Good
Intentions Require Follow-through The benefits of exercise are
widely known, but the keys to maintaining an exercise program
can be elusive. Unfortunately, relatively few consumers stick
with their programs: basements, rec rooms, and yard sales are
stocked with costly stationary cycles, treadmills, and rowing
machines that have been underused, neglected, or turned into
clothes hangers. Good intentions are no match for stretching,
walking, lifting, swimming — or any other regular physical activity.
Which exercise is best? The one you’re really going to do.
Buying
fitness equipment for home workouts can represent a sizable
financial commitment as well as a lifestyle change. The Federal
Trade Commission advises work-out "wannabes" to exercise
good judgment when evaluating advertising claims for fitness
products. Before you buy, the FTC suggests you ask yourself
the following questions:
What
Are Your Goals?
Whether
you want to build strength, increase flexibility, improve endurance,
or enhance your health, look for a program that meets your personal
goals. Remember that the best route to overall fitness and health
is one that incorporates a variety of physical activities as
part of a daily routine.
Will
You Really Use Exercise Equipment?
In
theory, exercising at home sounds great. But if you don’t use
a piece of equipment regularly, it can burn a hole in your pocket
without burning off any calories. Before you buy, prove to yourself
that you’re ready to stick to an ongoing fitness program. Set
aside some time in your day for physical activity — and then
do it.
Can
Exercise Equipment Help You Spot Reduce?
No.
No exercise device can burn fat off a particular part of your
body. To lose the proverbial spare tire or trim your hips, you
must combine sensible eating with regular exercise that works
the whole body. The reason: Everything you eat has calories
and everything you do uses calories. Your weight depends on
the number of calories you eat and use each day. Increasing
your daily physical activity will burn extra calories.
Can
You See Through Outrageous Claims?
Exercising
regularly can help you shape up. But some companies claim that
you can get results by using their equipment for three or four
minutes a day, three times a week. Sounds fabulous, right? But
realistic? Not really. Here’s how you can spot the fantasies
when you’re sizing up claims by equipment manufacturers:
Any ads that promise "easy" or "effortless"
results are
false. Many ads that make big promises about the
number of calories you’ll burn also may be deceptive.
Indeed, some of the claims are true only for athletes
who already are in top physical condition; others may
not be true for anyone.
Claims that one machine can help you burn more
calories or lose weight faster than others can be tough
to evaluate — especially when you can’t read the
"scientific studies" mentioned in the ads.
For
these claims, apply two rules:
Equipment that works the whole body, or major portions
of it, probably will burn more calories than devices
that
work one part of the body.
The more you use your equipment, the more calories
you’ll burn.
That’s
why it’s important to select equipment that suits you and your
lifestyle. A study might show that a different device burns
more calories an hour, but if it’s uncomfortable or difficult
to use, chances are it will gather dust rather than help you
burn calories.
Have
You Checked the Fine Print?
Look
for tip-offs that getting the advertised results requires more
than just using the machine. Sometimes the fine print mentions
a diet or "program" that must be used in conjunction
with the equipment. Even if it doesn’t, remember that diet and
exercise together are much more effective for weight loss than
either diet or exercise alone.
Many
ads also feature dramatic testimonials or before-and-after pictures
from satisfied customers. These stories may not be typical.
Just because one person has had success doesn’t mean you’ll
get the same results. And endorsements — whether they’re from
consumers, celebrities, or star athletes — don’t mean the equipment
is right for you.
Can
You Try the Equipment Before You Buy?
Before
you buy any exercise equipment, try it out. A few minutes at
a sporting goods store while you’re wearing street clothes isn’t
very helpful. Test different types of equipment at a local gym
or recreation center. Better still, go to the store dressed
for exercise and give the equipment a full work-out.
Have
You Shopped Around?
Before
you buy, check out articles in consumer or fitness magazines
that rate the exercise equipment on the market. Much of the
equipment advertised on television or in magazines also is available
at local sporting goods, department, or discount stores. That
makes it easier to shop for the best price.
Don’t
be fooled by companies that advertise "three easy payments
of ..." or "just $49.95 a month." Before you
buy any product, find out the total cost, including shipping
and handling, sales tax, delivery, and set-up fees. Get the
details on warranties, guarantees, and return policies: A "30-day
money back guarantee" may not sound so good if you have
to ante up a hefty fee to return a bulky piece of equipment
you’ve bought through the mail. Check out the company’s customer
service and support, too. Who can you call if the machine breaks
down or you need replacement parts? Try any toll-free numbers
to see whether help really is accessible.
Occasionally,
you can get a great deal on a piece of fitness equipment from
a second-hand store, a consignment shop, a yard sale, or the
classifieds in your local newspaper. But buy wisely. Items bought
second-hand usually aren’t returnable and don’t have the warranties
of new equipment.
Source:
Federal Trade Commission, 1997
