Delivery & Assembly Guide

Delivery & Assembly Guide

What Happens After You Order?

First off — congratulations on investing in your home gym. Whether you just ordered a Body-Solid leg press, a full Smith machine, or a set of dumbbells, we want you to know exactly what happens next.

Here's the most important thing to understand: Everything Gyms handles the entire delivery process for you. You don't need to deal with freight brokers, call LTL carriers, or figure out shipping logistics on your own. From the moment you place your order to the moment your equipment arrives at your door, we coordinate everything behind the scenes so you can focus on planning your new workout space.

Every order ships with free nationwide shipping — no hidden fees, no surprises at checkout. Below, we'll walk you through exactly how delivery works, what to expect on delivery day, how to handle assembly, and what to do if anything goes wrong.

How Freight Delivery Works

Commercial gym equipment is heavy — we're talking about squat racks, functional trainers, and multi-station machines that can weigh anywhere from 200 to over 1,000 pounds. Because of that, most Body-Solid products ship via freight (LTL) delivery rather than standard parcel carriers like UPS or FedEx.

If you've never received a freight delivery before, don't worry. We handle all the logistics. Here's how the process works:

Step 1: We Coordinate With the Carrier

After your order is placed, your equipment ships from Body-Solid's warehouse in Forest Park, Illinois (just outside Chicago). Everything Gyms selects the carrier and arranges the shipment — you don't have to contact anyone or schedule anything yourself at this stage.

Step 2: The Carrier Calls You

Once your shipment arrives at the local freight terminal near your area, the carrier will call you directly to schedule a delivery appointment. They'll work with you to find a date and time window that fits your schedule. If you miss the call, don't panic — just call them back. We'll also provide you with tracking information so you can follow your shipment's progress.

Step 3: Delivery Day

On your scheduled delivery day, a truck will arrive with your equipment. Here's where it helps to understand the different delivery options:

  • Curbside Delivery (Standard — Free): The driver will bring your equipment to the end of your driveway or the curb in front of your home. This is included with every order at no extra cost. The driver will use a liftgate to lower the freight from the truck, but won't bring it inside or up any stairs.
  • Threshold Delivery: The carrier brings your equipment to your front door, garage entrance, or the first dry, covered area of your home. This is a step above curbside and may be available depending on the carrier and your location. Ask us about availability when you order.
  • White Glove / Inside Delivery: Need your equipment brought inside to a specific room? White glove delivery is available on request. This is especially helpful for basement gym setups or second-floor installations. Contact us for a quote — we'll set it up for you.

Pro tip: For curbside and threshold deliveries, we recommend having a friend or neighbor on hand to help you move the boxes to your gym space. A furniture dolly or hand truck makes a huge difference with heavier pieces.

Delivery Timeline

Here's a realistic picture of when to expect your equipment:

  • Processing & Shipping: Most orders ship within 1–3 business days from Body-Solid's warehouse in Forest Park, IL.
  • Transit Time: Freight delivery typically takes 5–10 business days from the ship date, depending on your distance from the Chicago area. Customers in the Midwest may see delivery on the faster end, while West Coast and rural deliveries may take closer to 10 days.
  • Carrier Scheduling: Once the shipment reaches your local terminal, the carrier will call you 24–48 hours in advance to schedule your delivery window.

If you need your equipment by a specific date — for example, you're building out a gym before a move-in — give us a call at (678) 637-9375 and we'll do our best to expedite things on our end.

Keep in mind: These timelines are estimates. Weather, carrier volume, and your location can all affect delivery speed. We'll keep you updated if we hear about any delays, and you're always welcome to reach out to us for a status update.

What to Inspect on Delivery

This section is really important — please read it carefully.

When the freight carrier delivers your equipment, they'll ask you to sign a Bill of Lading (BOL). Before you sign, take a few minutes to inspect the shipment. Here's your delivery-day checklist:

Before You Sign

  • Count the boxes. Make sure the number of packages matches what's listed on the Bill of Lading. If a box is missing, note it on the paperwork before signing.
  • Look for visible damage. Check every box and pallet for dents, punctures, crushed corners, water damage, or torn packaging. Even if the damage looks minor, it's worth noting.
  • Open and inspect if possible. If the driver's schedule allows, we recommend opening the boxes on the spot to check for damage to the equipment itself — not just the packaging.
  • Take photos. If you see any damage, photograph it from multiple angles. Get close-up shots of the damage and wide shots showing the overall condition of the shipment.
  • Note everything on the BOL. Write "damaged" or "possible damage" on the Bill of Lading next to the affected items before you sign. This protects your ability to file a claim.

After You Sign

If you discover damage after the driver leaves, contact Everything Gyms immediately at (678) 637-9375 or henry@fandlcompany.com. The sooner we know, the faster we can resolve it. Take photos and save all packaging materials — the carrier may need them for the claims process.

Important: Signing the BOL without noting damage can make it harder to file a freight claim. Always err on the side of documenting anything that looks off, even if you're not sure it's a problem.

Assembly Overview

Now for the fun part — putting your new equipment together. Here's what to expect.

General Assembly Guidelines

Most Body-Solid machines are designed for home assembly, but they're serious pieces of equipment — not flat-pack furniture. Here's what you should know going in:

  • Two people recommended. Almost every Body-Solid machine requires at least two adults to assemble safely. Some of the larger pieces — like Smith machines or multi-station gyms — may benefit from a third set of hands.
  • Average assembly time: Plan for 2–4 hours depending on the complexity of the machine. A basic bench might take under an hour, while a full functional trainer could take a full afternoon.
  • Read the manual first. We know — nobody loves reading instructions. But Body-Solid's manuals are actually well-written and include step-by-step diagrams. Taking 10 minutes to review the full manual before you start will save you time and frustration.
  • Lay out all hardware. Before you start bolting things together, unpack all the bags of hardware and organize them by step. This makes the process much smoother and helps you catch any missing parts early.

Tools You'll Need

Body-Solid includes Allen keys and basic hardware with most machines, but you'll want to have these on hand:

  • Adjustable wrench (or a set of combination wrenches)
  • Socket set (metric and standard)
  • Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
  • Rubber mallet (helpful for aligning parts)
  • Level (to make sure everything is square and stable)

Assembly Videos

Body-Solid maintains an excellent library of assembly videos on their official YouTube channel. We highly recommend watching the video for your specific machine before and during assembly — it makes a world of difference.

Watch Body-Solid Assembly Videos on YouTube →

Professional Assembly

If you'd rather not tackle assembly yourself, that's completely understandable. Many customers hire a local handyman or fitness equipment installer to do the job. If you need a recommendation in the Atlanta area, give us a call — we may be able to point you in the right direction.

What If Something Is Damaged or Missing?

Even with careful handling, things occasionally happen during shipping. If you receive a damaged part or discover something is missing from your order, here's what to do:

Step 1: Contact Everything Gyms

Reach out to us right away at (678) 637-9375 or henry@fandlcompany.com. Let us know your order number, what's damaged or missing, and include photos if you have them. We take care of it from there.

Step 2: We Coordinate With Body-Solid

As an authorized Body-Solid dealer, we work directly with their team to get replacement parts shipped to you as quickly as possible. You don't need to contact Body-Solid yourself — we handle the entire process so you don't have to chase down parts or navigate warranty claims on your own.

Step 3: Body-Solid's Lifetime Warranty

Here's the great news: Body-Solid stands behind their equipment with one of the best warranties in the industry. Most Body-Solid home gym products include a lifetime warranty on the frame and a generous warranty on other components. If a part is defective or was damaged in transit, it's covered.

We'll keep you updated throughout the process and make sure you get what you need to complete your build.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does shipping cost?

Nothing — shipping is free on every order. Everything Gyms offers free nationwide shipping on all Body-Solid equipment. There are no hidden freight charges or delivery surcharges. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay. If you need upgraded delivery services like white glove or inside placement, contact us for a quote.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Most orders arrive within 5–10 business days from the date your order ships. Your equipment ships from Body-Solid's warehouse near Chicago, and transit time depends on your location. Once the shipment reaches your local freight terminal, the carrier will call you 24–48 hours in advance to schedule a delivery appointment that works with your schedule.

Do I need to be home for delivery?

Yes. Freight deliveries require someone to be present to receive the shipment, inspect it for damage, and sign the Bill of Lading. We strongly recommend inspecting every box before signing — and noting any damage on the paperwork if you see it.

Can I assemble Body-Solid equipment by myself?

We recommend having at least two adults for assembly. While some smaller items like benches or weight trees can be assembled solo, most Body-Solid machines have components that are heavy or awkward to position alone. Plan for 2–4 hours of assembly time and have basic tools ready — adjustable wrench, socket set, and screwdrivers. Body-Solid includes Allen keys with most machines and offers helpful assembly videos on YouTube.

What should I do if my equipment arrives damaged?

Contact Everything Gyms immediately at (678) 637-9375 or henry@fandlcompany.com. If you notice damage before signing the Bill of Lading, write "damaged" on the paperwork and take photos. If you discover damage after delivery, take photos and contact us as soon as possible. We'll coordinate directly with Body-Solid to get replacement parts shipped to you — you don't need to deal with claims or carriers yourself.

Questions? We're Here to Help.

From the moment you place your order to the last bolt you tighten, Everything Gyms is with you every step of the way. We handle the logistics so you can focus on building the gym you've always wanted.

Call us: (678) 637-9375
Email us: henry@fandlcompany.com