[Evermont]

You make some really good points here Scratch (I'm starting to expect that from you). I really like the way you express these ideas.

I think that machines have their place, for example, DD uses a big fancy Cybex thingie to do "assisted pull-ups". She's cutting back more and more on the level of assist while building enough upper body strength ultimately to do regular unassisted pull-ups. There are other examples. I suppose a pull-up bar is the minimal equipment to work the biceps. Free weights allow a bit more flexibility wrt weight and reps. I really like my TotalGym for curls, it uses body weight but has adjustable incline too. Hard to do that with just a pull-up bar.

I see what you mean though about the isolation on specific muscles that machines tend to embody. You lose something important there. Compound movement is part of it, but the nervous system aspect is another important element.

A lot of people get sucked into the glitzy bowflexy commercials and buy expensive equipment with the idea that the machine will make them fit. The trick is not just to purchase the machine, but to actually use it! I know because a few years later the unused machine will be on Craigslist.org where we can buy it real cheap if not free! See for yourself.

I especially like the old-school simplicity of calisthenics. You don't need much if any gear to do them. Just gravity and your body - both of which are often available and low cost.

I look forward to my ultimate fitness 'situation'. Not a routine per se, because I value variety. I'll have some equipment exercises, a number of calisthenics, a library of stretches to dip into, balance techniques, strength training, various forms of cardio, walking, hiking, golf, snowboarding, etc. etc. I'm well on my way.

I'm looking at fitness beyond just keeping my A1c's low. I was out to live a long healthy life before Dx. Diabetes doesn't really change anything about that, it just adds some motivation is all. Ideas such as; losing body fat helps with insulin resistance, or strength training builds muscle which helps burn fat even at rest... These are useful ideas for sure. However, being fit in general is a superior perspective I think, it embodies those other ideas but goes far beyond them.

I'm a person who wants to stay fit first, a diabetic in good control second. They are compatible but one is a subset of the other.