Buying exercise equipment can be a way to get regular exercise in the comfort and convienence of your home. The money you would otherwise spend on a gym membership could be wisely spent on a piece of equipment that you actually use every day. But consumer groups urge you to do your homework before you buy.

We’ve all seen those long “infomercials” on TV with well-toned models demonstrating how great their exercise equipment is for “shaping those abs”, and “burning those carbs”.  They want you to “call today” and take advantage of a “special one-time offer with three easy payments”. 

It’s easy to believe these offers and claims are true, especially when you yearn to be in better shape.

This gear isn’t cheap, ranging from $150 to $3,500 depending on the model and features.  For that kind of pinch, you’d expect your new exercise module to work properly. 

However, several consumer organizations warn that some equipment performance is disappointing, exhibiting problems ranging from annoying “clunking” sounds to mechanical failures, and many claims and offers deserve further scrutiny.

The Federal Trade Commission, whose mandate is to protect the US consumer from fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices, advises consumers to:

• Be skeptical of claims of “no sweat”improvements in a short time.
• Question claims of improvements in a certain part of the body.
• Read the ads fine print.
• Question before-and-after pictures of “satisfied” customers.
• Calculate what the actual cost will be, including possible shipping, handling, sales tax, delivery and set up fees.
• Find out who pays for return shipment if not satisfied.
• Call the customer support line, see how accessable and helpful they are.

Consumer Reports, the nonprofit, indepedent consumer advocate, in a recent (Jan/05) test of 22 treadmills and 10 ellipticals (A combination of a stair climber and a cross-country ski machine that you stand on and pedal) discovered problems with equipment, interesting extras, unique cushion designs, and costly quality.  In their words, “too many machines don’t work properly.”

Consumer Reports advises that consumers:

• Consider the expense and space needed for a large exercise machine. 
• Try it out first.
• Decide which features you’ll use.
• For a treadmill, consider your workout intensity.
• Consider an extended warranty.

With a little research, equipment testing, and evaluation of your exercise needs, you can join the twelve million plus Americans who regularly work out regardless of the weather or off-peak hours at the gym, instead exercising in the comfort of your own home.

For more info, check out:

The Federal Trade Commission

Consumer Reports.org