Workout Weekends: Engaging Men in Fitness Challenges With Machines

Tess DiNapoli
4 min readJan 29, 2025

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Image Source: Unsplash

Surveys have shown that less than one-third of American men meet the physical activity guidelines established by the CDC. If you fall into this category, you might give any number of reasons for it. Some men report being too tired to work out, while others say they don’t have time to exercise or don’t know where to start.

But ultimately, not having enough motivation is one of the most common reasons men provide for not getting the recommended amount of exercise. It’s difficult for many men to muster up the strength to go to the gym when they’re simply not motivated enough.

Is a lack of motivation stopping you from getting into a regular workout routine? Consider finding or creating fitness challenges that revolve around using the best workout machines in the business. Find out how to do this below.

Begin by Forgetting Everything You Think You Know About Workout Machines

Many hardcore fitness fanatics will try to tell you that workout machines aren’t as effective as free weights in helping you gain muscle mass and get stronger — and who are you to argue with them? They are, after all, the experts in this area, so it’s easy to buy into what they’re selling and use it as an excuse not to use workout machines.

But guess what? Just because these people might look like they know everything about working out doesn’t mean they actually do! Recent studies suggest that working out with free weights vs. working out with machines will produce the same results for most people.

At the same time, working out with machines will also provide men with certain benefits that they won’t enjoy while working out with free weights. For example, machines put less stress on your body and can, therefore, prevent injuries from occurring. Machines also help you use the proper form, thus enabling you to target the correct muscle groups and see real gains.

Invest in the Right Workout Machines to Create Your Own Home Gym

Now that you know the truth about using workout machines, are you ready to incorporate them into your new exercise routine? You could invest in a membership at your local gym and rely on their machines, but why do that when you can purchase machines and build your own gym right at home? This can help you maintain your motivation as you set out to get fit by making it easy to dive headfirst into a workout without leaving your house.

Here are a few of the best workout machines for those interested in setting up home gyms:

  • Adjustable benches
  • Power racks
  • Smith machines

You don’t necessarily need to order a dozen different machines to get in a great workout at home, either. Instead, you can buy a single all-in-one power rack or Smith machine and use it to perform tons of exercises. You can also add accessories to these machines over time when you want to work new exercises into the mix.

Image Source: Unsplash

Come Up With Fitness Challenges That Keep Your Motivation Levels Up

Buying workout machines and using them to build a home gym is only half the battle. Once you have your new exercise area, you must dig deep and find the motivation to get your workout routine off to a strong start.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the willpower to create and stick to a workout routine over the long run. However, you can stay consistent with working out by creating fitness challenges. These challenges will simplify getting motivated and staying that way in the coming days, weeks, and months.

Here are several fitness challenges that can keep you on the right track:

  • Generate a list of realistic goals you would like to hit in the not-too-distant future and track your progress while working towards them.
  • Join workout groups on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc., and communicate with others so that you can share your progress and hold each other accountable.
  • Sign up for a social fitness app to connect with a workout buddy and work out with them virtually while swapping tips and offering motivation to one another.
  • Research different 30-day challenges, such as the 30-day squat challenge, and work through them individually to ensure your exercise routine is always fresh.
  • Try the AMRAP (as many reps as possible) challenge, which will push your muscles like never before and help you make the most of your new workout machines.

Workout machines allow you to change your routine early and often. Why not take full advantage of this and become more motivated and engaged by using them to participate in the latest fitness challenges?

Get Into the Best Shape Ever With Workout Machines

Many men struggle with motivation when starting workout routines. One of the most effective ways to overcome this hurdle is to buy workout machines and use them for fitness challenges. They will make it much easier to get motivated even when you don’t feel like working out. Give it a try today, and it shouldn’t take too long before you start seeing results.

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Tess DiNapoli
Tess DiNapoli

Written by Tess DiNapoli

Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about fitness & wellness, as well as fashion.

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