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,
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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."
-
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 works for the consumer to prevent
fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices
in the marketplace and to provide information to
help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a
complaint or to get free information on consumer
issues, visit
www.ftc.gov or call
toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY:
1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet,
telemarketing, identity theft and other
fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a
secure, online database available to hundreds of
civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the
U.S. and abroad.
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