Moving Gym Equipment: Smart Techniques for Handling Heavy Rubber Mats
Moving gym equipment can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to handling heavy rubber mats. These essential components of any home gym are notoriously difficult to transport due to their weight and unwieldy nature. However, with the right techniques and a bit of ingenuity, this process can become much more manageable.
When relocating rubber mats, the rolling technique proves to be highly effective. Start by folding over about two-thirds of the mat, then use your body weight to press down on top while tucking the leading edge under. Continue applying pressure as you form a tight cylindrical shape. This method prevents the mat from unrolling during transport and makes it easier to handle.
For transport, a hand truck or dolly is invaluable. Once you've rolled the mat, lift one end onto the hand truck. Secure it with ties if necessary, though these can be cut once you've reached your destination. When loading multiple mats into a storage area or truck, a simple technique can save your back: pull the mat backward toward yourself, then roll it forward. Repeating this motion allows the mat to slide easily on top of previously placed mats.
Creative Problem-Solving for Heavy Equipment
Sometimes, home gym equipment presents unique challenges that require creative solutions. For instance, removing rubber mats from underneath heavy pieces like a Smith machine with a 200-pound weight stack might seem impossible without help. However, a simple tool like a breaker bar can become a makeshift lever in these situations.
The technique involves placing the breaker bar on the floor past the edge of the mat, positioning it under a crossbeam of the machine, and then using leverage to lift the equipment slightly. Once elevated, you can prop the machine up using the weight stack itself, creating enough clearance to slide the mat out from underneath. This same process can be repeated on the other side to completely remove the mats without disassembling the heavy equipment.
Storage Considerations
When storing gym equipment, it's important to recognize that not all pieces stack efficiently. Items with irregular shapes may create wasted space at the top. Breaking down equipment when possible can help maximize storage space, though some items like benches and certain racks may need to remain intact.
With careful planning and these practical techniques, moving and storing home gym equipment becomes a more manageable task. By applying a bit of physics and some creative thinking, even the heaviest components of your home gym can be relocated without professional help.
