Home Gyms With Weights Vs Resistance Exercise Machines

[Paola 62]

I have been wanting one of those home gyms with weights for a long time, but while shopping for it I came across these resistance type machines that work your whole body. So now I am torn, I don't know which one I should get. Please help! What I really want is to tone up because I am so jiggly right now.

This is the resistance machine

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Weider-Total-Body-Works-5000/12343189

This is the home gym with weights

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Weider-2980-214-lb-Stack-Home-Gym/11993386?findingMethod=rr

[bubbly78 1]

I would go w the bottom one I got top one and fractured my foot...but I also love classes...at fitness centers...

[RickM 1,747]

I am always suspicious of low cost mechanical devices like these - there is a reason why quality home gym equipment costs as much as it does (and professional/commercial equipment even more.) There are some things where Walmart can provide some value by their lower cost distribution system, but much of their "looks-like-the-real-thing" stuff doesn't hold up for any length of time. I know it's not an easy choice when money is tight, but the better value is often at the local gym where you can get good instruction on how to use the equipment without hurting yourself (which has been my wife's problem in this area.) Also, look at your own personality and motivations - will you consistently use a home gym, or always find something else that needs to be done? This is why home gym equipment (even the good stuff) often become clothes-hangers. Going to a gym is often better in that once you are there you have incentive to finish the job and not get distracted by what else needs to be done around the home.

Personally, I use a combination of machines and free weights at the gym, along with their pool, and resistance bands and TRX (http://www.trxtraining.com) at home or when travelling. You can do a lot with those dopey resistance bands, and the TRX, while costing in the same ballpark as those walmart machines, will almost certainly outlast them and is more portable.