IHRSA - Tip-Purchasing Equipment

Purchasing Fitness Equipment

IHRSA TIP - August 31, 2006

Each year, the process of obtaining fitness equipment becomes a bit more complicated. There are new categories, additions to existing lines, more sophisticated features, and new companies ' all of which can make the selection of a piece of equipment that much more trying and time-consuming. Obviously, every club has different needs. However, whether you're filling an empty room with new equipment, or simply updating your current inventory, there are some basic questions you should ask and things you should look for when making your purchase.

Questions to Ask Yourself

What market segments are you targeting? Beyond traditional cardiovascular and resistance training equipment, there are lines that cater to specialized populations such as women, children, seniors, bodybuilders, and/or post-injury rehab patients.

What kind of space do you have? Nobody wants to work out on a crowded cardio floor. A general rule of thumb is 46 square feet of floor space per station. When dealing with special populations, such as members in wheelchairs, that number may need to be higher.

What are your power constraints? Certain machines, such as treadmills, have large motors and therefore require a lot of power. Some elliptical machines don't have motors, which is a useful feature if adequate power isn't available.

What are your staffing and programming capabilities? Make sure you have (or can hire) the appropriate staff to provide programming for the machines you purchase.

What is your budget? This may determine whether you lease or buy, and whether you opt for new or refurbished items. As the level of equipment sophistication increases, so does the cost of buying new.

Questions for Vendors

How long have you been in business? New companies may be eager to please and offer attractive pricing incentives, while more established companies may have proven track records and be worth the extra money.

Are you financially stable? You obviously want to avoid buying equipment from a company that is about to go out of business. Imagine trying to get parts or service from a manufacturer who no longer exists!

Are you an IHRSA associate member? All IHRSA associate members pledge to follow the association's code of conduct for ethical business practices.

What's your warranty? Each part of a machine (e.g. frames, belts, chains, upholstery) may be covered under a different warranty, and for a different length of time. Be sure you understand all terms of warranties.

How long is your typical down-time? That is, how long does it take to fix or replace an item that isn't working properly?

How complicated is it to service the equipment? Most manufacturers will train your staff to make routine repairs. Some offer a certified technician training program, and may reimburse you for the hours your maintenance person spends on repairs.

Questions for Anyone But the Vendor

What's their service record like? To find out what type of service a company really provides, call the clubs on its reference list and ask pointed questions. If you know of other clubs that have the type of equipment you are considering buying, call them, too. Ask to speak to the maintenance staff. You want to know what the service will be like after your check clears.

What was the installation like? Did the delivery process go smoothly? Did the manufacturer take care to get the equipment through the doors, around the corners, and up the stairs without gouging walls and tearing the carpet? Was installation as painless as possible for members? Once installed, was the equipment thoroughly tested, and was your staff thoroughly trained on safety, operation, and routine maintenance and repairs?

What do members say about the equipment? Are they getting results? If members find the equipment ugly, intimidating, awkward, confusing, or uncomfortable, it won't be used. Instead, it will serve as a constant reminder that you could have done something more constructive with your money and space.

Considerations by Type of Equipment

Cardiovascular Machines: Desirable features include: a user-friendly operating display, easy-to-read instructions, smooth operation, comfort during use, well-designed reading/water bottle racks, variety of programs, heart rate monitors, and low maintenance.

Bikes should have seats that are comfortable for both women and men, and seats should adjust easily and smoothly.
Ideally, treadmills will have large and flexible decks, resilient decks and belts, adequate motors, self-lubricating roller bearings, incline and decline features (for balanced workouts), handrails, and automatic program clear (useful in resetting machines between users).
Stairclimbers should position users to work the gluteus maximus muscles moreso than the knees. They should also have large foot pads and a special coating on the handrails so that they are durable, non-slip and easy to clean.
Elliptical machines should allow for a comfortable stance and motion, through a variety of stride lengths.
Finally, rowing machines should provide a smooth rowing motion, with the cable, seat and flywheel operating smoothly.

Resistance Training Equipment: Desirable features include: solid frames, durable paint, and sturdy upholstery. Plate-loaded and selectorized machines should contain clear directions and illustrations that are readable to older people even without glasses. Information on these machines should explain which muscles are being exercised and the appropriate ranges of motion. Such equipment should be of biomechanically sound design and should allow for independent movement of the limbs. It should include good grips, be easy to use, and provide negative resistance.

Free Weights: Desirable features include: smooth bolt heads on dumbbells, rubber-coated plates (which cut down on dings ' and noise), easy-grip design, and easy on/off collars.

A Note About Refurbished Equipment

Refurbished or remanufactured equipment can sell for between 30-70% of the original manufacturer's price. This can translate into incredible savings on what is most often the greatest capital outlay for a facility. Ask vendors for remanufactured equipment if they carry 'demo' equipment, which is often like-new and may have never been used in a commercial setting.

Conclusion

Remember, you're buying equipment for your members. If they like it, if they can figure it out, and if they can use it safely ' then positive results are practically guaranteed!

Copyright 2006. The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association