture dolly for gym equipment is a must for heavy machines. Get one rated for heavy weight.
- Hand Truck or Appliance Dolly: Useful for upright items or getting things up/down ramps.
- Moving Straps: Straps you wear over your shoulders or arms. They help you lift with your legs and can make heavy items feel lighter.
- Gloves: To protect your hands and get a better grip.
- Safety Glasses: Important when taking things apart.
- Strong Boxes: For packing weights for moving and smaller parts.
- Bubble Wrap or Packing Paper: For padding delicate parts or weights.
Taking Pictures is Smart
Before you start taking anything apart, take lots of pictures. Take photos from different angles. Get close-ups of how parts connect. These pictures will be a huge help later when you need to put everything back together at your new place. Think of them as your step-by-step guide in reverse.
Deciding on Help: DIY vs. Movers
Can you move the equipment yourself? It depends on what you have and how much help you have.
- DIY: If you have smaller pieces, maybe just a weight bench or some free weights, and strong friends to help, you might do it yourself. But remember the risks of injury. Moving heavy gym equipment safely is harder than it looks.
- Hiring Movers: For large machines like treadmills, ellipticals, or complex home gyms, hiring fitness equipment movers is often the best choice. They have the right tools, experience, and staff. They also usually have insurance in case something goes wrong. If you are relocating home gym with many machines, movers are likely worth the cost.
Preparing Each Type of Equipment
Each piece of exercise equipment has its own challenges when moving. Here’s how to get some common items ready.
Moving a Treadmill
Moving a treadmill is often the hardest part of moving a home gym. Treadmills are heavy, bulky, and have electronic parts.
Safety Steps First
- Unplug It: Always unplug the power cord. Tape the cord to the machine so it doesn’t drag or get lost.
- Find the Safety Key: Remove the safety key. Keep it in a safe place, maybe taped inside a plastic bag labeled “Treadmill Parts”.
- Read the Manual: If you still have the manual, check the section on moving or storage. It may have specific instructions for your model, like how to lock the deck.
Taking it Apart (Disassembling fitness equipment)
Most treadmills need some level of disassembly to move safely.
- Fold it Up (if possible): Many modern treadmills fold up. If yours does, use the locking pin or mechanism to keep it folded. This makes it smaller but maybe taller.
- Remove Console/Uprights: On many models, you can take off the main console (where the screen and buttons are). This makes the heaviest part (the base) lighter and less awkward. You might need to remove screws or bolts from the uprights (the arms holding the console).
- Careful with Wires: If you remove the console, be very careful with the wires inside the uprights. Some might disconnect easily, others might need you to follow specific steps in the manual. Take pictures!
- Secure Loose Parts: Tape down any loose wires or parts. Wrap removed uprights and the console in moving blankets.
- Lock the Deck: If your treadmill doesn’t fold, check if you can lock the running deck somehow to the frame. This stops it from bouncing around.
Protecting the Deck and Belt
Wrap the running deck and belt area in moving blankets. Use plastic wrap to hold the blankets tight. This protects the belt from damage.
Label Everything
Put all removed bolts, screws, and small parts into labeled plastic bags. Tape these bags securely to the part they came from (like the uprights or the console). This makes putting it back together much easier.
Tips for Moving Elliptical Machine
Ellipticals are also big and have awkward moving parts. Tips for moving elliptical machine focus on handling the pedals, handlebars, and heavy base.
Getting Ready
- Unplug It: Just like a treadmill, unplug the power cord. Secure it.
- Remove Batteries: If the console uses batteries, take them out.
- Read the Manual: Check the manual for moving instructions.
Taking it Apart (Disassembling fitness equipment)
Ellipticals often need more disassembly than treadmills.
- Remove Handlebars: The moving handlebars usually detach. Find the connection points and remove the bolts. Wrap them.
- Remove Pedals/Arms: The pedal arms might need to be removed from the central flywheel area. This can involve large bolts or pins. This step makes the machine much less wide and easier to handle through doors.
- Remove Console: The console might detach from its support post.
- Secure Moving Parts: Even if you can’t remove parts, secure anything that moves freely. Use tape or straps to hold pedal arms or handlebars in place against the frame.
- Bag and Label: Put all removed bolts, washers, and nuts into labeled bags. Tape bags to the related parts.
Handling the Base
The base of the elliptical with the flywheel is very heavy. This is where you will definitely need help and likely a furniture dolly. Protect the base with blankets.
How to Transport a Weight Bench
How to transport a weight bench depends on its type. A simple flat bench is easy. An adjustable bench or one with racks needs more care.
Flat Benches
- These are relatively light but can be long.
- Protect the padding with blankets or plastic wrap.
- Carry it carefully to avoid bumping walls.
- Easy to stand on its end in the truck.
Adjustable Benches
- These have moving parts for adjusting the back and seat.
- Make sure all adjustable parts are locked down in their flat position if possible. Or, fold them up and lock.
- Protect the padding.
- These are heavier than flat benches. You might need two people.
Benches with Racks or Attachments
- If your bench has leg curl attachments, preacher curl pads, or squat rack uprights, see if they can be removed. Disassembling fitness equipment like this makes the main bench lighter and attachments easier to pack separately.
- Remove weight plates from storage pins.
- Bag and label any bolts or pins removed.
- Protect all padded areas.
Weight benches, especially adjustable ones, can be awkward to carry. Two people should lift it, one at each end, lifting with their legs.
Packing Weights for Moving
Packing weights for moving requires thinking about two things: weight and density. Weights are heavy and small. You cannot put all your weights into one large box!
Use Small, Strong Boxes
Get small, heavy-duty boxes. Boxes designed for books are often good.
Limit Weight Per Box
Do not fill a box completely with weights. Make boxes light enough for one person to carry safely (or two if you are moving with help). Maybe 20-30 pounds per box is a good limit, depending on the box strength and the person carrying it.
Pack Dense Weights Carefully
- Dumbbells: Pack pairs of dumbbells in small boxes. Use bubble wrap or newspaper to fill empty space so they don’t shift.
- Plates: Stack smaller plates carefully in boxes. Again, fill empty space. Large plates might need their own boxes or be stacked on moving blankets.
- Kettlebells: Pack individually or in pairs in small, strong boxes with padding.
Label Heavily!
Write “VERY HEAVY” and the weight on the outside of every single box with weights. Also, write what’s inside (e.g., “20 lb dumbbells”). This tells movers (or your friends) exactly what they are dealing with.
Consider Original Packaging or Specialty Boxes
If you still have the original boxes for dumbbells, use them. Some moving supply stores sell special boxes or containers for weights.
Barbell Bars
Wrap barbell bars in moving blankets to protect them and other items. Secure the blankets with tape.
Handling Other Heavy Machines
Items like multi-gyms, squat racks, or Smith machines will require significant disassembling fitness equipment.
- Take Pictures: Lots of pictures from every angle before you touch anything.
- Remove Plates/Weights: Take off all weight plates or remove weight stacks (this is complex and might need the manual).
- Take Apart: Break the machine down into its largest, most manageable parts. This might mean removing uprights, crossbars, seat pads, etc.
- Manage Cables/Pulleys: If the machine has cables or pulleys, pay close attention to how they are routed. Take pictures or even draw a diagram. Some cables might need to be detached from the frame. Secure loose cables so they don’t get snagged.
- Bag and Label: Use many labeled bags for all the nuts, bolts, pins, and smaller parts. Tape bags to the corresponding larger part.
- Wrap Parts: Wrap all metal frames, benches, and padded parts in moving blankets to prevent scratches.
Lifting heavy exercise machines like these requires multiple strong people and likely tools like dollies or straps.
Moving the Equipment Safely
Once everything is prepared and possibly taken apart, it’s time to move it out. This is the most risky part for injuries and damage. Moving heavy gym equipment safely is the top priority.
Clearing the Path
Make sure the path from the equipment’s location to the moving truck is completely clear. Open all doors. Remove rugs or anything you could trip on. Protect floors and walls with moving blankets or cardboard, especially around tight corners.
Using a Furniture Dolly for Gym Equipment
This tool is your best friend for moving large, heavy bases like those on treadmills or ellipticals.
- Lift Carefully: With help, tilt one side of the heavy item slightly.
- Slide Dolly Under: Slide the furniture dolly under the center of the item. Try to balance the weight on the dolly.
- Secure the Item: Use straps or rope to secure the item to the dolly. This stops it from sliding off while you are moving it.
- Move Slowly: Push the dolly slowly and carefully. Watch for obstacles. One person should guide from the front, one from the back, and others on the sides if needed to balance the item.
Proper Lifting Techniques
Even with dollies, you will need to lift parts. Lifting heavy exercise machines requires knowing how to lift correctly.
- Bend Your Knees, Not Your Back: Get close to the item. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- Lift with Your Legs: Push up with your leg muscles.
- Keep Item Close: Hold the item close to your body.
- Don’t Twist: Once you are holding the item, don’t twist your body. If you need to turn, move your feet.
- Communicate: If moving with others, talk to each other. Lift and set down at the same time. Say “Ready?” “Lift!” “Down!”.
- Know Your Limit: Do not try to lift something too heavy for you. Get more help or use tools.
Getting Equipment Through Doorways
This is often tricky. If you took parts off, it helps. If not, you might need to tilt the machine on its side. Measure the width and height of the doorway and the machine. Plan the angle you will use. Have one person guide from the front and others carefully maneuver the machine through the opening, watching walls and the machine itself.
Loading the Moving Truck
When loading heavy exercise equipment into the truck, place the heaviest, sturdiest items on the floor of the truck, close to the cab.
- Treadmills/Ellipticals: If they fold, secure them upright against a wall of the truck. If they don’t fold, place them deck-down or on their side (check manual if side is okay) and secure them so they cannot move.
- Weight Benches: Can often be stacked on their sides or placed on top of other sturdy items.
- Weights: Place boxes of weights directly on the floor of the truck, spread out if possible, or in a corner where they won’t shift much. Put lighter items around them.
- Disassembled Parts: Keep parts from the same machine together. Label clearly. Stack them carefully, protecting with blankets.
- Secure Everything: Use tie-down straps to secure all equipment to the walls of the truck. Prevent shifting during transit. Shifting can cause damage.
Reassembling at the New Place
Once you arrive, the work isn’t over. Now you need to put your gym back together.
Using Your Pictures and Labels
This is where those photos you took and the labeled bags of parts are essential. Look at the pictures to see how the machine looked before you took it apart. Use the labels to match parts to the right connections.
Following the Manual
If you have the assembly manual, use it along with your pictures. The manual will show you step-by-step how parts connect.
Putting it Together Carefully
Take your time. Don’t force bolts or screws. If something doesn’t fit, re-check your pictures and the manual. It’s easy to make a mistake if you’re tired from moving.
Testing Everything
Once the machine is fully reassembled, test it before using it normally. For treadmills/ellipticals, plug them in (make sure the safety key is in place!) and start them at a slow speed. Check that the belt moves smoothly or the pedals cycle correctly. Check that the console works. For benches or racks, check that all bolts are tight and the structure feels stable before putting weight on it.
Considering Hiring Fitness Equipment Movers
For large, complex, or very heavy items, hiring fitness equipment movers is a smart choice.
When Professionals Are Best
- Very Large Machines: If you have a commercial-grade treadmill or a multi-station home gym.
- Complex Disassembly/Assembly: Machines with intricate cable systems or many parts.
- High Value Equipment: You want to ensure expensive equipment is handled with care and is insured.
- Limited Help: If you don’t have strong friends or family available to help lift.
- Physical Limitations: If you are unable to lift heavy items safely yourself.
- Difficult Location: Moving from or to an upstairs room, basement, or through narrow spaces.
What Movers Do
Fitness equipment movers specialize in this. They have:
- Experience: They know how to take apart and move different types of machines safely.
- Proper Tools: They have heavy-duty dollies, straps, ramps, and tools specific to exercise equipment.
- Manpower: Enough strong people to lift and carry heavy items.
- Insurance: If they damage your equipment or property, their insurance should cover it.
While hiring fitness equipment movers costs money, the price of injury or damaging your expensive equipment can be much higher. Get quotes from movers experienced specifically with gym equipment.
Safety Above All
No matter how you move your equipment, safety must be the number one rule. Moving heavy gym equipment safely protects you, your helpers, and your property.
- Never Rush: Take your time with each step, especially lifting and moving.
- Wear Proper Shoes: Closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must.
- Lift with Legs: Always use the correct lifting form.
- Communicate: Talk constantly with anyone helping you.
- Clear the Path: Double-check that your route is clear.
- Take Breaks: Moving is hard work. Rest when you need to.
- Use Tools: Don’t rely just on muscle. Use dollies, straps, and other tools.
- Don’t Overload: Don’t put too much weight in one box or try to carry too much at once.
Relocating home gym equipment takes effort. Planning, careful disassembly, using the right tools like using a furniture dolly for gym equipment, and knowing how to lift safely are key. Whether you’re moving a treadmill, figuring out how to transport a weight bench, or just packing weights for moving, taking these steps will make the process smoother and safer. Remember tips for moving elliptical machine involve dealing with those awkward shapes. For complex setups, hiring fitness equipment movers is a wise investment. Prioritize safety throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about moving exercise gear.
How much does it cost to move exercise equipment?
The cost varies a lot. It depends on how many items you have, how heavy and complex they are, how far you are moving, and if there are stairs or difficult access points. Hiring fitness equipment movers usually charges by the hour or by the item. Getting a specific quote is the best way to know the cost.
Can I move a treadmill by myself?
Usually, no. Moving a treadmill safely almost always requires at least two people because they are very heavy, especially the base. Even if you can tilt it, controlling it and getting it through doors is difficult and risky alone.
Do I have to take apart all my gym equipment?
For large machines like treadmills, ellipticals, or multi-gyms, some level of disassembling fitness equipment is usually needed to make them lighter, smaller, and safer to move. Smaller items like weight benches or free weights might not need disassembly, but taking off attachments can help.
How do I protect my floors when moving heavy equipment?
Use moving blankets, cardboard, or furniture sliders under the heavy items. When using a furniture dolly for gym equipment, make sure the wheels are clean and roll smoothly to avoid scratching floors. Lay down a path of protection along your route.
What is the best way to move heavy weight plates?
The best way is packing weights for moving in small, strong boxes. Don’t fill the boxes completely. Make them light enough to carry easily. Label them clearly as “VERY HEAVY”.
What if I lose a bolt or screw after taking equipment apart?
This is why using labeled bags and taping them to the main parts is so important! If you do lose a part, first search the area where you did the disassembling fitness equipment. If you can’t find it, check the equipment manual for the part size and type, or contact the manufacturer to see if you can order a replacement. A local hardware store might also have standard bolts/nuts.
Is it worth it to hire special fitness equipment movers?
If you have expensive, very large, or complex machines, or if you lack the help and tools, hiring fitness equipment movers is often worth the cost for the safety, expertise, and peace of mind they provide. They are experts at moving heavy gym equipment safely.