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It’s not just the room that needs attention when talking about garden gym maintenance. Here’s a checklist to keep everything in your workout space well taken care of. Expect some questions to ask yourself along the way, so you know what needs doing and when. Ready?
How to Maintain a Garden Gym: Upkeep Routine
This list is divided into three categories: room, equipment, and general task. Let’s start with the structure itself (where you exercise) and go from there.
Room
- Ventilation: How’s the air inside during your workouts? Does it feel hot, stuffy, and damp? If yes, check your vents for debris and make sure the cover or mesh is free from dust and dirt. This is one of the ways you can have proper air movement inside. Check out our guide on ventilating your garden gym for more tips.
- Check for damp or leaks: Lack of airflow can lead to dampness, while leaks can occur due to blocked gutters or gaps in the roof. A musty smell is one of the first signs of moisture building up. Mould and yellow or brown patches on walls are also indicators. Improve ventilation to tackle damp. Check the roof and seal any cracks or gaps at the source of the leaks.
- Clean the floor: Are you using mats or rubber flooring? If so, you’ll want to sweep or vacuum the frequently used area to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. Deep clean every couple of months with a disinfectant, especially if there’s a lot of sweat buildup. For bare flooring, sweeping and mopping at least once a week (or whenever needed) should do the job.
- Wipe surfaces: Don’t wait for the dust and house spiders to take over your gym! Wipe the walls, windowsills, and ledges at least once a week with antibacterial cleaner, or more often if needed. A quick wipe after a humid day, like following rainy weather or an intense workout, also helps.
Maintaining garden gym equipment
- Wipe down after use: Use antibacterial spray or wipes on handles, benches, and machines. Make this a habit, especially if family members or friends also use the gym. This isn’t just for cleaning purposes, but also for hygiene.
- Lubricate moving parts: Do you hear squeaks? Do you feel resistance or notice the equipment isn’t as smooth as before? It might be time to lubricate. Silicone-based lubricants are recommended for treadmills and spin bikes. White lithium grease or silicone spray for resistance machines. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines, as some might need a specific type of oil. You can do this every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often the equipment is used.
- Inspect weights and bars: Metal sets are prone to rust. Do a monthly check to ensure they remain free from it. Apply a suitable lubricant post-cleaning and before storing for long periods. If possible, clean them after each use or at least once a week for regularly used equipment.
- Clean mats and accessories: These include yoga mats, resistance bands, and jump ropes. Dirt and sweat can build up on mats; wipe yours down after each use. For resistance bands and dumbbells, clean them weekly or after every intense session.
General upkeep
- Organise your garden gym: A storage rack or cabinet will be your lifesaver. However, even when stored, equipment and other items can easily get scattered. Take the time to rearrange everything and put each back in its rightful spot to keep them accessible. Remove what you no longer use to make room for new gear.
- Test electronics: Check that all sockets and plugged-in machines are working properly. Look out for any damaged cables or plugs and replace them if needed.
Set aside time once a month to do deep cleaning and inspection to keep everything in top condition. Feel free to add more to our garden gym maintenance checklist!
Discover more about gym sheds in our garden gyms guide.
Garden Buildings Direct offers a quality range of gym sheds and garden rooms. For inquiries, contact our team at 01909 768840.
