Has anyone used the E-gym Strength-Training System?

Posted by bethieb @bethieb, May 3 5:07am

I've been using the e-gym strength training system and wonder if anyone else has had experience with it? Our local YMCA has installed it and it's very popular. I login on each machine with a wristband and it adjusts to my size and strength. Periodically, I do a strength test and weights adjust up or down accordingly. My question is whether it's as beneficial as regular machines (probably, maybe better) or dumbbells on one's own?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

gravity3 | @gravity3 | May 3 5:51am

What are you trying to achieve? Is it bone building? Perhaps you could share a bit more info with us.

worley725 | @worley725 | May 3 1:28pm

This is very interesting an e-gym from YMCA. Do they have one just for exercise to help you be healthy?

bethieb | @bethieb | May 3 3:04pm

In reply to @gravity3 "What are you trying to achieve? Is it bone building? Perhaps you could share a bit..." + (show)

@gravity3 i left out that very important info! I have osteoporosis and am trying to build bone/bone density.

bethieb | @bethieb | May 3 3:06pm

In reply to @worley725 "This is very interesting an e-gym from YMCA. Do they have one just for exercise to..." + (show)

@worley725 Yes, strength training and muscle building like other workout machines. Not cardio like treadmill or bicycle.

mpc1 | @mpc1 | May 10 10:14am

I used the e gym for several months, but have since learned that resistance exercise done standing is far more beneficial. I was doing it for bone building, and gained a tremendous amount of muscle using the e gym, but I do not know if there was any bone improvement.
I use an app called Bone IQ and do weights and squats and planks and many other exercises.

bethieb | @bethieb | May 10 1:24pm

In reply to @mpc1 "I used the e gym for several months, but have since learned that resistance exercise done..." + (show)

@mpc1 thanks for your input. I keep seeing that free weights are best but it seems like any muscle gain would help bones. I’ll check out Bone IQ app. Thanks again.

kfhoz | @kfhoz | May 11 5:12pm

In reply to @bethieb "@mpc1 thanks for your input. I keep seeing that free weights are best but it seems..." + (show)

@bethieb Building muscle does not mean that one is building bone I have learned. Swimming, yoga, Pilates, long distance running, biking, etc all build muscle but are not helpful for bone. You can read about the LIFTMOR trials to see direct research on the need to do heavy-for-you weight training to get your bones into action.

Here is also one of many videos available on YouTube about this subject:

kshea2 | @kshea2 | May 12 6:22am

I also use the e-gym machines at the YMCA. I really like these machines because they provide a safe way to lift weight and also provides resistance. I try to add in other exercises such as resistance bands, walking, and floor exercises to build my core. I need to slowly build my muscle strength so I can safely increase weight since I had a spinal fracture in 2024. I do believe that muscle strength is a critical component to building bone.

debracollins | @debracollins | May 12 7:33am

Building muscle IS critical for bone health, particularly for the spine. I have a fractured T8 with degenerative disc disease. I just finished a month of PT to strengthen my core and build muscle to support my spine to avoid this painful misery in the future. I also started daily injections of teriparatide one month ago with no extreme side effects. I joined the YMCA as well and use the E Gym. I love it! I am too wobbly to lift free weights and walk long distances, so the gym equipment is perfect for me. My goal is to strengthen all my muscles and build bone. I actually feel heathier despite my fracture which is still painful at times and is only resolved by lying flat and using heat. Thank you all for your input and comments which are helpful in managing this condition.