Before I spent time working out more, I would turn down invites to go rockclimbing (too difficult), kayaking (too exhausting) or anything else that required exertion. My energy levels were low and my general coordination was terrible. I generally felt I couldn't work out because I'm a stereotypical nerd.

Once I realized that working out was more about regular effort than anything else, I quickly gained a lot of benefit. Pre-covid, I was mostly into weightlifting and martial arts, and these days it's a lot of bodyweight workouts and using the rowing machine but the details don't matter very much so much as being active. I've gone from never going out to do things to now knowing I can go run a 5k, join in on rock climbing or whatever (and generally not even be sore afterwards).

I also enjoy sitting on my porch though I typically prefer margaritas. When it comes to the range, I've found there are a lot more activities I feel comfortable doing now - not just static target shooting but full length training courses, stress drills, etc. It's also nice to go to the beach and get a certain amount of positive looks. My SO enjoys that I work out as well.

Exercise does not "make you" happy anymore than eating chocolate does - it may bring pleasure in itself but that's a side benefit. Rather, the primary benefit is now being able to do _whatever_ strikes your fancy and generally deal with significantly less health woes and limitations. It's a nice experience that when you visit your doctor, you get a high five and told your blood pressure and vitals are good.

None of the statements in the comment you reply to relate to your situation so you didn't have to defend yourself. That you did makes it appear like a source of insecurity.

Now maybe it isn't a source of insecurity, but it still looks like it is.

I fail to see how this is relevant to OP's question about the demographic of people buying home gym equipment since you are obviously not one of them.

To be fair, the OP talked about home gym equipment like he's talking about weights, but that's not what the Forbes article is about: " Trainers have gone online, video-based workouts are the new normal, and high-tech home gym equipment is making its way into more homes than ever before. "

And even following the link to gym equipment has: " From companies that strictly provide a software platform that enables video workouts to hardware companies that facilitate live group workouts, the wide range of options available to consumers is plentiful.

Peloton, one of the more notable names in the industry, experienced a 66% surge in sales earlier in the year as more consumers became willing to shell out thousands of dollars for hardware that connects someone to live classes and other riders.

Tonal, another in-home hardware fitness company, told reporters back in March that the company’s sales tripled at one point in the early days of March when people were being encouraged to stay home more regularly. "

So really the article is more about remote classes and training and tech to facilitate them, not home gym equipment. So comments about this lifestyle appealing to new people or not are more on topic than topics about buying home weights.

Have fun dying early.