Owning a home gym and various types of exercise equipment may be a great choice for many seniors, but others may soon discover that an unused exercise machine makes a rather expensive coat rack and storage counter. Home gyms and exercise equipment can carry a heavy price tag, particularly if they are used improperly or are not well suited to a person’s physical needs.
According to the American Heart Association’s August 1, 2007 online document from Currents entitled “Physical Activity and Public Health in Older Adults: Recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association,” “older Americans are the least physically active of any age group.” A sedentary lifestyle is associated with numerous health conditions, such as falls, functional limitations, stroke, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, depression, and anxiety. Although a home gym has many advantages, including helping a senior to become more physically active, this home equipment might not be the best option to achieve a goal of better physical fitness in some seniors.
Who Should Avoid Purchasing a Home Gym?
People who might not benefit from a home gym include those who:
- need safety equipment and trained professionals readily available for emergencies
- need reinforcement from others, such as evaluation of technique
- prefer to work out in a public area or exercise with others
- prefer to vary his/her routine on a regular basis
- tend to be externally motivated
Although exercise is recommended for virtually all adults, many exercises should be modified to fit individual needs. For example, a senior with a history of stroke or certain eye conditions are advised to avoid positions that increase pressure to the head. Someone with a recent hip replacement should avoid placing that leg in certain positions to avoid complications. Trained staff members at a cardiac rehabilitation program or fitness center may be able to give feedback and recommendations for appropriate exercises, but someone working out at home might be performing unsafe exercises unknowingly.
Home Gym and Exercise Equipment Won’t Work if Not Used
People find that an exercise machine only works if the person uses it on a regular basis. The results might only be modest, and those looking for big strides in weight loss or toning might be disappointed or tempted to give up. Exercise tends to be a commitment that is often pushed aside for more pressing matters, especially if the equipment is readily available at any time.
A person’s home might not have a convenient area for storing a home gym, and sometimes that expensive piece of equipment begins to hold a wide array of clothing, paperwork, and other supplies, which makes using the machine even less convenient to use. Others may find it awkward to use or difficult to set up or store.
People tend to stick with exercises that they enjoy or at least prefer over other types of exercise. Some may purchase a machine and discover that they do not enjoy that particular type of exercise, or they experience an injury while using the equipment. They may decide that they want more variety than the machine can offer, such as swimming or group exercise. Perhaps the home exercise routine is not very well rounded by not incorporating a cardiovascular component, weight lifting, flexibility, and balance. Some may feel isolated when working out at home.
Home Gym May Not be Worth the Money
While some enjoy and use a home gym on a regular basis, many may find that home fitness equipment is simply not worth the money. Those who prefer to exercise in a group may find it very difficult to motivate themselves to work out at home. If home exercise equipment breaks, repair costs may be rather steep, particularly if shipping and handling costs are added.
Although the cost of a gym membership is high, many seniors may be offered a discount, and some insurance companies may offer a a discounted or free gym membership, such as the Silver Sneakers program. Seniors who travel and have a YMCA membership may find that YMCAs in that destination may participate in the AWAY program. If the equipment is unsafe for that individual, he or she may be better served at a gym or health club.
Disadvantages of Owning Home Gym and Exercise Equipment
Although a home gym can be rewarding, convenient, and may lead to a healthier lifestyle, many seniors find that working out at home does not suit their fitness needs. The equipment might be unsafe for a person’s special needs or difficult to use or store. Some seniors may benefit from social interaction and trained fitness professionals at a gym who can help them achieve their fitness goals and provide encouragement and social interaction.
If a home gym does not best suit the person’s needs, other options are available to help achieve and maintain a physically fit lifestyle and the many health benefits that accompany better health achieved through regular exercise.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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