If you have a broken piece of fitness equipment that's turned into a coat rack, consider a repair service — but only if you've made an investment of at least a thousand dollars, says Kent Casperson, market manager of Push Pedal Pull in St. Louis Park.

Treadmills, elliptical machines and bikes commonly need repairs. "The deck and belts will need to be replaced every three to six years, depending on the make and amount of usage," Casperson says. "A drive belt usually lasts seven or more years.

Repair costs vary. A treadmill's deck and belt can cost $250 to $1,000 to replace. Set up a diagnostic visit for an accurate quote, Casperson advises. His service fee is $100, which may cover the costs of servicing a treadmill, excluding parts.

To avoid expensive repairs, keep your treadmill lubricated and clean. Wear clean shoes when you use it and wipe it down after use. "Have a certified technician perform preventive maintenance on the unit once a year," Casperson says.