TV infomercial workouts feature products that promise to give you a brand new look while using the gadgets for as little as a few weeks. You should be wary of any type of workout product that makes outrageous claims without any data to back up the effectiveness of the exercise. Before you purchase an infomercial product, review the return policy in case you are unhappy with the gadget.
Expert Insight
The effectiveness of infomercial workouts is questionable. According to an American Council on Exercise-sponsored study in 2001, many floor exercises were found to be as effective as abdominal exercisers, such as the Ab Roller and Ab Rocker. The Ab Roller was determined to work the ab muscles at the same level of a traditional crunch. The Ab Rocker was found to be 80 percent less effective than the traditional crunch.
Benefits
Certain infomercial products can help you meet some of your fitness goals. According to "Consumer Reports," CardioTwister, Rock 'n Roll Stepper and Bowflex TreadClimber burned the same number of calories as if you were walking on a treadmill at an approximate speed of 3.5 mph. If you don't have a piece of cardio fitness equipment available for exercises, these products can be a good alternative.
Cost
TV infomercial workout products can carry large price tags. You may end up spending thousands of dollars on pieces of equipment that end up collecting dust in your basement or garage. To build a home gym without the use of infomercial products and at a fraction of a cost, consider purchasing a set of dumbbells, a resistance band and an exercise ball.
Considerations
Before you buy any workout products advertised on television, you should read the fine print about what you are buying. For instance, products that promise you will drop inches in a month with regular use may also require that you follow a very restrictive diet during that time frame. Be leery of free trial offers as well since you may be responsible for expensive shipping and handling costs.
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