How to Move Exercise Equipment

What’s the best way to move a treadmill, elliptical and other fitness equipment?

Business Wire reported that the events of 2020 caused many people to build a home gym, with fitness equipment sales up 170%. That’s a lot more households with workout machines and weights. When it comes to moving fitness equipment, it can be either heavy, bulky or both. Whether it’s a yoga mat, kettlebells or a new stationary bike, you’ll want to prep and pack it well so that after moving, you can get your new workout space ready for your next sweat session. There are a few different categories of exercise devices and machines, so check out the sections below that apply to the items you’re moving from your home gym.

Before you move exercise equipment

There are a few steps to handle before you start packing up your home gym:

Clean it off

No matter what type of treadmill or fitness set you’re moving, you’ll want to start with it being clean and dry. Begin by removing the dirt, grime and dust from the surface with a degreaser and microfiber cloth. Then sanitize with an antimicrobial cleaner, which will stop bacteria, like E. coli and MRSA, and destroy fungi, parasites, and many viruses. Allow the item to dry completely before you start packing.

Find a moving company that won’t charge extra for heavy items

Some moving companies charge you based on the weight of your shipment, and if that includes heavy fitness machines, that’s going to have an impact. U-Pack rates are based on space, not weight, so you won’t be charged extra for moving weights or hefty cardio machines. Get a free moving quote or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to learn more.

Have help ready

If you’re moving anything big or bulky, make sure you have help. A friend can help guide you through the house while you push the moving dolly. If you’re moving alone, we recommend hiring loading and unloading help to assist you with things like oversized weights and big treadmills.

How to move lightweight home gym equipment

To pack exercise equipment like foam mats, yoga mats, blocks, jump ropes, resistance bands and foam rollers:

• Wrap the items in packing paper
• Place them in a moving box
• Fill the box with other lightweight items that won’t damage the fitness equipment
• Fill any open spaces with crumpled packing paper to ensure a tight fit
• Close the box
• Label it “Fitness Equipment”

How to move weights

When moving items like free weights, dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and medicine balls, you want to protect the weight and secure it well inside the moving equipment. We don’t recommend placing more than 30 lbs. in a single moving box, so if your weights are heavier than that, you’ll want to put them directly in the moving equipment. To pack them:

• Remove any parts (like clamps and plates from barbells) and wrap the weight in Bubble Wrap® or paper padding.
• Wrap any small parts, like locks or clamps, in packing paper secured with tape and place into a moving box.
• Place weights under 30 lbs. into a small box and fill the carton with other lightweight items and crumpled packing paper to ensure a snug fit. When loading, place the box on the bottom of a stack to avoid crushing anything below it.
• For weights over 30 lbs., place them directly on the floor of the moving trailer or container, and secure them with rope or straps so they don’t roll around.

How to move steps, benches and boxes

The steps for packing steps, benches and boxes are similar to those in our other furniture packing guides. Wrap them fully in paper padding or moving blankets to protect them and secure them inside the moving trailer with ropes or straps.

How to move a mini trampoline

Bounce workouts are gaining popularity, so if you have a rebounder you need to move, here’s how:

• Fold or remove the handle and legs.
• Wrap the trampoline (and any removed parts) in paper padding, securing with tape (applied only to the paper padding, so it doesn’t damage the finish).
• Load the rebounder on its side in the equipment. Nest it in between furniture to stabilize it from rolling, and use plenty of ropes or straps to tie it down.
• When you arrive, set it up and tighten any springs that may have become loose during the move.

How to move treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and other heavy workout machines

Before you start disassembling your treadmill, bicycle, elliptical, rowing machine or weight machine, find your manual. If you no longer have it, search online using words like “Manual for brand and model”. You can often find a PDF version available. If not, visit the company website and look at their FAQs to see if they provide any instructions for disassembly or moving. Here are links to manuals or directions for some of the most popular gym equipment brands:

• Bowflex
• Mirror
• Nautilus
• Nordic Track and ProForm
• Peleton
• Precor
• Schwinn
• SOLE
• Tonal
• XTERRA

While the recommendations in the manual may vary, these are the general steps for moving ellipticals, treadmills and bikes:

1. Remove any extra parts like screens, water bottle cages, pedals, handlebars and cords. Tip: take pictures as you remove parts, so you know what goes where using which fastener.
2. Place any nuts and bolts in a zip-top bag and label the bag. Tape it to the fitness equipment (in a spot where the tape won’t damage the finish) to keep everything together.
3. Stabilize any folding parts, securing with any applicable locking pins or knobs.
4. Wrap any removed parts with packing paper and place them in a moving box.
5. Wrap the entire fitness machine in paper padding or moving blankets, topped with plastic stretch wrap.
6. Tilt the machine backward about 45 degrees and have a friend slowly slide a dolly underneath it.
7. Fasten the equipment to the dolly with rope.
8. While keeping the dolly tilted toward your chest, slowly push it forward, having a friend guide you to the moving equipment.
9. Once inside, load it against a wall and secure it with rope or straps to prevent it from shifting.
10. When you arrive, set it up, replacing any parts and tightening the bolts and screws.
11. Test it on low speed before going hard in a workout.

Have questions about moving an elliptical, treadmill or other fitness equipment?

Since every machine is different, we recommend first checking with the manufacturer if you have any questions about moving your workout machine. If you still need help, let us know, and we’ll do our best to find an answer for you.