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Media Room
Release date 01/07/2008
YONKERS, NY — The February issue of Consumer Reports takes a hard look at exercise machines sold through infomercials on TV and the Web. CR tested 10 exercise devices costing $50 to $300 and found that most product claims to chisel, tone, target, and lift were overblown, and that the same or better results could usually be achieved through simple exercises requiring little or no equipment.
The report is part of a fitness package that also provides ratings of more than 30 treadmills and elliptical machines, in addition to CR's first ever health club ratings with analysis of which health clubs to join and what to look for when signing up for a membership. Log on to www.ConsumerReports.org and click on the Health tab.
The testing took place at CR's fitness lab, where testers measured the calories burned and, where relevant, muscle activity as panelists used each device. CR also recruited at least nine staffers to try each machine on their own and report their impressions. One device did not hold up to the testing. The Bun & Thigh Doer, which focuses on small muscles of the inner, outer, and back thighs but can also work arm muscles, and costs $300, comes with a resistance band that snapped off during testing, thwacking CR's tester on the leg. CR confirmed the design flaw on two other units. As a result, CR recommends against using the product, which was recently discontinued (but may be available at some retailers, according to the manufacturer).
CR suggests the following tips for people choosing inexpensive fitness equipment sold on TV or online.
HOW THEY COMPARE:
CR notes that any piece of equipment that motivates people to exercise may hold some value. But the weight loss touted in testimonials is more likely due to the reduced-calorie diet plans that most manufacturers recommend rather than to the devices themselves. Here’s a snapshot of the claims made by various manufacturers versus what CR found while testing the machines. The full report with longer length descriptions and photo illustrations is available online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2008 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2008 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.