Last Updated on July 6, 2016 by Michael Brockbank
The brilliance of marketing any fitness equipment is making you feel like you absolutely need any given product in order to be healthier. In reality, most products are not absolutely needed. Advertisements usually don’t go into detail about the negative aspects of buying an exercise machine for obvious reasons. So, let me break down some of the pros and cons of owning any piece of equipment.
Positive and Negative Aspects of Exercise Machines
Exercise machines can be incredibly helpful. Unfortunately, a large portion of these devices don’t see much use after six months. Before you consider buying something that can cost you more than a thousand dollars, consider the pros and cons of owning such equipment.
Pros:
- The Workout
Obviously, the first benefit to owning an exercise machine is going to be the workout itself. Whether you have a stationary bike or a Bowflex weight system, it has great potential to improve your health. Even if you don’t experience the same results as those on television, any activity is better than none. - It’s In Your Home
Another obvious benefit is that the exercise machine is in your home. This means you have access to the unit at all times of the day. This can save on travel expenses, such as gas, as well as gym memberships. It all really depends on the unit that you bought. This is great for those who are home most of the day like stay-at-home moms or freelance professionals like myself. - May Help Motivation
Some people are capable of viewing the machine as a form of motivation. The belief is centered around the unit being in plain view as a constant reminder to exercise. It’s like a beacon for health staring at you in the face. If this helps you stay motivated, you should place the unit in an open area that can be easily seen. - Saving Money
If you buy one of those elaborate exercise machines that include a total workout, you could save quite a bit of money over time. Instead of forking out a few thousand dollars over the span of a few years to a facility, the device is your own. As long as you get the same exercise out of the machine as you would get at the gym, it could be worth the investment. - Privacy
Not everyone likes the idea of going to a gym surrounded by people. This is especially true if you’re somewhat self-conscious about your weight like I am. Having an exercise machine in the home eliminates that uncomfortable experience and allows you to work at your own pace without looking over your shoulder.
Cons:
- Requires Dedication
One of the biggest drawbacks to buying your own unit is the lack of dedication to keep using it. This isn’t saying that you’ll give up after a while. However, statistics show that most people will buy an exercise machine and slowly stop using it after a time. You need to have a bit of dedication to constantly use the unit. Otherwise, it’s a waste of the investment to buy. - Monotony
Many people stop doing specific exercises or workouts because of the monotony of the activity. It’s easy to get bored if all you do is the one activity every day. How many people do you know have a pile of workout DVDs that haven’t been watched in months? Personally, I know quite a few. Most of the time it’s the boredom that is the most detrimental for exercise. - Taking Up Space
Advertisements always show how exercise equipment fits easily into any home. Are you sure your home is large enough for that machine? I know mine isn’t. I barely have room for my couch. Depending on the unit you buy, it may take up a great deal of floor space. If you don’t want your house to look incredibly cluttered, you need to make sure it can fit with your decor and furnishings. - Can Be Expensive
Unless you plan on buying used equipment, which I am for as it reduces human waste on the planet, it can be very expensive to buy a top-of-the-line exercise machine. When you consider the cash investment compared to an annual gym membership, it may not be worth the investment. Of course, this is also dependent on how active you are with the unit. A full workout machine could be worth it’s weight in gold if you constantly use it for the next decade. - Repair Costs
When you have a gym membership, you don’t have to worry about the repair costs of any particular unit. If you own an exercise machine, repair costs could become quite expensive. Although some repairs can be done on your own, elaborate electronic units may be much more difficult. Some people will go so far as to insure their more expensive devices in the event of something like this occurring.
I am a realist. We don’t invest in exercise machines only because I know myself and my family. Sure, we’d use it quite regularly for a few months. However, it won’t be long until it’s in the garage collecting dust. Be true to yourself and your own capabilities. If you’re absolutely sure you’d use the machine on a regular basis, then you may want to buy one. Just don’t invest in something that sounds good on TV without weigh the pros and cons.