Equip, Inc. is an American small business. We are locally owned and operated in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Social responsibility, community investment, and support of American business are all core values for us.
What Will Post-Pandemic Workouts Look Like?
As states in the United States and countries around the world begin to reopen, the resounding question is: what is the new normal? Businesses and communities have adjusted around the pandemic, and with fear of a second wave rising, many people look to the future expecting their lives to be fundamentally different from what they were in the past.
Is it Safe to go to the Gym?
When it comes to working out, many people had to adjust their workout routines to account for closed gyms. Now that gyms across the country are being allowed to reopen, many more people wonder about the safety of attending fitness classes or working out, even alone, in such a public space. How will gyms comply with this new, complex set of laws, that can differ at the federal, state, and community level? How will they protect patrons from the risks associated with being exposed, especially as government officials promote an active lifestyle to boost immune systems?
Gyms are considered high-risk environments for spreading germs, in part because many gyms are relatively humid, and in part because of the use of shared equipment. While many people clean equipment before and after using it, reducing risk of spread by contact, research shows that coronavirus can live in the air for up to three hours. While evidence on coronavirus itself is still pending, previous research on flu germs has proven that they can spread to others up to six feet away through the air. On top of this, evidence shows that the heavy breathing that often accompanies working out likely spreads germs even farther.
How are Gyms Responding?
Because of varied guidelines at different levels of government, laws are not practical guidelines for gyms’ responses to the virus. Standard responses include contactless check-ins and payments, requiring employees to wear gloves and masks, increased cleaning schedules, and in some places even requiring a temperature check at check in, to avoid allowing someone with a fever, who might be sick, into the gym. Some gyms, like Equinox, are requiring patrons to wear a mask when not “vigorously exercising.”
Many gyms are closing for periods of up to an hour in the middle of the day, or several times a day, to thoroughly clean equipment. Gyms that usually provide fitness classes will close the studio for 30 minutes between classes to clean it. Other are investing in professional grade equipment, like floor scrubbers that are rated to kill coronavirus. Gyms are also adding more sanitation stations, and shutting down water fountains that require touch to activate. Air circulation is also an important consideration, with many locations investing in fan systems or keeping doors open where possible.
In order to comply with the six-foot distancing suggestion, many gyms are closing every other machine or otherwise reducing equipment. Pools, spas, team sports areas, and even locker rooms are often remaining closed even as other portions of the gym open, because of the impossibility of maintaining the recommended distance of six feet.
Other gyms are requiring patrons to make appointments before showing up, often through an app or website. While this helps to limit the number of people in the building at any given time, complying with some states’ orders to open at certain percentages of capacity (as low as 25% in Texas), it also severely cuts down availability during prime work out times. To compensate, many gyms are also limiting the length any individual can spend in the building, frequently to only an hour. This causes an extra level of frustration for people who don’t find this to be enough time to complete their entire work out. Its often compounded by longer wait times for machines.
Fitness classes also have reduced capacity, in some cases going from up to fifty students to closer to a dozen. Instructors often have to mark out areas on the floor where students can stand, and are no longer able to provide hands on assistance or encouragement. Many students are mourning the ban on high-fives. This issue also effects personal trainers, whose job requires a certain proximity, and will be made more difficult if not impossible by distancing.
One gym in California is even using large plastic pods to completely separate members and reduce risk of contamination. The pods are made of clear shower curtains and plexiglass, meant to be cost-effective. Clients have initially proven excited and appreciative of the move, though because each pod requires its own complete set of equipment, it could prove cost-prohibitive for many other places despite the low cost of the pod itself.
Other gyms are going an entirely different route by converting partially to digital classes. Initially, it was a necessity, when gyms were considered non-essential in many states and forced to close. The only way to maintain revenue and connection with clients was to be available in their own homes, on their computers and phones.
Will Home Fitness be the new Gym?
ClassPass, a digital fitness class subscription that partners with local fitness boutiques, introduced live-streamed classes in March 2020. More than 500 studios added bookable classes.
Other gyms have turned to YouTube and other social media sites, posting free workouts to keep their customers engaged and loyal. Many gyms have already had to close, and as worry about a second wave of the pandemic spreads, gyms worry about their customers returning even when they are allowed to open up.
Besides online classes, customers have committed to taking their workouts home in other ways. Fitness equipment sales have grown by 170% since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. This is another indication of changes that may be coming to the landscape of fitness in the future. Now that many people have the necessary equipment, how will gyms compete with the ease and lower price of working out from home? Only time will show the innovations in structure and benefits in the industry moving forward.
Were you one of many who invested in home workout equipment while your gym was closed? Is your gym using any interesting methods to keep patrons safe? We’d love to hear from you in the comments, or email us at info@equipinc.com.
Ideas to Winterize Outdoor Kitchens & Fire Pits
Prepare your outdoor kitchen and fire pit for cooler weather now with these simple ideas to lengthen the life of your outdoor living space.
More homeowners than ever are extending living space into the great outdoors! Winterizing outdoor kitchen equipment, fire pits and patio furniture should be incorporated into fall home readiness plans. Use these maintenance and cover ideas to prepare your outdoor living space:
1) Remove debris from the fire pit and cover your fire pit with a fitted weather resistant cover to keep moisture, leaves and critters out. Whether gas, propane or wood burning, round or square, fire pits are often the focal point of outdoor living and are often either built in or difficult to move and store. Custom fire pit covers like those from Equip, Inc are fitted to your fire pit dimensions, keep your outdoor fire pit covered, and are competitively priced!
2) Turn off the water source to your outdoor kitchen and drain water lines (think ice makers, refrigerators and sinks) to prevent pipes from freezing, expanding, and bursting. Houselogic.com also suggests leaving drain valves open to keep water from pooling.
3) Wipe down surfaces – particularly those that may be porous like granite counter tops or have cracks and crevices prone to corrosion like gas stovetops. Cover outdoor kitchen equipment, furniture and fire pits to protect surfaces from wear as the weather turns unpredictable.
Custom outdoor kitchen covers and fire pit covers are a beneficial investment for any outdoor living space, particularly those kitchens and fire pits that are built into your living space. Tarps and non-fitted generic covers create the risk of fly-away, water leaks and piling leaves and debris due to improper fit. A poorly fitting generic cover can cause as many issues as leaving your outdoor kitchen or custom fire pit uncovered!
All Equip, Inc. custom outdoor kitchen and fire pit covers are Made in the USA here at our shop in Colorado with the highest quality workmanship, materials, and customer service guaranteed. The team at Equip, Inc. proudly partners with you through the life of your cover. We warranty our work for a full year unlike the competition, then offer repairs as needed at reasonable rates!
Order a fire pit cover today and make sure your home winterization goals include caring for your outdoor kitchen and fire pit!
Outdoor Kitchen Covers
Equip outdoor kitchen covers are completely custom manufactured to fit your outdoor home equipment!
For each cover, we will work with you to create a cover that will protect your outdoor kitchen from the elements, keeping it in excellent condition and looking new for a long time! We have many satisfied customers with grills, full outdoor kitchens, patio tables, and more. Outdoor kitchen covers can be as fitted as you would like, and can include a zipper on one side for quick and easy installation. A drawstring or elastic cord along the bottom seam is a great option for making your cover more secure around the bottom of the equipment.
To order, please contact us with information regarding your custom outdoor kitchen cover and we will respond with a price quote as quickly as possible. Please include front and side photos of the equipment, along with measurements of the length, width, and height at their widest points. More dimensions may be needed for more complex outdoor kitchen covers. Prices for custom outdoor kitchen covers begin at $500.
How to Choose the Best Treadmill Cover
Ordering the Perfect Treadmill Cover to Meet Your Needs
Treadmill covers are designed to protect your treadmill from potential damage caused by water, debris, and dust while not in use. Choosing the best treadmill cover for your needs will extend the life of your treadmill.
Before ordering, think about the following questions:
- Is the treadmill kept indoors or outdoors?
- What will the treadmill need to be protected against?
- What size does the treadmill cover need to be?
- Is it important that the cover look fitted?
- Is a security cover necessary?
Indoor & Outdoor Treadmill Covers
Indoor and outdoor covers use different material to protect your treadmill. An indoor treadmill does not require the same protection as an outdoor treadmill. And indoor treadmill cover often serves the purpose of preventing dust from accumulating, and thus, a lightweight fabric is a great option. Equip offers a 210D Nylon in White, Black or Charcoal Grey that is easy to handle and perfect for indoor applications.
If your treadmill is kept outdoors, you will want a treadmill cover that can resist the elements. An outdoor treadmill cover will be manufactured with a heavy material that is treated to protect the machine from the elements. Equip’s outdoor V-Care fabric for treadmill covers is water-proof, UV and mildew resistant, anti-static, and fire retardant.
Treadmill Cover Size
Treadmills come in a large variety of shapes and sizes. Folding and non-folding treadmills require different shapes of treadmill covers to properly protect them. Determine the dimensions of your treadmill to ensure that the treadmill cover you order will fit properly.
Equip Inc. offers both standard and custom size fitness covers. Standard sizes are less expensive and will not be fitted to your machine. Featuring a drawstring, zipper and your choice of fabric, these covers will protect your machine, but do not offer a fitted appearance. Check out our standard sizes to see if one will work for you!
Equip’s custom fitness equipment covers are made to your equipment’s specific dimensions for a slightly higher cost. Many customers feel that a custom cover is worth the extra cost to ensure a fitted appearance. We work closely with every customer interested in a custom cover to ensure that we gather the proper dimensions for a fitted and protective cover.
Security Covers for Treadmills
A security cover may be a necessary option for you when deciding on a treadmill cover. A security cover comes with security cables in the bottom seam of the cover that lock to the zipper. These cables deter tampering by children, and even intruders. Security cables are not typically included in fitness covers, so let us know if security cables are needed!
Equip, Inc. manufactures both indoor and outdoor treadmill covers that meet the exact size of your treadmill and your needs. For additional information about treadmill covers, please contact Equip, Inc. today.
How to Measure Your Folding Treadmill for a Cover
Start Measuring for a Custom Folding Treadmill Cover from Equip Inc.
At Equip, Inc., we make custom and standard treadmill covers to protect both indoor and outdoor treadmills. Dust and debris can build up on your treadmill and cause damage to the electrical and moving parts over time. Our folding treadmill covers will prevent potential damage from occurring and keep your treadmill clean.
We design and manufacture folding treadmill covers based on the dimensions of your fitness equipment. Many manufacturers don’t list the necessary dimensions on their website for Equip Inc. to generate a custom treadmill cover pattern. Personally measuring your equipment and sending us the information will help us create a fitted folding treadmill cover for you.
How to Measure a Folding Treadmill for a Custom Cover
Equip Inc. always needs three dimensions to begin a custom folding treadmill design, the length, width, and height. Equip Inc. always needs three dimensions to begin a custom folding treadmill design, the length, width, and height.
There are two heights to measure. The first height to measure is from the floor to the highest point. The highest point is usually at the end of the track. The second height to measure is at the front of the folding treadmill from the floor to the top of the display.
Measure the width of your folding treadmill at the widest point. The widest point may be at the base of the treadmill or the back of the track. Measure both to ensure you have the widest measurement.
Measure the length of the folding treadmill at the longest point. The longest point may be at the top where the track folds up. Measure from the end of the track to the back of the display and measure the length at the bottom of the treadmill to make sure you have the longest measurement.
To order a standard-sized folding treadmill cover, click here! If you have any questions about measuring your folding treadmill or about ordering a custom folding treadmill cover, please contact us! We are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30pm Mountain Standard Time at info@equipinc.com.
How to Measure Your Non-Folding Treadmill for a Custom Cover
Custom Treadmill Covers Made to Your Specifications
It is our goal at Equip, Inc. to provide you with a treadmill cover that accurately fits the dimensions of your machine. Not all equipment manufacturers list the dimensions of their machines on their websites, and the dimensions listed can often be misleading. Similarly, some manufacturers only list a few of the measurements needed to design a fitness cover that closely fits the machine.
To help us create the best custom treadmill cover for you, we have described how to measure your treadmill so we can begin to generate a custom pattern for your machine. As always, please contact our friendly staff if you have any questions about ordering a custom fitness cover.
How to Measure a Treadmill for a Custom Cover
Custom covers begin with three measurements: length, width and height. Custom fitness covers also require a few additional measurements to be factored in, and Equip will often ask for images of your machine so we can indicate which additional measurements we need.
First, measure the height of the treadmill at the front where the display is located. Make sure to measure from the lowest point to the highest point. Also measure the height of the treadmill at the back of the base.
Measure the width of the treadmill at the widest point. The widest point on a treadmill is usually at the front. It is a good idea to measure the width of the back of the treadmill just in case it is wider than the front.
Measure the length of your treadmill at the longest point. This measurement will most likely be the base of the treadmill where the track is located. It is also a good idea to measure the length of the arms of the treadmill near the display.
To order a standard sized treadmill cover, check out some of our options here! If you have any questions about measuring your treadmill, or about ordering a custom treadmill cover, please contact us. We are available during business hours at info@equipinc.com
Three Tips for Storing A Treadmill Outdoors
Keep Your Treadmill Protected while You Exercise Outdoors
Manufacturers do not recommend keeping treadmills outdoors, but many people find exercising in the fresh air and beautiful scenery to be extremely rewarding. There are several tips to help you store and maintain your treadmill outdoors on a patio, deck, or garage. Following these tips will prolong the life of your treadmill.
Tip 1: Determine the Best Place to Store & Use Your Treadmill
The first step to storing your treadmill outdoors is to determine the best place for it. Look for a place that receives a minimal amount of moisture and that is not vulnerable to dust. In order to avoid potential damage to the electronic components of your treadmill, attempt to find a clean place that is not directly in the sun.
When determining the best place to store your treadmill, keep scenery in mind. You may want to face your treadmill away from walls to give you a pleasing environment while you exercise. A relaxing, and pleasing environment will help you maintain your exercise routine.
Tip 2: Clean the Area & Set a Mat Down for Your Treadmill
Thoroughly clean the area where you will store and use your treadmill. Sweeping can create dust and put debris into the air. The best way to clean the area is to use a shop vacuum. Vacuum the floor, walls, ceiling, and any spaces nearby. This will reduce the risk of dust and debris from getting into the belt and other parts of your treadmill. Debris in the belt can cause damage over time, and possibly result in the need for costly repairs.
Set down a mat for your treadmill after you have cleaned the area. A mat will prevent moisture and dust from getting under the treadmill. A mat will also protect the treadmill surfaces from getting scratched if moved.
Tip 3: Protect Your Treadmill with a Treadmill Cover
A treadmill cover protects against damage from weather and other outside elements that can potentially cause damage to your treadmill. An outdoor treadmill cover from Equip Inc. will feature UV, mildew, and water resistant material to prolong the life of your cover and treadmill. A zipper makes removal and enclosure a quick and simple process, while a drawstring in the bottom seam secures the cover around the treadmill.
Equip offers standard sized treadmill covers for both folding, and non-folding treadmills. These covers offer great protection from the elements, but may fit imperfectly on some treadmills. For a closer fit, Equip also offers custom treadmill covers.
Depending on where you store your treadmill, you may want to invest in a custom treadmill cover. A custom cover will be made to the specific dimensions of your treadmill, and offers a cleaner appearance. Custom covers can also incorporate additional features like locking security cables, or logo printing.
To buy a standard treadmill cover, check out our options for folding treadmills, non-folding treadmills, and the Peloton treadmill here!
Protecting Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Exercise Equipment Covers Give You the Power to Enjoy Your Fitness Equipment Outside
Keeping a treadmill or other piece of fitness equipment outdoors on a balcony or patio can be a great way to save space indoors and get fresh air during workouts. However, it is extremely important to ensure the equipment is properly protected in order to avoid damage and additional wear and tear caused by the elements.
Step 1: Learn the Best Practices for Storing Your Equipment Outside
Take a look at this article, which gives instructions and best practices for keeping your fitness equipment outdoors.
Step 2: Time to Cover Up
A crucial step in protecting your outdoor treadmill, elliptical or weight equipment is a weather-proof cover. Equip offers custom fitness equipment covers designed to the dimensions of your treadmill, elliptical or cardio equipment. Equip’s exercise equipment covers come with a drawstring in the bottom seam to keep the cover secured around the machine, as well as a zipper for easy removal and enclosure.
Why order a fitness equipment cover instead of tossing on a tarp? A custom cover will fit more precisely, look great, and offer years of protection by helping to prevent moisture and harmful UV rays from reaching the equipment. Keep in mind that even with a protective cover, fitness equipment should always be moved indoors during periods of extreme weather conditions in order to protect the electronic components.
If security is a concern, Equip offers lockable cables in the bottom seam to deter vandalism and tampering. For indoor applications, custom covers offer great protection from dust and debris, and will lessen the frequency of dusting and cleaning of treadmills, ellipticals and recumbent bikes.For standard-sized exercise Equipment, check out our covers available here! For custom fitness covers, contact us at info@equipinc.com.
Equip commercial grade patio furniture at consumer prices!
Equip is a direct dealer for leading commercial furniture manufacturers including Emuamericas. All of our patio furniture is commercial grade. It’s typically sold to high traffic restaurants, high end resorts, outdoor lifestyle malls and other upscale, high traffic environments and we make it available for your back yard, deck or patio! No reason to buy consumer grade when you can get commercial grade patio furniture at a better price from Equip!! Equip offers patio furniture that will look, feel and hold up great for years to come. All of the patio furniture we offer includes a minimum 3 year manufacturer’s warrantee – and that’s for heavy use high traffic environments. (You’ll see Emu’s chairs and tables in Chipotle restaurants, sports stadiums, outlet malls and other loungey public environments.) And in your own backyard! Take a look at some of the options available below (we have a many more styles that we can share with you to meet your aesthetic desires – and just call us for a quote. You’ll be surprised how affordable it is to buy Commercial Grade Patio Furniture for your outdoor living space – through Equip! Check out more of our furniture here!
Questions or comments? Contact us here!
