February 2008
How to choose
Find out how each device fared in our tests. Before buying any relatively inexpensive exercise devices sold on TV or online:
Read the fine print. Most of the "amazing results!" shown in infomercials for exercise devices are footnoted as "not typical" or result from an overall "system" that includes a diet plan and, in many cases, additional aerobic exercise. Our nutrition experts reviewed the diets and found that although they differ in the strictness of their meal plans, most are sensible.
Calculate the total cost. Unless the price includes shipping, expect to pay an additional $20 to $50 plus any sales tax.
Don't confuse toning with weight loss. The Urban Rebounder burned calories at the highest rate, and burning more calories than you take in is the only nonsurgical way to lose weight without changing your diet. These devices may help you tone or tighten the target area, and building muscle does increase the rate at which you burn calories, but to shed pounds you'll need a change in diet, regular aerobic activity (running, cycling, swimming), or both. Even workouts on the total-body machines aren't vigorous enough to yield an aerobic benefit.
Consider do-it-yourself options. Most of the machines mimic movements you can do on your own or with far less- expensive equipment, such as weights and resistance bands. They come with instruction, but you can get that with an exercise video or book.
Be wary of trials. A "30-day money-back guarantee" sounds good, but returning the product might not be easy. Some of the machines are heavy or bulky, and you might have to pay for return shipping, which could cost $90 or more for the bigger products.
Before signing up for a trial, verify with the company the proper return address and how soon you can expect a refund if you send the device back. A scan of online complaints about home fitness equipment revealed that reported problems with returns, including lack of a valid return address or exorbitant shipping charges, were common.
Read the fine print. Most of the "amazing results!" shown in infomercials for exercise devices are footnoted as "not typical" or result from an overall "system" that includes a diet plan and, in many cases, additional aerobic exercise. Our nutrition experts reviewed the diets and found that although they differ in the strictness of their meal plans, most are sensible.
Calculate the total cost. Unless the price includes shipping, expect to pay an additional $20 to $50 plus any sales tax.
Don't confuse toning with weight loss. The Urban Rebounder burned calories at the highest rate, and burning more calories than you take in is the only nonsurgical way to lose weight without changing your diet. These devices may help you tone or tighten the target area, and building muscle does increase the rate at which you burn calories, but to shed pounds you'll need a change in diet, regular aerobic activity (running, cycling, swimming), or both. Even workouts on the total-body machines aren't vigorous enough to yield an aerobic benefit.
Consider do-it-yourself options. Most of the machines mimic movements you can do on your own or with far less- expensive equipment, such as weights and resistance bands. They come with instruction, but you can get that with an exercise video or book.
Be wary of trials. A "30-day money-back guarantee" sounds good, but returning the product might not be easy. Some of the machines are heavy or bulky, and you might have to pay for return shipping, which could cost $90 or more for the bigger products.
Before signing up for a trial, verify with the company the proper return address and how soon you can expect a refund if you send the device back. A scan of online complaints about home fitness equipment revealed that reported problems with returns, including lack of a valid return address or exorbitant shipping charges, were common.
