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The Importance of Correctional Grade Fitness Equipment in Prisons
Prison gym equipment has different durability standards and requirements, then commercial fitness equipment. Unfortunately, many correctional administrators invest significant funds in fitness equipment not explicitly designed for correctional environments. The assumption that commercial fitness equipment is a reputable alternative has caused administrators to be frustrated and funds to be wasted. This article aims to shed light on the disparities between commercial and correctional fitness equipment, emphasizing the crucial importance of choosing the latter for inmate recreation within correctional facilities.
Commercial vs Correctional Gym Equipment
The features of commercial fitness equipment that make it unsuitable for prisons and jails include the design and material selection. Commercial gym equipment uses a lot of electronic and plastic components that are easily breakable. These types of components are rarely found, or allowed, in other equipment, like furniture, in prison. Inmates, harder on equipment than the general public, subject it to higher levels of use, leading to accelerated wear and tear. For these reasons, it’s critical that the correctional fitness equipment you choose to put in your facility uses robust materials that can take the wear and tear of 15 hours of continuous and abusive use. When commercial grade fitness equipment is mistaken for prison gym equipment, there are problems that arise due to its build quality.
The misjudgment of using commercial grade equipment in correctional facilities results in a variety of problems. Missing hardware, cut fabric, service unavailability, voided warranties, malfunctioning electronic components, and rusting are common challenges. These issues translate into increased repair and maintenance costs, rendering the equipment unusable and impeding inmate rehabilitation efforts.
Key Features for Prison Gym Equipment
When selecting fitness equipment for your inmates, equipment that is correctional grade, not commercial grade is paramount. Key features of prison gym equipment include heavy duty materials such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, tamperproof hardware, polyester powder coating for rust protection, and no removable parts. Equipment with these features will lead to long term benefits. Let’s discuss the benefits of prison gym equipment below!
Cost Savings
Investing in correctional fitness equipment leads to fewer future expenses on new equipment and maintenance.
Inmate Rehabilitation
Prison gym equipment requires less frequent repair, so inmates can continue exercising, leading to improved mental and physical well-being.
Enhanced Safety
Correctional grade features contribute to front-line staff and inmate safety, promoting a secure correctional environment and a better place to work and live. Prison gym equipment has integrated safety features.
The decision to invest in fitness equipment for correctional facilities carries significant implications for long-term benefits. By choosing correctional grade fitness equipment over commercial grade, correctional administrators can ensure durability, reduce costs, and contribute to a safer and more effective rehabilitation environment for inmates.