The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise for a healthy life. Many of us find it difficult to hit the gym or go for a run because of our busy schedules. Bringing an exercise machine to home is a great alternative. You can workout in the privacy of your home whenever you want.
A home elliptical is one of the best machines for home workouts. It allows you to do a whole-body workout by targeting your upper and lower body. You can get an affordable elliptical for under $300. If you stay in small apartments, you can get a foldable elliptical. They can be easily folded to store away after your workout.
If you are looking for a cross-trainer mimic, you can opt for a hybrid elliptical. These 2in1 machines give you both an elliptical and a recumbent bike while saving you space and money for your home gym.
The elliptical bikes need to be maintained regularly to serve you long. They require regular cleaning, inspection, and maintenance. One of the most important aspects of maintenance is lubrication. Proper lubrication will reduce wear and increase the longevity and functionality of the machine. It will also minimize the need for costly repairs.
The problem with elliptical bikes is that the lubrication points are not self-evident like treadmills. The following section will demystify lubricating the different types of ellipticals, what to lubricate and what not to, and what are the types of lubricants that should be used.
The Two Types Of Elliptical System As Far As Lubrication Is Concerned
You can divide the different types of ellipticals into two types as far as lubrication is concerned. The first type is the ellipticals with ramps and wheels. A ramp and wheel system on your elliptical will mean that the wheels roll back and forth across a steel or aluminum ramp. The second type of elliptical is the one that doesn’t have a ramp and wheel system.
Lubricating Ellipticals With Ramps And Wheels
Lubricating this type of elliptical is fairly straightforward. They will need lubrication every 4 to 6 months with liquid silicone. It is however important that you remove the dirt and dust build up in the wheel channel on the ramp before lubricating.
Dust will cause pitting in the wheels over time and cause the wheel to fall to pieces. Avoid using WD-40 or any other caustic agent to lubricate the ramp and wheels. They will cause the wheels to fail quickly and also ruin the ramp in the process. Stick to the recommended lubricant always.
Lubricating Ellipticals Without A Ramp And Wheel System
Lubricating ellipticals that don’t have a ramp and wheel system is more complicated. This is because it is more difficult to determine the points for lubrication. Some may have wheels that roll over a steel or aluminum ramp. These need to be lubricated with liquid silicone. All of these ellipticals will have oil-impregnated bushings.
These bushings do not require to be lubricated. However, after some use, some of them tend to develop squeaking issues. This can be easily remedied with lithium grease. The rotation points in these ellipticals will have sealed bearings.
These bearings do not require to be lubricated. Never break the seal of the bearing and attempt to lubricate them. This will destroy it. Some cheap ellipticals may have unsealed bearings. Lubricating them will prolong their life slightly.
Final Thoughts
Most ellipticals have a large amount of Poly-V or A-shaped belting inside them. Over time, these belts wear dry and crack. Belt dressing can be applied to increase the lifetime of the belts and prevent drying and squeaking of the belts. It can be purchased from hardware stores. This will do more to prolong the life of your elliptical than lubrication.
A note of caution- refer to the product manual before doing any maintenance and always use the recommended lubricant.