Used properly, she says rowing machines are good for the back since they loosen it and undo all those hours spent crumpled over a desk at the office. She also approves of walking machines, where you push with your arms as well to achieve a cross-country skiing effect. This, she says, is excellent exercise without impacting on the joints. However, she recommends people try yoga instead to induce suppleness and suggests aerobic exercise might be better achieved by rowing, power-walking or swimming. But Lynda Daley, Honorary Chairman of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, doesn't share Key's doubts about working out.
Gyms are only bad if people literally try to run before they can walk.
Daley says users should not experience too many problems if they follow some common sense rules. Daley believes running machines are fine for fitter people - because strengthened muscles will help to support the joints as you are running. However, she suggests that those who are unfit might be better off starting with swimming or cycling because these activities have less impact on the joints. Alternatively, they could begin with power walking on a treadmill. And she agrees with Key that beginners must be supervised to make sure they are using the correct techniques.