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Shape It Up: Infomercial Fitness Equipment

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Jul 13, 2006 10:49 am US/Eastern

Shape It Up: Infomercial Fitness Equipment

--Stephanie Oakes
NEW YORK (CBS) ― A woman recently ask me why I won't do a fitness segment on how to get "thinner thighs in three minutes." She insisted that an infomercial had promised such a result.

What could I do? I wasn't going to make promises I couldn't keep.

The best and brightest advertisers know that losing weight and turning back the clock have became a national obsession -- infomercials sell $1 billion of products every year on TV, according to Infomercial Marketing Report Editor Steve Dworman.

Carefully crafted sales pitches play on our emotions. If you're ever fallen prey to this hype, you're not alone. There's probably a fitness gadget hidden under your bed or resting as an object d'art on your coffee table.

I've heard all the claims before: "rock-hard abs in only five minutes" or "exercise in a bottle."

I'm always curious about the seemingly attractive "three easy payments, only $49.99, plus shipping and handling." Don't they actually mean $149.97? Even if a fit and famous celebrity promises you "guaranteed" results, I'm inclined to caution you.

It's no surprise that the fitness business has its fair share of bogus products to pitch -- but they're not all scams.

For example, Billy Blanks, the famous seven-time World Martial Arts champion, has done wonders for the fitness industry with his Tae-Bo workout tapes sold via infomercial. Just be sure you have enough space at home to do the kicks. My friend Judy chipped her tooth when her sister accidentally kicked her in the mouth while following their Tae-Bo tape in a Manhattan loft.

But other than the promoters of these products, there are only a few organizations monitoring the true effectiveness of these devices.

As a certified fitness professional I stand by accessories like free-weights, comfortable clothing, lots of water, great music, a positive attitude, fresh clean air and "just doing it."

There is no need to overpay for these basic items, and a positive attitude is free.

(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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