Advertising for fitness products often promises large gains with little effort, a promise that sounds good but is rarely true. These advertisements are aimed at people who are not familiar with physical activity. Millions of items are sold each year and then sit unused after a short trial period. Before you buy, consider these tips:

• Be sure you already like the activity that the machine is meant to assist. A machine or device probably will not make you like an activity you dislike in the first place.
• Avoid products that are available only through a television offer. Any product that is really useful is likely to be available in stores. Also, you won't be able to "try before you buy."
• Test any machine in the store before deciding to buy it. Make sure it feels right to you. Sometimes the more expensive machines work more smoothly and make exercise more comfortable and fun.
• Get the opinion of a trainer or experienced person at a health club, YMCA, or other fitness setting about the equipment you are interested in.
• Many products promise to help tone and develop abdominal, thigh, or buttock muscles. These muscles can be strengthened and toned without special devices, and most devices don't make it easier or safer than doing exercises on your own.