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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. |
| 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. |
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.
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? 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. |
| 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 all 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. |
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The Federal Trade Commission works for the consumer to prevent
fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the
marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot,
stop and avoid them. To file a complaint, or to get free
information on any of 150 consumer topics, call toll-free,
1-877-FTC-HELP, or use the complaint form at 222.ftc.gov. The
FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other
fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure,
online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law
enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. |
This ACE Fit Fact is taken from ACE FitnessMatters®
magazine. Want more information like this delivered directly to your
home? ACE FitnessMatters, the bi-monthly magazine from the American
Council on Exercise (ACE), is the source for the most accurate,
up-to-date fitness information you need to live a healthy, active
life. Subscribe to ACE FitnessMatters Magazine directly from ACE at
http://www.acefitness.org/fitnessmatters/ or call
1-800-825-3636.
The American Council on Exercise® of San Diego,
California (ACE®) does not endorse or promote the companies,
products or services that reside on this Web site. ACE does not
receive revenue generated from any organizations that advertise on
this Web site. Copyright 2003 American Council on Exercise. All
Rights Reserved.
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