The three types of equipment to consider are cardio-vascular, mechanized weights, and free weights. Choices should be age-appropriate for the students, as some machines are not suitable for younger children. One item often forgotten when budgeting for equipment is the cost of maintenance, Sawyer says. Unless the school has someone on the premises who knows how to repair and maintain the equipment, he often recommends buying a service contract with the vendor. Texley advises that schools either have staff knowledgeable in the use of the equipment, or pay for training their personnel.
Sawyer concurs, stating that most lawsuits result from lack of proper supervision.
The room should have good internal and natural ventilation and outside windows for natural light. Optimally, the space chosen should be near the school's gymnasium and locker rooms and allow for controlled access and after-hours use. Jerome says the same considerations apply to new construction. Another point Sawyer stresses is the way machines are plugged into electrical outlets. He suggests that plug-ins be placed under the machines, eliminating cord safety hazards and reducing maintenance.