I don't use the cardio machines and never have. People love them. They don't want big muscles so there you are. They are just fads and expensive ones at that. We pay a fortune in Australia because we have to import them.
I saw another guy using the rope for pressdowns tonight. At the bottom of the movement they go outward. I mean, if you are going to use that thing at least keep the tension all the way down. Just when the triceps is going to contract fully the users take the tension off the triceps. Amazing.
I doubt I can get through to most young fellows because they already think they know everything. I can tell you there is always lots to learn about exercise. Eventually it is possible to eliminate a lot of ineffective and dangerous movements.
Speaking of muscleheads. Some guy broke a handle off a Nautilus crunch machine. How on earth could anyone do that? I replaced them with thicker stainless steel handles and strengthened the area where they attach to the machine. No human being can break the handles now.
Which is why you have a large pot belly Vince. If you don't do any aerobic exercise, then it will be a lot harder for you to burn off the fat. As far as treadmills being expensive because of imports is silly. Instead of buying a US brand item, why not a German product such as Kettler for your equipment and save some money.
Honestly, I think you're complaining more about the plights of your gym equipment breaking down rather than anything else......

Times have changed and its time you did as well. See my PM I sent you. BTW, if you look hard enough, you'll find that some fitness equipment is manufacturered in Australia such as this rower pictured below that I sell