|
Pump Fiction
The benefits of exercise are well-documented.
Unfortunately, that's not always the case with advertising
claims for exercise equipment.
Some advertisers claim — without
evidence — that their exercise products offer
a quick, easy way to shape up, keep fit, and lose weight.
The truth is, there's no such thing as a no-work, no-sweat
way to a healthy, toned body. Deriving the benefits
of exercise requires doing the work.
Before you jump into the next home
fitness fad, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers
this advice: Exercise good judgment and evaluate advertising
claims for exercise products carefully.
Evaluating Claims
Read the performance claims critically.
Be leery of those that say the equipment or device can:
- provide easy or effortless results or burn excessive
calories. The claims may be true for athletes in top
physical condition, but not for most people.
- help you burn more calories or lose weight faster
than other types of equipment. In general, exercise
equipment that works the whole body or major parts
of it probably helps you burn more calories than devices
that work one part of the body. And, the more you
use the equipment, the more calories you'll burn.
That's a good reason to select equipment that suits
you and your lifestyle. A study might show that one
type of equipment burns more calories per hour than
another type. But if the exercise is uncomfortable
— or the equipment hard to use — chances
are it will gather dust — not help you burn
calories.
- help you "spot" reduce; for example,
help you trim your hips or lose the proverbial "spare
tire." Toning and losing weight in one particular
area of the body require regular exercise that works
the whole body. Your weight depends on the number
of calories you eat and use each day; increasing your
physical activity helps you burn extra calories.
Always read the fine print. The advertised
results may be based on more than just the use of the
machine; they also may be based on restricting calories.
The fine print may explain this. Even if it doesn't,
keep in mind that diet and exercise together are much
more effective for achieving a healthy, toned body than
either tactic is alone.
Be skeptical of testimonials or before-and-after
pictures from "satisfied" customers. Their
experiences may not be typical: Just because one person
had success with the equipment doesn't mean you will,
too. As for those popular celebrity endorsements, they,
too, are no proof that the equipment will work as claimed.
Finding the Right Equipment
After you've evaluated the advertised
claims — but before you make a final purchasing
decision — consider these questions:
- Will the equipment help you achieve your desired
goal — whether it's to build strength, increase
flexibility, improve endurance, or enhance your health?
- Will you stick to the program? Keeping with an
exercise program can be rough: Think of all the basements,
rec rooms and yard sales stocked with costly stationary
bikes, treadmills and rowing machines that have gone
unused and now serve merely as places to hang clothes.
Before you buy, prove to yourself that you're ready
to act on your good intentions.
To help you choose the best equipment
for your needs, check out consumer and fitness magazines
that rate exercise equipment. Then test various pieces
of equipment at a local gym, recreation center or retailer
to find the machine or device that feels comfortable
to you.
Shop around: Exercise
equipment advertised on TV or in newspapers or magazines
may be available at local sporting goods, department
and discount stores. That can make it easier to shop
for the best price. Don't be fooled by companies that
advertise "three easy payments of ..." or
"only $49.95 a month." The advertised price
may not include shipping and handling fees, sales tax,
and delivery and set-up fees. Ask about the costs before
you close the deal.
Get details on warranties,
guarantees and return policies: A "30-day
money-back guarantee" may not sound as good if
you're responsible for paying a hefty fee to return
a bulky piece of equipment you bought.
Check out the company's customer
and support services. Call the advertised toll-free
number to get an idea of how easy it is to reach a company
representative and how helpful he or she is.
You may get a great deal on a piece
of fitness equipment from a second-hand store, consignment
shop, yard sale, or the classified ads. Buy wisely:
Items bought second-hand usually aren't returnable and
don't carry the warranties that new equipment does.
Whether used or new, home exercise
equipment can be a great way to shape up — but
only if you use it regularly. Don't be taken in by claims
of quick, easy and effortless results: There's no such
thing as a no-work, no-sweat way to a toned body.
For more about electronic muscle stimulators,
see www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/ems.html.
For More Information
|
