UA RESEARCHER OFFERS THE SKINNY ON COSTLY EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Want to get a jump on your New Year’s resolution? Well think twice before placing pricey "ab machines" or exercise aids under the Christmas tree, cautions a University of Arkansas researcher.

Many of the sit-up devices and workout machines advertised on TV are so easy to misuse that they only slim the wallet, says Ro DiBrezzo, professor of exercise science. She suggests there are several ways to spend the same amount of money — or less — while getting better fitness results.

"There are several problems related to exercise machines, first and foremost being the conflict between marketing a product and educating the consumer about its use and purpose," DiBrezzo said. "If you’re trying to sell a machine, you want it to appeal to as wide a population as possible, and you want to present it as serving many different needs. The truth is, most machines are not designed that way."

DiBrezzo warns consumers to be wary of any non-adjustable device that claims to suit all people. A piece of equipment designed to accommodate a six-foot tall man may not be appropriate for a five-foot tall woman. A poor fit can cause an ineffective workout by improperly positioning the body. This can make it difficult to isolate and work specific muscles, she said. And straining to use a poorly-designed machine may increase the risk of injury.

Further, not all machines are suitable for all types of people, DiBrezzo said. "Look at the people they show demonstrating the equipment on TV," she advised. "You very seldom see an older adult or someone who’s overweight using the product. That should be red flag number one."

Manufacturers of exercise equipment strive to make their products easy to use, but sometimes their claims can be deceptive. According to DiBrezzo, most machines require people to master a specific set of skills before the workout becomes effective. For example, rowing and cross-country ski machines offer excellent cardiovascular exercise, provided the user knows proper form and technique for those activities.

Even the most basic machines require people to know elementary exercise techniques — such as how to isolate muscles — before they deliver results. Most devices promise to work a specific portion of the body — abdominals, arms, hips and thighs. But their skill requirements, combined with their one-size-fits-all design, make the machines all too easy to misuse, DiBrezzo said.

Whether because they don’t know proper technique or because they’re trying to compensate for devices that don’t fit, people end up recruiting other muscles to help them perform the exercise. When they fail to see improvement in the portion of the body they’re supposed to be working, they lose motivation and often give up.

Even workout videos can be a gamble, DiBrezzo said. Aside from their convenience, exercise tapes seldom offer sufficient instruction on how to properly perform the movements they require. In addition, not all workouts are appropriate for all people. Undertaking a high impact routine with little instruction is likely to lead to injury.

Rather than spending money on devices or videos that may not work, DiBrezzo suggests investing more wisely:

• Devote some time to finding a gym in which you feel comfortable, she said. Then buy a membership. If you’re intimidated about working out in front of other people, look for a club that caters specifically to your needs. In many cities, you can find gyms exclusively for women or for older adults. And many gyms offer daycare to accommodate parents.
• Hire a personal trainer for two or three sessions to help design a fitness regimen that suits your individual abilities and goals. If, down the line, you feel your workout needs a boost, you can schedule another couple of sessions to reassess your needs. If you live in a college town, call the health sciences department and see if they have an internship program that matches student trainers with clients at a discount rate.
• Make a bet with a friend. Studies show that women who exercise with a friend are more likely to stick with it. "Set goals together, and make a bet," DiBrezzo said. "At the end of six months, the person closest to her goals gets the money, or a trip to the spa, or a day of shopping."
• Bribe yourself. Set aside the money you would have spent on trendy machines and tell yourself that when you reach your goals, you can take a trip or buy that special something.
• Finally, if means aren’t the problem but motivation is, buy that slinky outfit that’s just a bit too snug. Keep track of your progress according to how easily you can slip in and out of it.