Should We Buy the Exercise Machines We See on the Infomercials?

We all have seen the fitness equipment infomercials on TV and wondered about their performance. Can we have the bodies of the bodybuilders we see promoting them, investing just a little time and money? Is this the Holly Grail, or not?

Intelligently designed, these machines isolate a certain muscle group to prevent injuries in bones, joints, tendons, and nerves. Usually the structure is such that does not allow for the rest of the body to get involved. Thus, the machines focus their work on a given muscle to optimize its performance. They are safe and cheap.

If they are so effective, why have not we seen them in gyms? Think about it. Have you been to the gym and witnessed someone exercising on such equipment? Professional gym equipment is much more sophisticated (and expensive). Why is that?

Any bodybuilder, trainer or a regular gym visitor will tell you one thing – the products on infomercials are as cheap in quality as they are in value. Muscles in the human body work together. Daily muscle motion is mainly comprised by natural movements (e.g. jumping; walking; running; bending; pushing; pulling etc.). This means we use a great deal of our stabilizer muscles for the lack of support; hence, the explanation why it is harder to train naturally. Unlike machines, free weights stress the body in a way that resembles the movements we perform daily (e.g. lifting boxes). They are much more useful in strengthening the whole body than just some muscles. Add to that the variety of pressure point that work for shape, depth, mass, and power.

Machines do have some benefits. They are useful for working on specific weak spots, which is also their weakness. They stress the same muscle with the same pressure level and motion. This is not fruitful for growth, strength or even endurance.

EXAMPLE: Consider an Ab Flex machine. Whereas the muscles feel sore and tight, they are not visible. A thick layer of fat still covers them. What they do not tell you on the infomercials is that fat is reduced through intense motion that these machines cannot generate. For that you have to run and keep a diet.

You would then think that your muscles are at least strong. Wrong again. They are just used to the motion. A bodybuilder uses weights and a variety of exercises for a single muscle to generate power.

What about endurance? You still have no chance. The fact that a bodybuilder trains each and every muscle, and synchronizes his breathing on a higher level, is to his advantage.

So, are machines worth it? Definitely NO! They are suitable for people who cannot enjoy one hour of free time a day. Beautiful bodies require sweat, muscle stress, sleep and proper food. Do not waste your money thinking that these machines will spare you lots.

And for God’s sake, do not buy shock belts. The electric vibes deform fat and muscles, but this lasts while the signal is on. Everything comes back to normal afterwards.

If you have the desire but lack the time, just start doing the things below. They are free.

Running

Start your day with a good jog. If you do not visit a gym then it is 100% safe to run about 4-5 times a week. Increase the distance, time or speed to compensate the lack of physical exercise. However, if you are a fitness gym member it is probably best to structure your routine differently. Too much running will interfere with your work out.

Click here to read an article I wrote about jogging.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do for the whole body. Like running, swimming involves every single muscle and regulates your breathing.

Unlike running, the ratio of injuries is close to zero. However, be ware of certain things. Do not swim drunk, fed or drained out of power. Visit facilities with pool guards if possible.

Rope jumping

This is one of the basic exercises for boxers. It is extremely good for the common man too. Buy a rubber rope (or one of a heavy material) for just a couple of dollars. Use it daily. There are many routines you can do. One 5 minute session (no rest) each day is enough.

Monkey bars and home-based exercises

There are many exercises you can do with just your body weight. Go to the nearest kinder garden/school and use your body weight to train your muscles. Click here (home-based exercises) and here (monkey bar exercises) for the different types of exercises.