Fitness: Before you buy

By JOHN EWOLDT, Star Tribune

Last update: January 4, 2008 - 4:09 PM

BEFORE YOU BUY

Consumer Reports suggests the following tips for people choosing inexpensive fitness equipment sold on TV or online.

Read the fine print. Most of the amazing results shown in infomercials are footnoted as "not typical" or result from an overall "system" that includes a diet plan and, in many cases, additional exercise. Losing 1 pound of fat solely by exercising with the machines, using recommended workout guidelines, would take a 165-pound person anywhere from one to nine months.

Estimate the total cost. Unless the price includes shipping, consumers should expect to pay an additional $20 to $50 plus any sales tax.

Don't confuse toning with weight loss. While some of the products might help people strengthen certain areas, the only way to shed pounds (without surgery) is to burn more calories than taken in. The Urban Rebounder, a mini-trampoline, burned calories at the highest rate of the machines tested.

Consider do-it-yourself options. Most of the machines mimic movements people can do on their own with far less-expensive equipment.

Be leery of trials. A "30-day money back guarantee" sounds good, but returning the product might not be easy, especially if it's bulky or heavy.

JOHN EWOLDT

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