As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment

The infomercials for As Seen on TV exercise equipment are often quite clever. They often feature an extremely buff and fit individual, who swears that the secret to his or her fitness success can be attributed to the advertised product. Many of these infomercials feature celebrities, who everyone is supposed to trust. Some of the movements on these machines look like they should be effective for toning the body. Unfortunately, the Federal Trade Commission has discovered that many of the manufacturers of these machines have been making promises that they can't possibly keep.

In 1999, the Federal Trade Commission became frustrated by consumer complaints about As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment. As such, they decided to conduct an in-depth investigation, which was appropriately called Project Absurd. The Ab Tronic, AB Energizer and Fast Abs were the Commission's first targets. According to the manufacturers, these products could reduce belly fat and develop abdominal muscle definition. After extensive research, the Commission determined that these claims were false and the manufacturers were issued hefty fines.

The American Council on Exercise, otherwise known as ACE was also curious about As Seen on TV exercise equipment. In 2001, they funded a study that compared various types of abdominal exercise machines with traditional abdominal exercises, such as the crunch and the leg raise.

Peter Francis, Ph.D conducted the study, which was held at the Biomechanics Lab at the San Diego State University. He recruited 30 men and women between the ages of 20 and 44, who were told to perform the following exercises:

• The crunch
• The Captain's Chair
• The bicycle maneuver
• The stability ball crunch

The home exercise machines included the Torso Track, the Ab Roller and the Ab Rocker.

The results of the study might make you think twice about spending a significant amount of money on As Seen on TV equipment:

For activation of the rectus abdominus muscles, which are the largest muscles in the abdominal area, the Torso Track was the fifth most effective out of the 13 exercises and seventh most effective for the obliques. The Ab Roller claimed ninth place for the rectus abdominus and tenth place for the obliques. The ab roller was in 13th or last place for both muscle groups. In both cases, the home exercise machines were surpassed by traditional, non-equipment exercises, as well as exercises on less expensive equipment such as the stability ball.

If you are considering buying home exercise equipment, the Federal Trade Commission has the following suggestions:

• Evaluate the claims: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be leery of infomercials that promise spot reduction and weight loss without diet.
• Look for equipment that works the entire body:Since there's no such thing as spot reduction, buying equipment that only works one muscle group is a waste of money. As such, a Bowflex, a Total Gym or adjustable dumbbells will provide better value than an Ab Lounge.
• Obtain clear information regarding warranties and return policies:In other words, read the fine print. Ask about customer service policies. Is there a help line available? Can damaged parts be replaced?
• Make sure you have ample space for the equipment:Measure your space before you buy. Some machines "fold for easy storage." However, out of sight may eventually mean out of mind and out of use.

When purchasing television advertised fitness products, exercising good judgment is as important as exercising your muscles.

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