Keeping your Gymstick Original (and the Aqua Gymstick) clean and well-maintained is key to ensuring it lasts a long time and stays safe and effective to use. These versatile fitness tools are built to withstand tough workouts, but a little regular care goes a long way. In this article, we’ll cover practical tips on when and how to clean the bands and stick, how to check for wear and tear, and the best ways to store your Gymstick (both the land and aqua versions) properly to extend its life. The steps are simple and easy to follow, so you can keep your equipment in top shape for your next workout.

Routine Cleaning and Washing

• Wipe Down After Every Workout: After each training session, take a moment to wipe down your Gymstick. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the fibreglass stick and the rubber/latex resistance bands. This quick step removes sweat, body oils, and dirt that can accumulate during your workout and helps prevent grime buildup. For the Gymstick Original used on land, a wipe with plain water or a gentle cleaning solution (like a mix of mild soap and water) is usually enough. For the Aqua Gymstick used in the pool, it’s important to rinse it off thoroughly with fresh water after your session. Chlorine from the pool or salt from the ocean can slowly degrade the bands and any metal parts. Rinsing the Aqua Gymstick under a tap or hose helps wash away these residues and keeps the equipment from smelling like chlorine.
• Deep Cleaning When Needed: Every so often (for example, once every week or two, depending on use), give your Gymstick a more thorough cleaning. Fill a bucket or sink with lukewarm water and a bit of mild detergent (a few drops of gentle dish soap works well). Dampen a cloth or sponge with this soapy water and gently wipe down all parts of the Gymstick, the stick, grips, and bands, to remove any stubborn sweat or dirt.
  Avoid soaking the bands directly for long periods; a quick dunk or rinse is fine, but do not leave latex bands submerged for an extended time, as this can weaken or swell the latex. For any stubborn dirt on the bands, lather a little soap on them with your hands, then immediately rinse them clean under running water. Once everything is clean, use a towel to wipe off excess water and let the Gymstick air dry completely before using or storing it again.
• Use Gentle Products Only: Stick to mild cleaning products to avoid damaging your Gymstick. Harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers can harm the materials. For instance, bleach or ammonia-based cleaners can eat away at the rubber/latex bands or strip the finish on the stick, so it’s best to avoid those. Usually, a mild soap solution or a gentle disinfectant wipe (that doesn’t contain strong solvents) is all you need. If you need to disinfect your Gymstick beyond basic cleaning, you can use an alcohol-based wipe or spray lightly, but do so sparingly – frequent use of strong disinfectants can dry out the latex bands over time. In most cases, simple soap and water will both clean and sanitise your Gymstick effectively.
• Dry Thoroughly After Cleaning: After washing your Gymstick, always dry it thoroughly. Use a clean towel to pat down the stick and bands, removing as much moisture as possible. Pay special attention to the resistance bands and the metal connectors or clips – drying these parts prevents rust and mould. Let the Gymstick air until all components (especially the inside of any clips or the ends of the stick where bands attach) are completely dry. Never store the equipment while it’s damp, as trapped moisture can deteriorate the bands or other parts.

Inspecting for Wear and Tear

Just like any exercise equipment, your Gymstick should be inspected regularly for signs of wear. Doing a quick check before each workout (or at least once a week) can prevent accidents and let you address any issues early. Here are the main things to look at on both the Gymstick Original and the Aqua Gymstick:

• Check the Resistance Bands: Examine the elastic bands along their entire length. Look for any cracks, splits, thin spots, or small tears in the latex. Also, check where the bands attach to the stick and the foot straps for fraying or weakening. If you spot even a minor tear or crack in a band, avoid using the Gymstick until that band is replaced. (A band that snaps during exercise could cause injury, so it’s better to be safe.) The good news is that the Original and Aqua Gymstick have replaceable bands, so you can purchase spare bands and easily swap them. If your bands have become overly stretched, feel gummy/sticky, or have lost a lot of their elasticity, that’s also a sign that you should replace them to maintain proper resistance during workouts.
• Inspect the Stick and Grips:  Look at the fibreglass stick itself. It should be straight and free of cracks or structural damage. If you have a Gymstick Original 2.0 (which comes as a two-piece stick), check the joint where the pieces connect – make sure the locking mechanism works properly and there are no cracks around the connection point. The stick’s surface shouldn’t have any deep gouges. Also, inspect any foam or rubber grips on the stick: they should be firmly attached and not excessively worn or torn. The Aqua Gymstick has foam buoyant ends or special grip material for water; ensure those are intact and not disintegrating. Any sticky residue or breakdown of foam would indicate it’s time to replace that part or be extra careful (foam can wear out faster with chlorine exposure).
• Hardware and Other Parts: Check any additional hardware, such as plastic buckles (Aqua Gymstick) that connect the bands to the stick. These pieces should be secure and in good shape. Metal parts should not show significant rust or bending. (The Gymstick is designed with water-resistant materials, especially the Aqua version, but it’s still possible for metal to corrode if not cared for.) If you see a bit of rust starting, you can gently wipe it off and remember to dry that part better next time. Nylon straps or fabric loops should be intact with no fraying, cuts, or loose stitching. If a strap is starting to fray or a metal connector seems loose, contact the manufacturer or your fitness equipment supplier to get a replacement part before your next workout.

Catch wear and tear early and replace worn bands or parts before they fail. It’s a good practice to keep spare bands on hand, especially if you use your Gymstick frequently or in chlorinated water (which can shorten band lifespan). Many users replace the resistance bands every year to ensure optimal performance. The stick will last for many years with proper care, but if you ever notice a crack in the stick or a problem with the locking mechanism, discontinue use until it’s fixed or replaced. Maintaining your equipment’s integrity is part of staying safe during exercise. A well-inspected and maintained Gymstick means you can have confidence in your gear each time you work out.

Proper Storage to Extend Its Life

How you store your Gymstick when it’s not in use impacts its longevity. After cleaning it and checking that everything is in good shape, put it away thoughtfully. Here are some storage best practices for both versions of the Gymstick.

• Cool, Dry, and Out of Sunlight: Store your Gymstick in a clean, dry indoor environment. Moisture and extreme temperatures are the enemies of rubber and fibreglass. Choose a spot that’s away from any dampness (avoid leaving it on a wet basement floor, for example). It’s best to keep the Gymstick at room temperature if possible – not in a hot garage in the middle of summer or in a freezing car trunk in winter. Avoid direct sunlight when storing the Gymstick for long periods. UV light can degrade the latex bands and weaken them, and fade or dry out other materials. So, don’t leave your Gymstick permanently next to a sunny window or outdoors on the porch. Instead, tuck it away in a closet, under a bed, or any shaded area. For the Aqua Gymstick, let it dry fully after each water workout (you might drape it over a rack or towel bar for a while) before you put it into storage. This ensures chlorine or moisture isn’t sealed in with the equipment.

• Use the Carry Bag: Most Gymstick sets have a storage/carry bag. This bag is a great way to protect your Gymstick from dust and sunlight when it’s not in use. Once your Gymstick is clean and completely dry, coil the resistance bands loosely. If you have the Original 2.0, you can disassemble the stick into two shorter pieces. Place the bands and stick into the carry bag for safekeeping. Storing it in the bag makes transport to the gym or park easier.

If you don’t have a dedicated bag, you can use any gym bag or lay the Gymstick flat on a shelf. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it (you don’t want to warp the stick or overly compress the bands). Never store the Gymstick with the bands under tension or twisted tightly. For example, if you wrap the bands around the stick for convenience, loosen them before tucking it away so that the latex is not continuously stretched. Keeping the bands in a relaxed state will help preserve their elasticity. And of course, if the bands or stick are even slightly damp, wait until they are dry before zipping them into a bag or enclosed space.

Extra Tips for Longevity

Little habits can make a big difference in how long your equipment lasts. If you live in a humid climate, consider putting a small packet of silica gel (the kind that absorbs moisture) in your Gymstick’s storage bag to help keep everything dry and prevent any mildew. If your resistance bands start feeling sticky over time (which can happen as latex ages), you can lightly dust them with talcum powder or baby powder occasionally. This old trick keeps the bands dry and prevents them from sticking to themselves. (Remember to wipe off any excess powder before the next use so you don’t get it on your clothing.)

Also, try not to leave the Gymstick in a place where pets or sharp objects could snag or chew on the bands – a playful cat or an accidental pinch can damage the latex. Finally, use the bands within their intended resistance range during workouts; avoid overstretching them beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using the right level of resistance for your strength (e.g., swapping to a stronger band rather than overstretching a lighter band) will make your exercises safer and extend the life of the bands.

These cleaning, inspection, and storage tips will keep your Gymstick Original or Aqua Gymstick in excellent condition for years of workouts. A well-cared-for Gymstick lasts longer but also performs better, and you’ll enjoy smooth, predictable resistance and not worry about unexpected breakages or unpleasant odours from sweat buildup. Spending just a few minutes on upkeep after each session is worth it. In return, you’ll be rewarded with a reliable fitness companion every time you exercise. Happy training!