Infomercial Fitness Devices Put to the Test

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  What's Worth Buying?

  There is no shortage of new fitness devices. Are any of them worth buying? To find out, CR tested 10 costing $50 to $300.
  
  CR measured muscle activity and calories burned as panelists used each device. Nine staff members also tried each machine. Finally, it asked each manufacturer for evidence to support its claims.
  
  Click through our gallery for a summary of CR's findings.
  Next: Ab-Doer Xtreme

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• Infomercial Fitness Devices: Ab-Doer Xtreme

  Consumer Reports

  Ab-Doer Xtreme $150

  What it is. Chair with rotating handles for low-level torso resistance, plus 'Fat Blasting' DVD.
  
  The reality. It engaged abs less effectively than no-equipment exercises, though two moves engaged obliques better. The DVD workout burned calories at a rate similar to a 3-mph walk. Most said the back pad dug into their back.
  
  Next: Ab Lounge XL

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• Ab Lounge XL

  Consumer Reports

  Ab Lounge XL $210

  What it is. Mesh chair that mimics the motion of a jackknife sit-up, plus aerobics, stretching & exercises DVD.
  
  The reality. The signature jackknife move engaged the target muscles, but for most tested muscle groups it was not as tough as a full jackknife done on the floor. Panelists said it provided a good ab workout. Most thought it was too bulky to buy.
  
  Next: Red Exerciser DX

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• Red Exerciser Dx

  Consumer Reports

  Red Exerciser DX $160

  What it is. Swivel chair with adjustable resistance to work core muscles and workout videos.
  
  The reality. The "core twist strides" in the infomercial and some advanced exercises in the video engaged obliques at least as much as comparable floor moves but may not work abs as well. Panelists said they felt as if nothing was happening.
  
  Next: The Bean

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• The Bean

  Consumer Reports

  The Bean $50

  What it is. Inflatable device for working abdominal and oblique muscles and workout DVD.
  
  The reality. On average, results were similar to those with no equipment. The "3-in-1 Super Rock" exercise, for example, worked about the same amount of muscle as a floor crunch with pelvis tilted. Panelists said it was comfortable but not very challenging.
  
  Next: Leg Magic

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• Leg Magic Professional

  Consumer Reports

  Leg Magic Professional $180

  What it is. Device with horizontal sliding track to work the butt and inner and outer thighs and workout DVD.
  
  The reality. It worked inner thighs more than lunges did, but lunges gave a better butt, hamstring, and quadricep workout. Panelists felt the burn inside their thighs but nowhere else. Most said they wouldn't buy the device.
  
  Next: Urban Rebounder

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• Urban Rebounder

  Consumer Reports

  Urban Rebounder $150

  What it is. Mini-trampoline for bouncing, aerobics, and running in place. Has removable safety bar and workout videos. No diet plan included.
  
  The reality. The intermediate workout burned about as many calories as jogging at 5.6 mph. Panelists found the device easy to use and a nice change from typical aerobic exercise. About half said they'd consider buying it.
  
  Next: Airclimber

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• Airclimber

  Consumer Reports

  The Airclimber $140

  What it is. Freestanding stair-stepper atop two air bellows. Comes with optional bands for upper-body resistance and workout DVD.
  
  The reality. The 20-minute workout burned about 130 calories, comparable to a 4.2-mph walk/jog. Most panelists said they wouldn't buy the AirClimber. Among their complaints: The bellows were noisy.
  
  Next: Easy Shaper Ultimate

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• Easy Shaper Ultimate

  Consumer Reports

  Easy Shaper Ultimate $215

  What it is. Padded seat with moving back support used to perform upper- and lower-body exercises in different positions and workout DVDs.
  
  The reality. The "Bun & Ab Lift" routine burned fewer calories than our no-equipment circuit. Panelists said the exercises felt uncomfortable, and some complained of neck or back pain during the ab exercises.
  Next: Fluidity Bar

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• Fluidity Bar

  Consumer Reports

  Fluidity Bar $200

  What it is. Floor-standing ballet bar with attached mat. Comes with resistance bands and DVD workout programs.
  
  The reality. The advanced workout burned fewer calories than the no-equipment circuit-training routine. Panelists liked the workouts, particularly the stretching, but found the heavy device hard to move. About half said they'd buy it.
  
  Next: Bun & Thigh Doer

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• Bun & Thigh Doer $300

  Consumer Reports

  Bun & Thigh Doer $300

  What it is. Exerciser that focuses on small muscles of the thighs but can also work arm muscles. Comes with color-coded resistance bands and workout video.
  
  The problem. One of the red resistance bands unhooked itself from the frame striking our staffer on the upper thigh. We confirmed the design flaw on two other units. Due to risk of injury, we don't recommend this device for anyone.
  Next: Best Health Clubs

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• Lady working out at gym

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