According to the FTC, touting the purported weight-loss benefits of exercise equipment seems to be the newest pitch in advertising campaigns for these products. Recently, however, the Commission has investigated many exercise equipment companies for pushing the purported weight-loss benefits of their products.
Consumers are likely to find ads that promise mega results for minimum effort extremely compelling.
Abdominal exercisers were listed as the fastest-growing product category, with the rise in sales spurred by infomercials, sources said. Abflex, U.S.A. developed the Abflex and participated in the creation of the ads. Life Fitness markets a variety of exercise equipment, including stationary exercise cycles, stairsteppers, and treadmills. The Lifecycle stationary bicycle is a staple at health clubs nationwide, with smaller versions available for home use. Life Fitness advertises nationally through direct mail and print ads in publications such as Sports Illustrated .