Ellipticals can save your knees—but not if you move them incorrectly
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1 to 2 hours
Having an elliptical at home is an awesome way to get a heart-pumping, low-impact cardio workout. But when it comes time to move homes or rearrange your home gym setup, moving an elliptical takes more than the motivation you need to break a sweat.
Careful planning and a few proactive steps will ensure that you can move your device safely and efficiently. Here’s how to move an elliptical and start using your cardio machine in its new location.
Modern ellipticals are much different than ellipticals built ten or even five years ago. For example, your model may have features like Bluetooth speakers, a mounted television, and attached fans.
That’s why you’ll need to figure out exactly what your manufacturer recommends when it comes to moving your specific elliptical model. This information can be found in the pamphlet that came with your device, but a quick online search can also help you find their recommendations. Build your plan to move a heavy elliptical around the manufacturer’s guidelines, and perhaps consider purchasing moving insurance to cover your bases.
If your manufacturer suggests disassembling the device entirely, follow that recommendation. The following steps are for models that you can move without taking them apart.
Each move is different, so take some time to walk through how your elliptical is going to get from point A to point B.
Some things you may need to consider when moving an elliptical include:
Staircases, especially if they’re narrow or L-Shaped with a small landing
Narrow doorways
Low ceilings
Soft or less durable floor surfaces like tile or laminate, which could crack or dent
Noting these trouble spots could lead to having to disassemble your device to ensure it will fit through every doorway and entryway. Ellipticals weigh up to 150 pounds, which could wreak havoc on your walls or floors if you don’t take steps to account for the weight.
If the moving path seems particularly risky, or you don’t have access to the right moving equipment, consider hiring a professional moving team. The average cost to hire movers starts at $240 for a short-distance trip.
Unplug your elliptical from the wall and either tape down the cord or secure it to the back. Many models come with a hook that you can wrap the cord around.
Then, use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove any screens, speakers, or other expensive external technology attachments that make cardio time more enjoyable. Put the screws in a plastic bag and set them aside so they don’t get lost in transition.
Unlike moving other pieces of fitness equipment, the difficult part about transporting your elliptical is that the arms and foot holders tend to swing back and forth when the device isn’t on the ground. This movement can shift the weight on the dolly and make the process more difficult or even dangerous if you’re traversing stairs.
To prevent this problem, use a few heavy-duty strap ties from a home improvement store (costing $15 to $20 each) or a strong rope to secure the arms and foot holders of your elliptical. You should avoid using packing tape for this step because it could come undone or tear.
Moving an elliptical is definitely a two-person job, so ask a friend, family, or neighbor to give you a hand for this part of the process. If you’re moving on your own, consider contacting local movers in your area for a quote to move your elliptical trainer.
Ellipticals typically weigh about 100 to 150 pounds, and the awkward weight distribution of the unit might make it difficult to hoist it onto a dolly. The last thing you want is for your elliptical to fall off the dolly and smash into a wall, so it’s essential to have at least one other person there to assist you.
Now it’s time to carefully load the cardio machine onto the furniture dolly and into the waiting moving vehicle. Ensure that you lift with your legs, maintain a flat back, press through your heels, and avoid rounding your spine to prevent back injuries.
Once the elliptical is on the dolly, make sure its weight is evenly distributed. You can also add another strap to secure your machine to the back of the dolly or ask your helper to hold it from the side as you walk to its next location.
If your device is going into a moving truck, place it in a secure, snug area with a moving blanket underneath it. Ellipticals are pretty top-heavy, so you don’t want it shifting or tipping over during the drive.
Once you’ve reached your final destination, unstrap your elliptical and slowly unload it from the dolly. Screw in any additional parts you removed for safe travel, and then inspect it for scratches or other damage. Finally, plug your device in and test it out. But it might be best to rest and complete a full workout tomorrow after a long day of loading and unloading your elliptical.