Sustainable Fitness: The Importance of Repairing Over Replacing
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, it dramatically altered the way people live. Gyms closed, and millions began seeking ways to stay healthy and fit without leaving their homes. This led to a significant surge in demand for home fitness equipment. Today, nearly every third household in the U.S. has a treadmill, exercise bike, or strength training machine. However, this rapid increase in ownership has brought a problem that few consider.
Mikhail Solomin, the founder of Gym Guards, began his career in the fitness industry with a solid background in repairing various equipment. His passion for mechanics started in his teenage years when he became interested in fixing bicycles. Initially, he repaired bikes for friends, but soon his reputation spread throughout the neighborhood and eventually the entire district. Mikhail was known for rescuing old bicycles that he found in trash. He would take them apart, either assembling a functional bike from several broken ones or fully repairing them to donate them to kids who couldn’t afford a bike of their own.
This early experience not only honed his technical skills but also laid the foundation for his philosophy: SAVE and RESTORE what others consider lost. While in college, Mikhail started assembling and repairing private computers, leading to the creation of his first electronics repair company.
His introduction to fitness equipment came soon after. Mikhail wanted to support his parents’ health and gave them an elliptical machine. This gift was no accident; he had carefully researched various fitness machines and chose one he believed to be the premier cardiovascular trainer, capable of toning the entire body while strengthening the important human muscle—the heart. To this day, Mikhail Solomin considers this machine one of the premier purchases he’s ever made, and it inspired him to create a company specializing in fitness equipment repair.
Mikhail holds a Master’s degree in Law and Business and is the author of several scientific articles. He developed a unique intensive educational course for fitness equipment technicians and holds the copyright for his teaching methods. His expertise is further reflected in his book, “The Technician’s Handbook To Cardiovascular Fitness Equipment Maintenance And Repair,” which has become a go-to resource in the industry. Additionally, his company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is an honorary member of several esteemed organizations, including the United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA), the American Management Association (AMA), the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Building a Business with a Mission
Running a fitness equipment repair company, Mikhail quickly noticed that many fitness equipment owners faced similar problems. Typically, neither online nor in-store buyers receive detailed instructions on how to properly use and maintain their expensive equipment. Sure, there are manuals, but who actually reads those?
And here begins the real nightmare. A year or two after purchasing their equipment, many customers find that it starts to break down. The warranty has expired, and finding a qualified technician or company that can repair the equipment at a reasonable price is nearly impossible. In many cases, people simply choose to dispose of their bulky machines and buy new ones, not realizing that this only exacerbates the problem.
Education and Support
From the outset, Mikhail realized that educating their customers on the proper use and care of their machines was the key to solving the problem. When Gym Guards service or repair fitness equipment, they educate the owners not only on the basics of operation but also on essential preventive maintenance. This helps prevent breakdowns and extends the life of the equipment, saving money and significantly reducing waste.
For example, did you know that one simple tip—standing on the side rails at the start of your workout until your treadmill reaches at least 1-2 MPH, and only then stepping onto the walking belt—can greatly reduce the risk of breakdowns? Similarly, at the end of your workout, stepping onto the rails before stopping the treadmill helps avoid damage to the expensive parts of the treadmill, such as the controller and drive motor, and greatly increases its longevity and safety.
Fast-Track Fitness Tech Careers in VR
Mikhail understood that to truly make an impact on the entire fitness industry, more needed to be done. They developed a unique training course that not only helps people properly care for their equipment but also opens up new career opportunities.
They offer interested individuals the opportunity to become professional fitness equipment technicians in just one week. This course allows participants to quickly master an in-demand profession, providing them with the skills to enter the job market with a high level of competence.
What makes their course truly unique? They use advanced VR technology, which allows participants to practice their skills in a virtual environment without leaving the house. This means they aren’t just learning theory—they’re gaining real practical experience, accelerating their learning process and increasing their level of professionalism.
Mikhail is proud that his company not only helps fitness equipment owners but also those seeking new career opportunities. Their course is a fast and effective path to a new profession, one that will be in demand as awareness of the need for health maintenance continues to grow, along with the demand for fitness equipment and its repair and maintenance.
Looking to the Future
Today, Gym Guards is actively working to make the fitness industry more sustainable. They offer services that help extend the life of equipment, reducing waste and saving their clients money. Their training courses also help address the shortage of skilled technicians in this field across the U.S. and globally.
Mikhail continues to develop the company with a mission: to create a world where repairing and maintaining equipment becomes the norm rather than the exception. He believes that each of us can contribute to protecting the environment simply by choosing repair over replacement. Gym Guards is proud to play a key role in creating a greener and more sustainable future for the fitness industry.
Don’t throw your equipment in the landfill—give it a second chance. Their services and training will help keep your equipment in working order, and their courses will open up new professional horizons for you. Together, we can make the world a better place.
Published By: Aize Perez
