HOME EXERCISE EQUIPMENT, BUYER BEWARE

As a fitness studio owner, I often have people ask me for advice regarding the purchase of exercise equipment for their homes. They’ve seen the infomercials and want the convenience and results so often promised by those marketers.

My standard answer is that after about two weeks, this equipment will likely become a very expensive clothes line.

You see, for every person that asks me for advice on making such a purchase, someone else has a story for me about buying that stuff and never using it, at least not for what it was intended. It does work well, though, as a clothes hanger or as filler for that extra space in your garage.

I also like to point out that when you have a complex medical issue, you don’t normally choose to practice home medicine. You go to an expert, a medical doctor. Likewise, with a complex legal issue or tax issue, you go to the experts, lawyers or accountants.

What is more complex, or more important to us, than our bodies?

It only makes sense to work with a professional, a personal trainer, rather than purchase expensive equipment for home that you don’t know how to use and likely won’t use regularly.

The Federal Trade Commission has published the following advice regarding home exercise equipment:

“If you're considering buying exercise equipment, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers this advice: Evaluate advertising claims for fitness products carefully. Exercise — with or without special equipment — is essential for good health. But be skeptical of claims that you will lose several pounds, inches or pant sizes in a short time (for example, "7 inches in 7 days" or "3 dress sizes in one month"). Even when combined with dietary supplements or specialized breathing techniques, it is virtually impossible for most consumers to achieve such major changes in appearance in a few days or weeks.

“The FTC advises consumers to:
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“Ignore claims that an exercise machine or device can provide long-lasting, easy, "no-sweat" results in a short time. These claims are false: You can't get the benefits of exercise unless you exercise.
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“Question claims that a product can burn fat off a particular part of the body — for example, the buttocks, hips or stomach. Achieving a major change in your appearance requires sensible eating and regular exercise that works the whole body.
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“Read the ad's fine print. The advertised results may be based on more than just using a machine; they also may be based on restricting calories.
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“Be skeptical of testimonials and 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.
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“Do the calculations when you read statements like "three easy payments of ..." or "only $49.95 a month." The advertised cost may not include shipping and handling fees, sales tax, and delivery and set-up fees. Find out the details before you order.
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“Get details on warranties, guarantees and return policies. A "30-day money-back guarantee" may not sound as good if you have to pay shipping on a bulky piece of equipment you want to "return to sender."
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“Check out the company's customer and support services. Call the advertised toll-free numbers to get an idea of how easy it is to reach a company representative and how helpful he or she is.”

The FTC has obviously seen and investigated a lot of problems with home exercise equipment. Of course that doesn’t mean it is never a good idea, but the old adage, “BUYER BEWARE” certainly is important when considering such a purchase.

Most people find it very difficult to follow through with an effective exercise program at home, even if they get good equipment. They need expert advice and they need accountability to succeed. If you are serious about getting the health and wellness benefits of exercise, go to an expert, a professional personal trainer.

Wes Greer (wesgreer@fitnesstogether.com) is owner of Fitness Together Ponte Vedra, Mandarin and Atlantic. As a degreed and certified health/fitness expert, Wes has a Free report “9 Secrets for Maximum Weight Loss Results in Minimum Time!” to be downloaded at your disposal. Go to www.FTJACKSONVILLE.com for the report, contact information, and more information about Wes and his company.