Fitness Gimmicks: What to Ask Before You Buy

I have written quite a bit on some of the ridiculous fitness products out there.  The weight loss industry is a multi-million dollar one and people will try to market just about anything to get a piece of the pie.

However, not all products that hit the selves are useless.  Many of theme started out as gimmicks (think: the step) and prove to be very effective and popular fitness tools.

So how do you distinguish the good for the bad and the ugly?  Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you run out and purchase the latest fitness fad.

Don't let you purchase end up like this poor Ab Lounge :(

Who designed this product?
Is the creator a certified fitness professional?  Are any of the product claims backed up with true exercise science?  Many infomercials are endorsed by a celebrity who may not be in the fitness industry and/or include paid testimonials.  It is so important that you research the product before you buy to verify any claims made.  Look online for real reviews.  Ask your friends and make an informed decision before you buy.

Can it really deliver on it's promise?
"Lose 6 inches in 6 days!"  "Eat whatever you like and still lose weight!"  Most fitness gimmicks promise very dramatic results in a very short time.  Ask yourself if it is really possible for this product to do everything it claims it can.  If the answer is "yes", can it be done safely?  Some of the systems may be able to produce the desired results in combination with vigorous exercise and a near-starvation diet.  Step as far away from these products as possible.

What makes this product different?
All new gadgets are are marketed to look like the best thing to ever hit the fitness world, but are they are they really that revolutionary?  Is this DVD/equipment/system any different than the one that your are already using (or have collecting dust in the basement)?  Do your research.  (See point 1).

What other questions should you ask when considering the latest fitness fad?

Stay Healthy,
Tracy

Crazy Fitness Gimmicks: What Were They Thinking?

It has been a while since I have scoured the Internet in search of the latest and greatest exercise gimmicks and my search did not disappoint.

Not surprisingly, I found many crazy contraptions and fantastical promises.  So today, I share with you three more fitness gimmicks in a post I have appropriately titled "What Were They Thinking".

Fitness Fads That May Not Fade

That sure is a mouthful. :)

I have talked on some of the fitness gimmicks out there.  Check out these posts if you want to see some of these crazy contraptions.

3 Crazy Fitness Gimmicks
3 More Crazy Fitness Gimmicks
Crazy Fitness Gimmicks Revisited
Crazy Fitness Gimmicks...Again

But what about a few of the hotter products and programs that seem to have some merit?  After all, every one of them was a trend or fad at some point.

Case in point: Step classes.

Step has been around for 20 years and I am sure there were a few nay sayers at the time who thought that marching up and down on a platform was a pretty silly idea.  Granted step classes are not quite as popular as they used to be, but I know most gyms still offer at least one class a week on their schedules.

With that in mind, I wanted to weigh in on three hot fitness trends, which I feel may stand the test of time.

Crazy Fitness Gimmicks...Again

I admit it.  I bought this a few years ago.

The Ab Glide.

Crazy Fitness Gimmicks Revisited

Poor Ab Lounge

Have you ever fallen victim to a fitness fad? 

You can admit it. 

The infomercial comes on late at night with promises of a firmer butt and tigher abs in just minutes a day.

You quickly find yourself intrigued and before you know it, you are online placing your order.

You happily recieve the product 4-6 weeks later, only to discover that is not easy to assemble, it does not take minutes a day and you are out $100.

In previous posts, I have talked about the beloved Thighmaster, the Sauna Belt and a few other fun fitness gadgets.  Well, here is the lowdown on 3 more crazy fitness fads.

Crazy Gimmick # 3: Leg Magic
Do you beleive in magic?  This is the catch phrase for this crazy contraption.  The infomercial claims that this lower body toning system gives you major muscle sculpting and will change your life. 

Well, I am not too sure about that. 

While it does look like you are working your hips and inner thighs, the range of motion is limited. The handle bar is also placed quite low, which could cause back strain. 

There are many fantastic ways to work your lower body, so save your money and do some squats or hit the streets for a run.


Crazy Gimmick #2: Ab Lounge
What we really need in the fitness world is another machine to work the abs (note the sarcasm). 

I have to tell you that I actually tried the ab lounge (I found it in my apartment gym.  It has been out on the patio for months now.  Poor Ab lounge.)  I found it quite awkward to use.  You really have to pull with your arms to get it moving, which leaves very little work for your abs. 

As is the case with Leg Magic, with so many option out there to get a great abdominal workout, why would you spend money on an expensive chair that will most likely be used as a clothing rack.


Crazy Gimmick #1:  The Bodi Pro
This is the first time I have ever seen this product, but it looks to me like a glorified Thighmaster.  It appears to be made out of plastic, so its durability maybe also be questionable. 

It is yet another gadget that claims to tone the entire body in no time flat.  I am alway weary of products that are "too good to be true" because they often are just that. 

For the price you would pay, go out and get yourself a few sets of hand weights, a stability ball and a resistance band to get a more verstile workout.

Have you tried any of these products?  
What are your favourite crazy fitness gadgets?

Stay Healthy,
Tracy