WEAR AND CARE

Get the most out of your SMART TECH equipment by following these simple care instructions.

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HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SMARTBAR™

The SMARTBAR™ and weight plates are designed for many years of use. We stand behind our materials and manufacturing and provide a three-year warranty (from the date of purchase) for manufacturing faults caused by material or labour.

Proper care and maintenance of the SMARTBAR is required (like any other product), to ensure proper functionality. The following guidelines should prolong the life of your SMARTBAR and reduce wear or likelihood of injury. We are not responsible for any damage or injury due to misuse or the failure to properly assemble the SMARTBAR.

For detailed warranty information visit https://www.lesmills.com.au/smart-tech/warranty

We recommend regularly cleaning your SMARTBAR using ONLY water and a mild soap or detergent. Apply the diluted soap/detergent solution to a soft (lint-free) cloth and then apply to the barbell. When cleaning the gator heads, please ensure that the cleaning solution does not seep in between parts or into mechanisms. Also, please DO NOT spray any cleaning solution directly onto the SMARTBAR. An excess of liquid in the gator heads can result in long-term exposure to concentrated cleaning solution, which can have an effect on the performance and safety of the SMARTBAR.

Using chemical cleaning products is NOT currently recommended - the variance of ingredients between different cleaners (and how each reacts to the materials and components in the equipment) means that there is not yet a simple answer to which chemical cleaner is safe to use - but we are working on finding an acceptable option.

APPROVED CLEANING ALTERNATIVE

If cleaning is required beyond the use of mild soap or detergent, we have recently tested and approved the use of Wet & Forget Indoor Disinfectant Cleaner for use on SMART TECH equipment when following the same guidelines as indicated above. IMPORTANT: DO NOT use Wet & Forget Outdoor - it is not the same!

Please remember our warranty only covers cleaning as has been described above. SMARTBARs that are damaged due to other cleaning methods ARE NOT covered under our warranty.

Do not drop, throw, or drag the SMARTBAR or weight plates. Dragging the SMARTBAR across the floor can result in damage to the rubber ends of the SMARTBAR.

Though the SMARTBAR has been designed and tested to withstand typical use within a gym, we recommend it is treated with care to avoid damage. Excessive drops and rough handling can result in cosmetic damage, and could lead to internal damage to the weight plate locking mechanisms.

When using or handling your SMARTBAR equipment, do not bring it into contact with sharp or abrasive objects/materials. We recommend jewellery/rings are removed as they can scratch the bar. Rings can also be damaged by the knurling on the bar.

We are becoming increasingly aware of reported damage occurring to the SMARTBAR whereby the rubber (TPE) bumper plate on the end of the gator becomes damaged or detached from the main assembly. See images below.



Early wear on the end of the TPE Bumper, if dragged along the floor. Wear marks can appear in the centre, and on the corners.

Early sign of failure, where the TPE Bumper has been worn through and is starting to detach.

Failure of the TPE Bumper, where the bond has been broken and the TPE Bumper is starting to detach.

The bond has broken. The TPE Bumper can catch on the floor and is forced out of the Gator head. Dirt and dust can now enter the internal mechanisms and cause further damage.

This damage is the result of the SMARTBAR being dragged by users, along the floor to or from a workout position - with or without weights attached.

When a SMARTBAR loaded with weight plates is dragged along the floor, the additional weight on the gator creates friction, which quickly results in the detachment of the TPE Bumper from the main part of the gator. While dragging the SMARTBAR without weights did not always cause the TPE bumper to detach, the attachment of the parts was compromised, leaving them likely to deteriorate.

Damage caused by dragging the SMARTBAR along the floor is NOT covered under the warranty. We recommend asking Instructors to remind members to avoid dragging their equipment to and from their workout position.

We are aware some people load and unload weight plates with the SMARTBAR in a vertical position. This is not recommended due to shock loading, which can occur during the loading procedure, and additional force on the locking cams and handle during the unloading process. The correct procedure for loading and unloading weight plates, is in the horizontal position with the bar sitting on the floor.

TO LOAD

Rest the SMARTBAR horizontally on the floor. Slide the SMARTBAR weight plates into the gator head, ensuring that the weight plates lock securely into place. Load weight plates one by one up to a maximum of three weight plates (of any weight), on each side. Load weights from largest to smallest so that the heaviest weight sits on the inside of the gator (i.e. closest to where it attaches to the bar).

TO UNLOAD

To release a weight plate, lay the SMARTBAR bar horizontally on the floor. Pull the red handle towards the centre of the bar, then slide the weight plate off the bar. Where possible, we recommend pulling back on both sides of the red handle to help release the weight plates. Remove weights one by one.

The correct procedure can be seen in the video for the SMARTBAR and weights. The directions for loading and unloading start 30 seconds into the video, but the whole clip is worth watching!

The below excerpt is from the SMARTBAR warranty document, which can be accessed in full at https://www.lesmills.com.au/smart-tech/warranty

We do not recommend using SMARTBAR equipment outside (particularly on abrasive surfaces like rough concrete) or on non-standard gym/studio flooring. We recommend working out on a smooth, firm surface or using a fitness mat with a durable but soft surface (e.g. the grey side of the Les Mills MBX Mat™).

Wiping the SMARTBAR bar with a soft cloth after using on carpet (or a household rug), will help to ensure fibres do not become caught in the gator (where the weight plates connect).

The SMARTBAR has been designed and tested to withstand normal use within a LES MILLS workout, while loaded with a maximum weight of up to 60kg/132lb.

The SMARTBAR is not a replacement for a standard (Olympic) barbell that is used for consistently heavy lifts.

We do not recommend applying weight to the central section of the SMARTBAR while it is lying on the floor. This includes using the SMARTBAR as an aid for push-ups, or as a support for a user’s weight. Using the SMARTBAR in this way can result in the bar developing a permanent bend.

Store the SMARTBAR and weight plates indoors, keeping the equipment away from moisture or direct heat. Do not store in extreme temperatures (<-5 degrees Celsius;>50 degrees Celsius).

For storage in a club/facility, we recommend using the SMARTBAR Storage Rack, or hanging vertically on a wall rack. At home, we recommend storing the SMARTBAR horizontally on a solid, level surface, or vertically on its end.

During storage, always ensure weight plates are removed from the bar.

Do not leave the SMARTBAR bar (with or without weight plates attached) hanging over a SMARTSTEP, or any other object where the weights or the end of the SMARTBAR are unsupported or hanging off the ground.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SMARTBAND™

The SMARTBAND™ is designed for years of use; however, like any product that is produced from a soft material, it can deteriorate over time.

All resistance bands will show signs of wear due to the nature of use and the surfaces they interact with.

SMARTBAND™s that show signs of surface wear (blisters, peeling or delamination) are considered to be within normal wear and tear and do not mean that the band will prematurely break.

Any SMARTBAND™ that breaks, rips or otherwise fails due to a manufacturing defect will be covered by our warranty for a period of one-year from the date of purchase. Normal wear and tear is not covered under this warranty.

Many exercises with the SMARTBAND™ require you to position the resistance band under your feet. Shoe technology is constantly evolving and shoes with an aggressive tread pattern, sharp edges or made from abrasive material are likely to cause damage to the band. You could consider training in bare feet (if appropriate for the particular exercise).

Avoid exercising on an abrasive surface, such as rough concrete (or carpet) as this could damage the surface of the resistance band during use. We recommend (if possible) working out on a smooth hard surface or using a fitness mat with a durable but soft surface (e.g. the grey side of the Les Mills MBX Mat™).

The SMARTBAND™ has been designed to be stretched to a maximum length of 2.5 times its resting length. Stretching the SMARTBAND™ beyond its recommended extension can compromise the band’s soft material properties and may result in fine tears. Please ensure you use the handles when using your SMARTBAND™. Not using the handles and shortening your grip, may result in the SMARTBAND™ exceeding its maximum length of extension. The leading cause of failures within resistance bands is when they have been over-stretched (over extended). If you are not able to achieve the resistance you require (i.e. if you feel the need to shorten the SMARTBAND™), we suggest using a stiffer band such as SMARTBAND™ Extreme, or using a small to medium hand-held weight plate in addition to the SMARTBAND™.

The SMARTBAND™ is manufactured from a custom formulated TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), which gives the band the ability to stretch and then return to its original state. The SMARTBAND™ should be used and stored at room temperature to achieve the best results. Exposing the SMARTBAND™ to extreme temperatures and sunlight may affect the performance of the TPE and it may become brittle and, therefore, prone to tearing. We recommend storing your SMARTBAND™ in a cool, dry area and out of direct sunlight..

Using a soft sponge, regularly clean the SMARTBAND™ by gently washing with water and a few drops of mild dish soap (if necessary). Do not use any other solvents, chemicals or other solutions to clean your SMARTBAND™. Hang the SMARTBAND™ up to dry. Ensure the SMARTBAND™ is fully dry before use or storage. Do not use high heat to dry the SMARTBAND™.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SMARTSTEP™

The SMARTSTEP™ is designed and built to last. We stand behind our materials and manufacturing and provide a two-year warranty (from the date of purchase) on all SMARTSTEP™ equipment for manufacturing faults caused by materials or labour.

Proper care and maintenance of the SMARTSTEP™ is required (like any other product), to ensure proper functionality. The following guidelines should prolong the life of your SMARTSTEP™ and reduce wear or likelihood of injury. Les Mills Asia Pacific is not responsible for any damage or injury due to misuse or the failure to properly assemble the SMARTSTEP™.

Always make sure the risers are clicked into the deck to ensure a secure platform.

HORIZONTAL USE: A maximum of six risers may be used under the SMARTSTEP deck at each end. Follow the assembly instructions when attaching risers.

INCLINE USE: For all incline uses, one end of the deck must be resting on the floor. To use the SMARTSTEP on an incline, position one end of the deck on the floor, and the other correctly on the riser(s) by placing the recess of the deck on the rim of the top riser (see warranty document for visuals). Up to four risers may be stacked under one end of the deck for supine and prone bench incline work (lying on deck) to achieve a range of incline angles.

PROPULSIVE WORK (springing off the deck): We recommend limiting the incline to one riser high (a single riser under one side of the deck), as using more than one riser for propulsive work may lead to injury.

Do not drop, throw, or drag the SMARTSTEP deck or risers.

Do not drag the deck along the floor. We recommend carrying the SMARTSTEP deck and risers separately (not risers connected to deck). Hand holds are provided at both the ends and the sides of the deck. Risers can easily be carried over your arm.

To prevent damage to the top surface of the SMARTSTEP, we recommend checking the bottom of your footwear to ensure there are no stones or sharp objects embedded in the sole. Do not drop weights on top of the SMARTSTEP deck or risers.

When using or handling your SMARTSTEP equipment, do not bring it into contact with sharp or abrasive objects/materials.

We recommend working out on a smooth, hard, and level surface for stability and safety. We do not recommend placing a mat under any exercise platform as the mat could slip or slide when jumping on or off the step.

Avoid exercising outside or on an abrasive surface (such as rough concrete), as this could damage the rubber feet on the risers or scratch the base of the deck.

The SMARTSTEP was designed to withstand weights of up to 136kg/300lb.

In a club, SMARTSTEP equipment should be stored as separate stacks:

  • Stack the decks on top of one another - maximum recommended stack height of 21 decks
  • Stack the risers on top of one another on a solid, level surface - maximum recommended stack height of 32 risers.

At home, the deck and risers can be stored together or separately. Keep the equipment stored away from moisture or direct heat. Do not store in extreme temperatures (<-5 degrees Celsius;>50 degrees Celsius).

Regularly clean SMARTSTEP equipment by wiping down with a damp soft cloth, using mild detergent (if necessary).

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR MBX MAT™

Keep the MBX Mat™ away from sharp items. If you are wearing shoes when using the MBX Mat™, ensure they are clean and do not have any sharp items within the tread. Avoid wearing hard or sharp accessories such as metal buttons, rivets, zippers, etc that may damage the MBX Mat™.

If you are not wearing shoes when using the MBX Mat™, ensure your hands and feet are clean.

Using a soft sponge, regularly clean the MBX Mat™ by gently washing with water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Hang the MBX Mat™ to dry. Ensure the MBX Mat™ is fully dry before rolling or folding to store it. Do not use high heat to dry the MBX Mat™.

With a new MBX Mat™, you may notice a slight odour from the new materials when you remove it from the packaging. Simply remove all packaging and lay flat or hang on a MBX Mat™ storage rack. The odour will naturally disappear. If you prefer, you can also use water and a few drops of mild dish soap to gently wash the MBX Mat™.

Avoid storing the MBX Mat™ in extreme temperatures and near sharp items. Each time you use the MBX Mat hang it until dry. Once dry, the MBX Mat™ can be left hanging on a MBX Mat™ storage rack, or be rolled or be stored flat. Do not put other items on top of the MBX Mat™.