Having moved twice in the last ten years, I have first-hand experience with the stress and frustration that comes with looking at your home gym and trying to figure out how to move it.
On the first occasion, I gave up and called a moving company to help with the process, and watching those guys in action gave me a load of ideas.
It also meant that the second time around, I knew exactly what to do, especially when it came to the weight stack on the cable machine I had.
Here are the main tips I can share.
Quick Summary
- To effectively remove weights from a home gym, follow a step-by-step process involving disconnecting cables, removing the weight stack assembly, and carefully handling each weight plate.
- Documenting the disassembly process with photos or videos is crucial for the efficient reassembly of your home gym equipment.
- According to the Cleveland Clinic, careful lifting during the reassembly process is essential to avoid potential strain or injury, which can take up to 2 weeks for recovery.
- Personally, I recommend considering compact gym machines for their ease of assembly and disassembly, as well as their space-saving benefits.
Weight Stack Removal Process
From my experience, using a smartphone to video-record or photograph the disassembly process is invaluable for efficient reassembly. It’s a lot easier to then look over the process in reverse for reassembly.
- Step 1: Obtain the original instructions or a digital copy from the manufacturer.
- Step 2: Disconnect cables from the weight stack, starting at the lowest weight setting.
- Step 3: Remove the rear weight stack assembly using a wrench.
- Step 4: Remove stoppers from the guide rods to slide off the weight plates.
- Step 5: Carefully remove each weight plate, keeping them in order for reassembly.
Installation Process
In my own relocations, I've found that referring back to photos or videos of the weight removal process is crucial for a smooth reassembly.
- Step 1: Ensure guide rods are aligned and secure, measuring for parallel alignment.
- Step 2: Replace weight plates in reverse order, carefully lifting to avoid the potential strain as stated in the Cleveland Clinic [1].
- Step 3: Secure the stoppers at the top of the stack.
- Step 4: Attach the cable at the lightest setting and test the movement.
“Strain from heavy lifting, twisting the spine, lifting from the ground, or an item overhead are common causes of low back strain. Safe lifting practices include tactics such as keeping the item close to the chest and avoiding twisting the upper body while lifting.”
- Kojo Hamilton, MD at spine-health.com
Take the Safe Approach to Removing Weight Stacks
Always prioritize safety.
Follow the instructions carefully and get help from a friend or a fitness professional.
When moving gym equipment on stairs, securely fasten it to prevent shifting, use proper lifting techniques, and have assistance, as navigating stairs is often the most challenging part of relocation
As a fitness expert, I echo Bishnu Pada Das's ( founder of the fitness blog Crazy Athlete) advice on seeking professional help and adhering to correct lifting techniques to prevent injuries.
Additionally, consider compact gym machines for easier assembly and disassembly. Our tests found several smaller models that offer a full range of exercises.
FAQs
How Do You Take Apart An Exercise Machine?
You take apart an exercise machine by first removing the heaviest parts, which will generally be the weight stack. From there, it’s important to follow the instructions to remove the cable pulley system in a safe way.
How Do You Move Heavy Gym Machines?
You can move heavy gym machines by using a furniture dolly or sliders. These will carry the majority of the weight, allowing you to focus on slowly maneuvering the equipment by damaging it or suffering a common furniture moving injury.
References:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10265-back-strains-and-sprains
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