Over the past 31 years I've noticed changes in the fitness industry. Way back people didn't use anything else than their own bodyweight.

Today, we are flooded with new and fancy equipment that is supposed to "change your life forever". Some examples are different ab machines, home gyms, etc.

When are we going to learn?

Sure, they are fantastic marketers and know how to sell to people, and there is no secret that over 80% of the world's population is looking for a quick fix when it comes to health and well being. Well, let me say this one final time - there is NO QUICK FIX when it comes to health!

If you have been living a "bad-lifestyle" for the last 20 years, don't expect some pill or powder to make-up for that time, it just doesn't work!  The pills & powders can help compliment and jump-start your nutritional needs but you MUST understand exercise is essential.

However, although I say there is no quick fix, there are still methods that if you follow them correctly, will provide you with great results. But, it is all about staying on that program and making it a habit!

So let's discuss - Exercise Machines.

You know, the machines where you can sit on your butt and rest while doing leg-extensions, bicep-curls, chest presses, etc. You know which ones I mean?

Years ago, most people did military-style-workouts, such as pushups, pull-ups, squats, and lunges. Now is the time we find our way back to that.

Staying in shape and losing fat has nothing to do with how fancy or expensive your equipment is.

Our FitFunCamp program is created around these principles. Back to basics and be prepared to sweat. Don't invest in expensive gym memberships and definitely do not buy some "super-effective tool" from TV.

Alright, so what's my problem? Why am I going on and on about how bad these exercise machines are?

Let me give you 3 examples:

1. Created to do all the work for you.

Some people use machines because they allow you to add on more weight to the exercise, in comparison to bodyweight exercises. Sure, this may be correct, but when working out on machines, you mostly work one muscle group at a time, and that is not optimal for either muscle building or fat loss.

Honestly, think about it. When you are at the gym on a machine, and you do one exercise (pick anyone you want), does it require your full attention? I mean, you can sit and do the leg-extension while still talking to your buddy sitting next to you.  Does that sound like exercise?

2. One-Size-Fits-All.

Even though you can change the seat and height of the machine, it still is not adjusted FOR YOU. Everyone has a unique body composition, and that is something machines cannot be adjusted for.

Do you really think a 15-year old boy should sit on the same machine as his grandmother?

3. The Risk for Injuries.

It may seem as if the machines are safer for you and will not get you injured, but fact is, that is completely wrong. Sure, you can control the motion during your exercise, but machines are actually created to do most of the work for you.

What happens is that all those small and stabilizing muscles you use in your everyday life get taken out of the equation, and the only muscles working are the large muscle groups. So over time, what do you think happens when you keep on training like this?

Some muscles get well developed, while some don't get any training at all = imbalance!

You don't want that happening to you!

Remember what I said about military-style-workouts?

That's the approach to aim for. Your workout schedule should be created around bodyweight exercises, and when you are able to handle your own bodyweight, then you should move over to free-weight exercises.

Don't blame it on your age or gender. Challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone!