Avoiding the Muscle Hustle: Tips for Buying Exercise Equipment
 Looking
for a way to keep fit, stay limber or lose weight? A diet of
regular exercise can help.
Which exercise is best? The one
you're really going to do. For some people, that means
working out at home on exercise equipment.
If you're considering buying exercise
equipment, it is important that you evaluate advertising
claims for fitness products carefully. Exercise — with or
without special equipment — is essential for good health.
But be sceptical of claims that you will lose several kilos,
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.
It is wise shopping 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 sceptical 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.
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Weigh up the evidence on fad diets!