Fads come and go, but the desire to have instant success in fitness lives on. Here are several fitness fads that are best avoided:
The Hula Chair
For those unfamiliar with this fitness fad, the hula or Hawaii chair is billed a âjust like a hula sitting downâ. The rationale is that the rhythmic massage of the chair focuses on core muscle groups including the abdominals, thighs, and lower back. The chair, which retails for under $250 US, has nine speeds and comes in three sizes. It appeals to people would love to lose weight sitting down. They slide, rock, and twist, imagining the pounds are melting off their waistline. The swiveling base of the chair is supposed to tighten abs while you sit. Alas, sitting is the antithesis of exercise. The Hawaii chairâregardless of clever advertisingâdoes nothing for fitness. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Toning Shoes
The market is flooded with all sorts of athletic shoes. Their promises are lofty and unrealistic. While you need good support, no shoe is going to make you fit. Itâs what you do while wearing it that matters on the fitness meter. Toning shoes promise to tighten your buttocks and sculpt muscles from there to your toes. Save the over $100 US on such toning shoes as Skechers toning shoes made famous by such celebrities as Kim Kardashian, and Brooke Burke. Toning shoes are not a good way to stay fit. These shoes donât do anything different from any other athletic shoe.
Abs Belts
The theory is that using shock technology similar to that used in some physical therapy treatments would help fitness buffs develop that coveted six-pack. Abs belts shoot electrical impulses through your abs, causing your muscles to contract. Nice idea in theory but the upwards to $200 US would be better spent on a good exercise machine or a gym membership. Getting that six-pack from an abs belt is a fantasy. Abs belts donât work, and they can even be dangerous.
Dancing Poles
Just because the average pole dancer in your favorite bar is agile and slim is no guarantee she got that way from pole dancing. Nevertheless, pole dancing as a fitness fad is sweeping the womenâs home fitness centers. This new exercise trend appeals to young women who want to look sexy while getting fit. However, home poles often come loose. Sweaty hands can lose their grip. It might add zing to your sex life but it wonât make you fit and it could result in serious head injury. Pole dancing should be left to highly trained professionals.
Vibrate the Weight off
A fitness fad of the fifties, vibrating lap belts have made a comeback with people hoping to trim fat, and sculpt their bodies without sweating. The theory is that while you are grocery shopping, vacuuming, working, walking or even just sitting, jiggly belts or the Shake Weight, a vibrating dumbbell, will shake off the fat. They arenât very expensive at around $20 US but in terms of effectiveness, a good set of real barbells is better value.
Weight Loss Remedies
Do weight loss pills sound too good to be true? These weight loss âmiracleâ pills that supposedly boost metabolism often contain hydroxcitric acid, chromium picolinate, or ephedra. Not only is there absolutely no nutritional value but weight loss pills, powders, and supplements can cause serious side effects. Spend your money on fruits and vegetables and green tea instead.
Fitness Videos and DVDs
Sure those fitness videos all purporting to leave you with a body like Jane Fonda, Jillian Michaels, Cher, O.J. Simpson, or Chuck Norris are tempting. The concept of getting a home workout appeals to cost and convenience. However, there is a lot of junk on the market paraded under the guise of celebrity endorsements. Choose wisely or consult a fitness instructor for an effective fitness routine.
