Veggie Blog

A treadmill, a rowing machine or a set of resistance bands can make it easier to exercise at home. But fitness equipment is also sold with big promises, and it is easy to spend money on something that ends up in the corner of a room. This guide lists seven checks to make before you buy, and starts with the advertising claims that cannot be true.

Can a machine really melt fat?

No machine can do that on its own. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) puts it bluntly: if a product promises weight loss without effort and sacrifice, it is bogus. Its “Gut Check” guide to claims that cannot be true is written for supplements, over-the-counter drugs and products worn on the body or rubbed on the skin, and says it does not cover exercise equipment, but the main points carry over. Meaningful weight loss requires taking in fewer calories than you use, and even for the most effective products, weight loss of more than a pound a week over a long period is unusual. So if an ad promises that you will lose several pounds in a week or drop a size in a month, treat it as a warning sign. Read the FTC guide to spotting false weight loss claims.

Can it burn fat from one body area?

This is another claim to be wary of. Machines and gadgets are often sold as a way to get rid of fat from the belly, hips or thighs. A 2022 review and meta-analysis in the journal Human Movement combined 13 studies with 1,158 participants and found no spot reduction: training one part of the body had no effect on the fat stored in that area. Exercise helps your overall fitness and, together with what you eat, helps you lose fat across the whole body. You cannot choose where it comes off. You can read the study abstract at the journal Human Movement.

Do before-and-after photos prove anything?

They show one person’s result, not what will happen to you. The FTC says that advertisers who use testimonials must either show results that are typical of what other consumers can expect, or clearly disclose what the typical results are. Pictures also rarely say what else the person did, such as changing their diet, so treat testimonials as advertising.

What should you read in the small print?

Read the fine print, because it often says that the results depend on following a calorie-controlled diet as well as using the machine. Check these points before you pay (they are general shopping advice, not rules from a study): the full price including shipping, handling, tax, delivery and assembly fees; the monthly payment and the length of any financing, since a low monthly price can add up to far more than the machine is worth; the length of the warranty and what it covers; the return policy, including who pays for return shipping on a heavy item, since that can cost more than you expect to get back; and how to reach customer service, ideally a number that is answered by a person.

Will you actually use it?

The best machine is the one you use. Think about what you enjoy, how much space you have and whether you would be happier in a class. If you have a health condition or have not exercised for a long time, check with your doctor before starting. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans advise adults to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, and that can come from a walk outdoors, which is free. Our posts on how to choose a gym, group fitness classes and health and fitness describe other ways to be active, and everyday activities that count as moderate exercise shows how much you can do with no equipment at all.

What is a sensible plan?

Set a realistic goal and combine movement with healthy eating. NIDDK says experts recommend an initial weight-loss goal of 5 to 10 percent of your starting weight within six months. Be careful of promises of overnight results: our posts on overnight weight loss and losing weight rapidly explain why quick fixes do not last. If you decide to buy, pick a reputable seller, keep your receipt, and put the machine where you will see it every day.