Is it OK for an Employee Wellness Program to use donated equipment vs newly purchased equipment?

Safety is key!

You may want to hire a service person to come in on a regular basis.

Donated Equipment should be thoroughly inspected and serviced by a certified or munufacturer repair technician. Make sure cables, pins, seat adjustments, belts and electronics are safe. Get any service performed on your donated equipment in writing.
Saving money with donated equipment is a plus if your'e on a budget. Make sure its safe and most of all if the equipment is designed for instituional use and not home gym equipment.

Yes, it OK to use donated equipment as long as it is in good working condition and have regular maintenance as you do for all other equipment.

Absolutely! So long as it is safe and functional.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com

Absolutely! Just be sure the equipment is functioning properly and people know how to use it! It doesn't have to be new and fancy to be effective!

The reality is, is that when an individual takes out new membership at a gym they are using equipment that has been heavily utilized.

I personally don't see the issue. Having worked in corporate wellness, I know that periodically the technicians come in to service the equipment.

If I were to purchase the equipment, I would want to see the service records to be sure that the equipment was serviced and calibrated regularly.

Sure! I would make sure that equipment is serviced and inspected by a professional first.

The previous answers are right on the mark. Be thankful for the donation. Equipment is expensive. Just be sure, as has been so thoroughly addressed, is safely functional before use and is regularly maintained from then on.

Take care.