FIT 'n FOLD STRIDER: Infomercial Review

Let me explain to you what the Fit 'n Fold is, according to their commercial, before I explain to you what's good about the device and what's terrible about the commercial.

Fit 'n Fold is an exercise device that offers what the company calls "dual-action suspended walking" exercise. In plain terms, that means it has a ski-like place to put each foot. When you're standing on them, you're up a foot or two from the floor. This foot apparatus is connected to a handle, so using the handles and "ski" parts, you swing your arms and legs back and forth. It offers a very intense and yet fun workout. You can get in 15 minutes a workout for your legs, thighs, arms and abdomen equivalent to 45 minutes at the gym. It really does work great and is highly recommended.

I just have one issue, and that's with the commercial. The spokesperson says, "It moves the way you move."

Really? I mean, who seriously moves like that in their daily lives? Moving on the Fit' n Fold means moving your feet out high in front of you, almost knee level, and then backwards the same distance. It means moving your arms straight out in front of you with every stride. The only people who moved like this in real life were the German or Russian soldiers when they're marching. (Why DO they march with their legs lifted high in front like that?)

Nevertheless, if you want a fast workout that is as intense as a much longer workout, you need to buy the Fit 'n Fold. And by the way, if you plan to join the German or Russian army, you too should buy it--just to get in practice.

More Infomercials!

share on:facebook

POWER PLANK: Infomercial Review

People in infomercials work out in the craziest places. And in the craziest ways. Just take a look at the Power Plank commercial to see what I mean.

I don't want you to misunderstand me. I think that Power Plank is one of the finest exercise devices available. For those not familiar with it, Power Plank positions you on the machine, face down, in an inclined position. Your knees go on a pad that is moveable, and you use your arm and upper body strength to move your knees up in kind of a reverse crunch movement. I've seen very few products that fire up the abs and the core like Power Plank does.

So it's not the machine itself that I find curious. It's the unusual places that people use it. In the commercial, we find some woman in a curious ballet-like pose, about to use the Power Plank--at the beach? A few seconds later, someone else has decided to carry her Power Plank to the lake and exercise right by the water. Someone else has it in the park, underneath some palm trees.

I understand the claim that you can assemble Power Plank in a matter of a couple of minutes. I understand how light it is, as well. Still, no matter how fast you can put it together and take it apart, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't set it up at the park. I'm just funny about wanting a little bit of privacy when I exercise.

The good thing is that there's no requirement that you use the Power Plank on the beach or at the lake. You can also use it at home. And for those who choose to do so, there's no better way to exercise than with the Power Plank.

More Infomercials!

share on:facebook

CARazy TABLE: Infomercial Review

If you haven't seen the infomercial For CARazy Table, let me explain the concept to you. This is a mobile desk for your car. It fits over your steering wheel to create something similar to the pull-down tray on an airliner. It stays perfectly balanced and provides convenient spots to hold anything that you might need to use in the car. It's one of the coolest ideas I've seen on an infomercial, because frankly, it's something I could use. For two reasons. First, it's great for eating meals when you want to go to McDonalds or Burger King and eat in the parking lot. Second, it's great for doing some work on my laptop when I'm waiting for someone (which I do often).

The CARaziest thing about CARazy Table, though, is the warning label that some lawyer forced them to include. The warning on the website says, "DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE WHILE USING THIS PRODUCT." Really? Are there people out there stupid enough to think that this is meant to allow you to type on your computer while driving?

Then again, there probably really are people who think that. After all, stupid people forced the following actual labels on actual products:

* Window Cleaner: "Avoid Spraying in Eyes"

* Toilet Plunger: "Not for Use Near Power Lines"

* Dremel (Power Tool): "Should Not Be Used As a Dental Drill"

* Disposable Lighter: "Ignite Away From the Face"

* Hairdryer: "Never Use While Sleeping"

* Iron: "Avoid Ironing While Wearing Garment"

* Frozen TV Dinner: "Defrost Before Use"

So yeah, maybe it does need to be stated: Please don't try to use the CARazy mobile desk while you're driving. But for the smart person who needs to be organized and productive while he's waiting in his automobile, no warning is necessary: Just buy it!



share on:facebook

WALK FIT IN-SOLES: Infomercial Review

While watching a recent infomercial for Walk Fit in-soles, I was reminded of a bizarre incident in my life. One day, while in college, I was walking down the road--and I was pulled over by a police officer for "drunk walking." No joke. Curious situation, since I've never drunk any alcohol in my life. It turns out that, because I was especially tired that day, I was weaving back and forth while I walked. You'll be happy to know that I passed the sobriety test and got off with a warning to stay out of the road.

I thought about this because the guy in the Walk Fit commercial, BEFORE he bought the insoles, was walking just like I was. He looked positively drunk. Then after putting Walk Fit in his shoes, he was the picture of perfect balance.

Watch Video

If you're not familiar with it, Walk Fit goes inside your shoes to line up your heels with the ball of your feet, to provide comfortable, balanced standing and walking. The in-soles also feature gel pacs to keep your tootsies nice and comfy.

I actually bought some Walk Fit in-soles for myself. Not because of my "drunk walking" problem, but because I have high arches. And they really do make all the difference in how I feel and stand. I'm sure they will improve my overall health as well.

Mind you, when the commercial boasted that these things feature "bio lock design" and "meta-tarsal and sagital support," my response was--"HUH?" But when they talked about walking with more comfort and more balance, I was on board.

And I still am. I highly recommend Walk Fit. But only if you're walking sober. Otherwise, just stay home.

Go To Official Site

share on:facebook

CARDIO TWISTER: Infomercial Review

Hey, another product that promises to "make exercise fun." The sad thing is that many people still fall for the myth that exercise can be fun. Enjoyable, even. A few of us, though, know this is impossible.

The product I'm talking about is CARDIO TWISTER. This is an exercise device that has a rotating handlebar and this "multi-directional step" device. Think of it as a torture device that twists your body in all kinds of positions you ever thought possible---all in the name of helping you lose weight. Also included with the system are two workout DVDs and meal plans.

Watch Video

My brother, by the way, is one who has fallen for the "lie" of fun exercise. After buying Cardio Twister, he insists that it has been more responsible than anything else for his weight loss. And he insists **snicker** that it IS fun. Poor brainwashed fellow.

Speaking of brainwashed, look at the ridiculous people in the commercial for Cardio Twister. Every single one of them has this ridiculous smile on their face, as they exercise. Now hear this, infomercial makers of the world: NOBODY SMILES while they exercise! Nobody! If you go into a gym and see a bunch of people, not talking to anyone, but just lifting weights or running on the treadmill, and smiles are on every face--you need to run. That's not a gym; it's a cult.

In fact, the people in this commercial are pretty much exercising by themselves--still smiling, though. And unless you've just seen or heard something funny, you don't usually do anything by yourself, smiling.

So what have we learned today? Despite my brother's assertion that he enjoys Cardio Twister: Exercise is not fun, people in gyms do not smile while working out, and people by themselves rarely smile at all. THERE'S a lesson for your next DVD.

Go To Official Site

share on:facebook