Obscene On TV: The Ridiculous Claims of Infomercials

Every day when I wake up I follow the same routine...

I turn on the TV to check the news, sit at the computer to check emails and eat breakfast. It's a fairly low-key routine that requires little thought or energy.

That is, until this morning...

When I stood at my way-too-big TV waiting for it to turn on, I didn't know which channel it had been left on. Whichever channel it was decided it would be a good idea to bombard viewers with infotastic informercials at 8:00AM. Now, I've seen lots of infomercials in my day. We all have. Those hour-long, obnoxiously overenthusiastic, deals that we can't seem to get enough of. But wait...there's more!

If you keep reading this blog entry, we'll even throw in more sarcasm, humor and sharp opinions of fitness infomercials!

So, what product was this informercial selling? I don't want to get in any legal trouble, so I'm not going to say which program this was. Let's just say that it rhymes with "Tip Top Tabs" and makes it seem like you can dance your way to a six-pack in a matter of weeks.

So, why did I get so moved by this infomercial? Why am I writing about this and not the Little Orange Rag That Could or the cleaning product with the magic of oxygen (because no other product on the market could possibly contain oxygen)?

Well, this one made the bold claim that you can lose three inches on your waistline in just 6 days. Yes. 6 days.

I'm going out on a limb here and calling their bluff. They also make a money-back guarantee if you don't. I'm calling their bluff again.

Let's be honest, without the assistance of one crazy diet, surgery or the loss of a limb, nobody is losing that kind of weight (or that many inches) in 6 days. Sorry, "Tip Top Tabs," I don't believe you!

I have been in the fitness business for a long time and I have seen some INCREDIBLE things happen. Just ask some of my clients and Boot Camp members. I have seen people drop 50, 60 and even 70 pounds. I've seen results in my own body over the years. One thing is in common with all of those cases - NOBODY DID IT IN 6 DAYS.

60 Days? Possibly...

Let's face it, it takes hard work, dedication and a positive attitude to develop and maintain a strong, healthy body. It's not impossible. It's VERY possible. It's just not going to happen the way those charming, good looking and very persuasive hosts tell you it will.

But, you can break it into 4 Easy Payments!!!

The sad part is that they're using a number of very calculated marketing tactics in these infomercials that make you watch it longer and eventually get you to order the product:

1. Good Looking Models
2. Unrealistically Easy Result Promises
3. Convenient Exclusion of the REAL Work (Diet & Other Exercise) that goes into getting the body you see on TV
4. Tapping into Viewers' Emotions
5. FREE Gifts (that often suck and you get whether or not you call in the next 10 minutes...speaking of...)
6. That Countdown Clock (I wonder what would happen if you waited until the time ran out)

So, once again, a company comes out with a product that will take business away from true fitness professionals who care about the health and well-being of others. The truth is...

1. Many of the viewers continue to buy fitness product after fitness product hoping for that "magic bullet" (no...not the blender...and no...not that either...). It's a never ending cycle of wasted money that could have gone to Personal Training or Boot Camp Training.

AND

2. Many of the viewers get discouraged when their Popping and Locking doesn't lead to 3 lost inches around the waste in 6 days. What happens next when an individual gives up on their fitness training? It's very difficult to get them back on track again.

Don't get me wrong...

I'm not bashing the product as an ineffective workout. It probably does make you sweat. It probably helps you burn calories. HOWEVER, it takes a lot more than dancing around in your living room to Usher and Ludacris to get a six pack. Pelvic pops and ass-shaking will NEVER replace crunches and hip-thrusts.

Ask the people in the infomercials how they got to be where they are. If they can look you in the eye and tell you they didn't do any crunches, push-ups or jogging, I'll give you the 3 Payments of $19.95 (+$12.95 s&h) for "Tip Top Tabs."

PS - The Company that sells the product sells 11 other fitness DVD products. If they are all so effective, why would they need all of them? Sure, it gives you a choice of workout styles, but I'm pretty sure the idea is for them to make lots and lots of money while your DVD's collect dust.

Boot Camp Workout of the Week

Everybody did such a fantastic job this week! I'm so excited to see everybody working so hard and enjoying themselves at the same time!

Warm Up: 5 Minute Jog

Stretch: Movement & Dynamic Stretching

Circuit Training: (1 Minute Each Exercise, 10 - 15 sec. rest between exercises: Completed 3x - YOU GUYS ROCK!!!)

1. Ladder Scissors

2. Balance Disc Single Leg Hip Thrusts

3. Walk-Out Push Ups (1 Push Up Per Repetition)

4. Duck Walks w/ Sprint Return to Start

5. TRX Rows

6. Resistance Band Woodchops

7. Single Arm Kettlebell Press (30 Sec. Each Arm)

8. Crunches

Email bryan@structurepft.com if you have questions about this workout or about any of our training programs.

Structure Fitness Exercise of the Week: Resistance Band Hammer Curls

Resistance Band Hammer Curls is an alternative exercise to the traditional hammer curls (with dumbbells). Rather than feeling the majority of the weight in the bottom position, you will feel a greater resistance load at the top position (near your shoulders). Using a resistance band will provide a much different sensation than the traditional exercise which is incredibly beneficial both physiologically and mentally. Consistently changing workout regimens and incorporating new exercises into your program will make training more exciting. We regularly use resistance bands in our NYC Fitness Boot Camps.

Instructions:

1. Stand with one foot on the middle of the resistance band with feet hip width apart, knees slightly bent
2. Relax your arms by your side so the handles are pointing forwards
3. Keeping the handles facing forwards, slowly raise your hands towards your shoulders until the end of the handles touches your shoulders
4. Now slowly return your hands back to the starting position

structuRECIPE: White Bean Chicken Chili

This super-awesome chili is another staple of the Structure Fitness household. This is the go-to meal for a busy, busy day. It doesn't take very long to make. Plus, you can just leave it in the pot on the stove (off, of course) and heat it up when you get home for a delicious, hearty and healthy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 handfull fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 
  

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken and onion in oil 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is tender.
2. Stir in the chicken broth, green chiles, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, cilantro, and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in the beans, and simmer for 5 more minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Garnish with green onion and shredded cheese.

Boot Camp Workout of the Week

Central Park Boot Camp is Underway & Riverdale Starts Next Week!

Warm Up: Light Jog & Indian Run (5 min.)

Stretch: Movement & Dynamic Stretching (5 min.)

Boot Camp Circuit Training: (1 Minute Each Exercise, 10 - 15 sec. rest between exercises: Completed 3x - AWESOME!!!)

1. 5 - 7 Yard Foot Crossovers (Legs & Cardio)

2. Resistance Band Rows from Squat Position (30 sec.) / Alternating Squats and Rows (30 sec.) (Back, Biceps & Hamstrings)

3. One Handed Plank (15 sec. each arm) / Push Ups (30 sec.)

4. Kettlebell Swings (Shoulders, Hamstrings & Lower Back)

5. Resistance Band Press Downs (Triceps)

6. TRX Bicep Curls (Biceps)

7. Split Lunge (Quadriceps)

8. Ab Slide (Core)

Email bryan@structurepft.com if you have questions about this workout or about any of our training programs.