With the 'credit crunch' affecting the cashflow of many gyms, it is time for many of you to look at the bottom line of your business to see how to improve the flow of money in and out. Whilst you may be in the business of keeping people fit, at the core of your business is the need to make money - or go to the wall. At a time when cash strapped gym owners need to update equipment, the need to make and to save money has never been greater.

Cutting business operating expenses whilst still providing the level of equipment and service that clients expect is never an easy task. Trying to save money by cutting corners achieves nothing if it creates problems in the future, such as disatisfied clients who will go elsewhere. If you need to update you could consider buying cheaper makes but will these have the luxury feel your clients expect? An alternative is to buy expensive gym equipment but at substantially reduced prices - but how?

Buying reconditioned high quality exercise equipment is the route of many savvy gym owners, who buy from reputable companies who offer value-for-money and often similar warranties compared to new machines. Good-as- new often reads as good for your bank balance! However, the same care needs to be taken to select the right equipment and company as for a 'brand new' refit. Research is necessary - it could save you a fortune.
How to Select Reconditioned Gym Equipment


* Do your homework and shop around. Think about your needs and take time to plan your ideal layout.

* Does the company have sufficient reconditioned stock to allow you to choose exactly what you need?

* What is the history of the machines. How long were they originally used for and how long can you expect them to last?

* Are your supplier's customers happy with their purchases? Ask for a list of previous customers and find out if they have experienced any problems with the equipment or level of service.

* Does the equipment come with a guarantee or warranty and how long does it last?

* Can the supplier offer technical support and regular maintenance?

* What quality standards and tests are the suppliers applying to the machines - are they rigorous enough?

* How long has the supplier been in business? A guarantee and back-up service can only last as long as they do.

If your gym equipment is technically up to scratch but the upholstery is looking a bit worn, a simple upholstery repair or update can make all the difference. However, it is important to have the upholstery and equipment professionally inspected, as sometimes repairs are simply not cost efficient. Transforming your gym equipment may simply be a case of changing the colour of the upholstery and decor to breathe new life into your gym surroundings, saving you unnecessary downtime and expense.

There are a few companies that offer reconditioned equipment and upholstery repairs, and it is important to check them out and make sure they are reliable. For instance, Sportsafe UK (0844 581 0550), based in Colchester, Essex, who have been in business for 30 years, offer certified pre-owned equipment under the Still Novo label, reconditioned by Technogym and backed by a one year guarantee, nationwide technical support and with the option of a regular maintenance contract. Their reconditioned equipment is renewed and tested to meet the same performance criteria as brand new equipment. They are also able to advise on updating and designing your gym area. Do your research, pick the brains of your chosen supplier and, above all, put them to the test. Make your needs clear to them but be open to new ideas and suggestions - they could save you a tidy sum.

If your cashflow does not allow for considering refurbishment at the present time, it is important to at least make sure your equipment is kept up to scratch with regular maintenance and repair. If your equipment is out of use due to breakdown your clients could be frustrated if they cannot do their usual full routine, and if it keeps happening they may simply vote with their feet - and leave. If you need spares in a hurry Sportsafe UK, one of the leading sports products and spares suppliers in the U.K., can offer parts at extremely competitive prices with quick delivery and various service options.

Considering reconditioned exercise equipment can free up funds, providing you with the opportunity to add other equipment as and when needed. At the very least, keeping your equipment in tip-top condition is necessary, but with careful planning and regular maintenance this should save you money in the longterm. Quality gym equipment by itself will not make your business successful, but wasting time and money, in a period of economic downturn, on poor quality or faulty equipment could break it. The balance between top quality equipment, highly trained staff and client retention may be the key to survival in these difficult times.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Orvis

The elliptical machine is a popular piece of equipment, but is it really the best for helping you burn calories and lose fat? I don't think so, here's why.

The latest Men's Health magazine comes down on elliptical machines hard. Now I know elliptical machines are often the only option for people with bad knees, but if your knees are healthy, think twice before using the elliptical machine for these three reasons.

First, on page 52 of the December, 2008 issue, Men's Health warns, "Never trust elliptical machines". That's a harsh statement against a machine you've been using almost every day. But if it did work, wouldn't you be getting amazing results from the machine?

They quote a study that found elliptical machines over-estimated the number of calories burned in a workout by 31%! Ouch.

So if your "elliptical cardio workout" burned 400 calories, the truth is you really burned closer to only 300 calories.

Second, later in the Dec. issue, Men's Health magazine interviewed Biggest Loser contestant Ed Brantley. Ed lost 73 pounds on the show, but had this to say about elliptical machines, "I hated the elliptical. It was too easy, I didn't feel like I was doing anything." Exactly. I couldn't have said it better myself.

But that's EXACTLY why machines are so popular. You see, the third reason elliptical machines are inferior for fat loss is because they fail my "human nature" test.

Put it this way, if you take 100 people and put them in a gym with 100 treadmills and 100 elliptical machines. Tell them they have to exercise for 30 minutes at a hard pace, and they have the choice to use either the treadmill or the elliptical.

Guess where 90% of folks are going? The elliptical! Why? Because it is human nature to take the EASY WAY out. And that is why elliptical machines are so busy at the gym and you rarely see anyone doing intervals on a treadmill or bodyweight circuits in the corner of the gym.

Often I see folks using the machine only to say they "worked out", but without getting any REAL work done. So if you are stuck at a fat loss plateau, and you've been counting on the elliptical machine to help you out, then forget it.

I recommend doing interval training outside, or on a bike or treadmill. Even better options include kettlebell training and bodyweight circuits.

Click here for a sample interval cardio fat burning program that has helped thousands of men and women with weight loss and fat burning.

The Turbulence Training fat burning workouts help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment.

Craig Ballantyne is an expert trainer for Men's Health magazine and Oxygen magazine, and his fat burning bodyweight workouts help you lose fat without any equipment at all.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Ballantyne

Can't afford gym membership for weight loss? Here's the solution: get a home gym. There's no traveling, and you can exercise whenever you have a spare moment.

Other members of the family can use the home gym too, and this brings the cost down even more.

Firstly, decide what you want to achieve with your home gym. Do you primarily want to lose weight, or do you want to develop a great body? Of course, you may want to do both.

Let's look at items you may want to include in your home gym.

1. Dumbbells - Start out Light, and Increase the Weight Slowly

Dumbbells come in many different weights. When you're starting out, choose a low weight set. These may be all you need for weight loss. As your strength increases, just increase your repetitions.

Tip: ensure that you get instructions on using your dumbbells. Remember, exercise slowly and mindfully -- keep your mind on what you're doing to avoid injury.

2. A Cardio Machine for Weight Loss

Your dumbbells will increase your muscle mass (more muscles burn more fat) and so will a cardio machine. Elliptical cross trainers are a good choice for cardio machines. They're easy to use, and because they place little stress on your joints, are a good choice for anyone who's overweight.

A stationery bike is also a good choice. As with the elliptical trainer, the bike puts little stress on your joints, so you can avoid injury as you lose weight.

3. A Fitness Ball for Stretching Exercises

A fitness ball is a great addition to any home gym. They're inexpensive, and allow you to target specific muscle groups. You can use your ball for crunches to eliminate belly fat.

Most balls come with a workout DVD, so that you get used to the ball, and can use it safely.

Additional Tips for Weight Loss With Your Home Gym

* Start your exercise routine slowly. Initially, spend just five minutes with each piece of equipment. This is long enough when you're just starting out.

* On busy days, choose just one piece of equipment, and exercise for ten minutes. It takes time to build strength. Keep your workouts short and fun.

* As you get used to the equipment, devise your own routines. Create at least three different routines, so you don't get bored.

A home gym is an excellent budget solution for weight loss: choose your equipment and get started today.

You can lose weight fast - visit 30 Day Slimmer for more information on fast, healthy diets and easy weight loss. Subscribe to our ezine and receive a free vegetarian cookery book.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Denham