While gym memberships have slid since 2006, home gym equipment sales continue to grow. Fitness infomercials are among the most popular TV commercials used to sell home exercise equipment. Of the six most profitable infomercial products, three are related to fitness. (1, 2)
Most of us dream about enjoying amazing workout results by investing only minimal time and effort. Fitness infomercials are designed to create this fantasy, which lulls us into purchasing products that may not live up to their claims.
The Successful Infomercial Program Profile and Fitness Products
Successful infomercial programs promote products that:
*are reasonably-priced, *are revolutionary and innovative, *cannot be found anywhere else, *can make life easier and better, and *produce immediate, transformational results. (3)
In order to fit this profile, marketers of fitness products often promote the fantasy of fast fitness. While the notion of undergoing a rapid body transformation appeals to the viewer, product claims may exceed the ability of the human body to achieve such accelerated results.
Many fitness gadgets have been taken to task by consumer groups for making unsubstantiated claims. While some products have been tested and shown to be reasonable supplements to a total exercise program, others are ineffective. (4, 5)
Despite consumer complaints and negative reviews, however, sales from fitness infomercials are booming. Why? Infomercial marketing tactics intrigue and motivate us to purchase a product regardless of its quality or effectiveness.
7 Common Marketing Tactics that Sell the Fast-Fitness Fantasy
These 7 common marketing tactics used in fitness infomercials target our emotions, establish product credibility, and offer bargains we can’t seem to refuse.
1. Emotions: Ads aim at the very core of our being–our sense of self and, perhaps, our vanity. They strike the chords of our emotions and play on our universal dreams, desires, and needs.
Our imaginations begin to mold our fantasies. Next, they establish credibility and trust, while easing skepticism about the ability of the product to fulfill our dreams of scupting a gorgeous body.
2. Testimonials: We listen to the stories of peers who profess amazing results from using the product and toy with the notion that, just maybe, it will work for us, too.
3. Endorsements: We tend to trust the word of celebrities, trainers, and elite athletes. If Oprah endorses a product, that pretty much seals the deal for many of us.
4. Scientific research: If a fitness device is based on a new scientific discovery or is university tested, isn’t that real proof that it is effective? Not necessarily!
Each of these confidence-building strategies has its shortcomings. Results claimed by compensated models may well be due to their total weight control and exercise program, rather than due to the product itself.
Scientific studies conducted or sponsored by manufacturers are often disclosed only upon request. Even results from university research may not be accurately represented in fitness infomercials, particularly if all of the findings do not support the fast-fitness profile. (5)
Nonetheless, according to one survey, viewers are more likely to trust infomercials than Congress, used car salesmen, and corporate executives! (3)
Once they have gained some reasonable level of our confidence in the product, they attempt to close the sale by:
5. Overcoming objections and upping the ante: Marketers emphasize the uniqueness of the product and urge us to accept no substitutes. They create a sense of urgency with limited-time offers and great bargains for the shopper in us.
6. Guaranteeing no risk: If you don’t get results, you will get a full refund! So, what have you got to lose?
7. Being persistent: Fitness infomercials repeat the same message frequently. Repetition, particularly late at night when our subconscious minds are more vulnerable, may well tap into the power of suggestion that prompts the buy.
Sold! Viewers will generally watch for 13 to 15 minutes before calling.
Add-On Sales For More Quick Profits
The purchase decision may be just the beginning of profits from fitness infomercials. Shipping, handling, and taxes are expected. But as a new, enthusiastic buyer, beware that you are likely to encounter a barrage of add-ons before you have completed the transaction. Pay close attention, or your credit card may automatically be charged monthly for additional products. And later, if you exercise your money- back guarantee, you may get the runaround from an automated system.
All told, you may pay the original advertised price many times over and, unfortunately, never see results. At some point you may come to realize that your fast-fitness fantasy was, from the start, the manufacturer’s quick-profit, dream-come-true at the expense of consumers.
Consumer Knowledge is Power
Do not let your emotions override patience and logic. Take a step back and research the fitness infomercial product and its claims. If you can move past the impulse buy:
*Check out user reviews on the specific product of interest. *Visit consumer-related sites before buying exercise equipment. *Ask the opinion of a fitness professional, preferably one who has formal training and an advanced degree in exercise science. *If you decide that the product is worth a try, be sure to read the fine print on the website.
Educate yourself by learning fundamental exercise and weight control principles so that unsubstantiated product claims will be more transparent to you. Fitness knowledge gives you the power to prevent falling for the fast-fitness fantasy before you make the purchase.
References:
1. Consumer Reports. (2009, January 6). Tip of the day: Choose a home exercise machine to fit your budget. Retrieved January 19, 2009, from http://blogs.consumerreports.org/health/2009/01/home-workout.html?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=1
2. The Marqui Automation Company. (2005, May 7). The all-powerful infomercial. Retrieved January 18, 2009, from http://www.marqui.com/blog/the_allpowerful.aspx
3. Infomercial Marketing. (2006, April 7). The right kind of product for an infomercial is… Retrieved January 19, 2009, from http://infomercialmarketing.wordpress.com/2006/04/
4. Federal Trade Commission. (2003, November). Avoiding the muscle hustle: Tips for buying exercise equipment. Retrieved January 18, 2009, from http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt113.shtm
5. Consumer Reports. (2009, January). Assessing exercise infomercials’ claims. Retrieved January 19, 2009, from http://www.consumerreports.org/health/healthy-living/fitness/staying-fit/infomercial-exercise-2-08/how-they-tested/infomercial-exercise-equipment-how-they-test.htm
Fitness Infomercials – How They Create The Fast-Fitness Fantasy For Quick Profits
July 19th, 2011How to Reach Better Health Through Better Nutrition
June 29th, 2011Nutrition has a vital importance to human survival. Nutrition is , after all, a matter familiar to every human being. There are many reasons to explain the link between nutrition and health. There is an inescapable link between the source, the food and the healthy consumer. Our physical body needs more than wholesome nutrition: mind and consciousness play a significant role in our well-being. The future of mankind lies not in cures, but in disease prevention. Through creating awareness based on these facts, we can heal ourselves.The link between nutrition and health is mainly focused around the role of macro-nutrients, vitamins and minerals and the importance of water. There are dietary habits that could undermine our health and these habits can be overcome , if we make the effort to know more about the effects they have on our health and get rid of unhealthy social trends.
The link between nutrition and health is necessary to achieve optimal health and, in order to deepen this knowledge, it is essential to know the nutritional value of our food intake. Water plays also an essential part of our basic needs. City tap water has come to be considered a processed, unnatural substance. The are fortunately various sources of water available to us. Each individual needs a certain amount of water in order to get an optimal support to his body functions. There are many pollutants in the city tap water like lead, radon and nitrates and those have effects on the body and can be dangerous over time. The water does not stay in the body long enough and therefore the thirst signal is never satisfied. To ward off dehydration and it’s side effects, it is best to supply good quality drinking water. It is a proven fact that food remains one of the most essential elements of life and good nutrition is a clear path to optimize our quality of life. Nutrition and good eating habits have healing effects and can change life in such positive way. Good nutrition practice can help you to achieve your goals in life. In order to live a much healthier lifestyle, it is essential that good nutrition support its foundation. Health and Nutrition are like heads and tails. -Nutrition has a vital importance to human survival. Nutrition refers to the nurturing of our body , in our ability to provide the body with all it’s necessary food, vitamins, and minerals so that we continue to thrive in our daily life processes. It is estimated that 80% of the population is lacking in at least one of the vitamins and minerals. A calcium deficiency, for example, brings on osteoporosis. This disease alone costs millions in medical expense to the population. The link between nutrition and health is necessary to achieve optimal health and to make sure to provide our body with the essential nutritional needs. Staying healthy with nutrition is a clear path to optimize our quality of life. However,nutrition is one of the most complex area to gain useful knowledge about, because there are so many components, and because each person has it’s own individual needs constantly changing. Therefore, continual education about nutrition is a fact of life. Good nutrition should be the ultimate goal of every person alive. In order to reach this goal, enzymes are necessary to get the proper nutrients from the food. Gest Health can support your quest for the proper nutrients for your body and Multi Complete will provide your body with the vitamins and minerals needed .Water is also essential, 8 glasses a day with filtered water and you are done.Take action now and enjoy a better life. Gilles Coulombe B.A. B.LL D.S.A.
For more information, go to My Site
Weight Loss Diet Learn To Control Hunger
June 1st, 2011Two of the main reasons that we find it hard to lose weight is because of the fat that is absorbed in our body and because we get hungry. If we eat a good meal then everything we eat instantly turns to fat. If we eat only small portions or “rabbit food” then we get hungry and\’need to eat more. It\’s a vicious circle that many dieters face everyday.
Dieting is much easier once you learn to control hunger throughout the day. Over the past decade, a variety of products have come to market to control hunger. One popular way many dieters are suppressing their appetites is by drinking protein shakes as replacement meals. The more protein you take in, the more fat your body will burn.
The question to ask today is, do any safe appetite suppressants exist? About 10 years ago there was a national epidemic of people dying because of taking a popular appetite suppressant that caused major health issues. However, there are indeed safe and practical alternatives to these dangerous hunger control supplements.
Fibers
Do you know that there are several types of foods which are rich in fiber? If you eat such foods frequently, suppressing your appetite and getting rid of hunger would be as easy as pie for you, since fiber keeps you full for a long time. Besides, fiber-rich foods also keep you from gaining weight by maintaining your normal blood sugar level. One such food is the good old apple.
Yet another fiber-rich food is legumes and nuts. Whenever I feel hungry, I often eat grams, black beans, peas, soybeans, groundnuts, etc., of course in raw forms. They are not only a good and easy way to keep hunger away for a considerable period of time but also helpful in weight loss, since they too are rich in protein content just like eggs.
Hoodia Gordonii
What is the best appetite suppressant on the market today?\’ This is a question that millions of us ask ourselves every day. The best appetite suppressants are ones that contain natural antioxidants. Don\’t settle for less when your health depends on the results.
Right now, one of the most trusted herbal appetite suppressants is the supplement made from Hoodia. Not only is it able to prevent you from binge eating because of its appetite reduction mechanism, it also makes you feel full. When taken properly, hunger control is possible, and your weight loss goals can be achieved with less pain.
A natural appetite suppressant without any bad side effects is what every dieter hopes for. This is a way to control your appetite without having to resort to drugs. It is possible for you to use hoodia while on a calorie controlled diet. It is always advisable to drink plenty of fresh water and to exercise regularly. Strong appetite suppressants are formulated to suppress the appetite while increasing an individual\’s metabolism helping to burn more calories.
So appetite suppressants are currently the most effective diet remedies to prevent you gaining weight again. Some appetite suppressants are addictive, and their effect tends to wear off if used over an extended time, such that people need to take larger doses to produce the same result, which in turn increases the risk of addiction, which in turn increases other risks.
Most natural appetite suppressants are usually considered safer, although it is important to remember that the overuse of even the most natural, unprocessed product can still have serious side effects.
Exercise
Exercise can also help you control your appetite and weight, and it has a number of other positive health effects. Exercise and eating the right foods are instrumental as well, but if you are hungry all of the time you will likely eat more than you should.
To get the best weight loss results this medication is used in combination with a well planned diet and exercise to reduce weight. Never have there been so numerous weight loss remedies and appetite suppressants available and these tablets are employed for the short-term management of weight collectively with suitable diet and physical exercise.
Even so, to maximize the impact they could have, exercise, a healthy diet and not pigging out on your preferred foods can go a long way in bolstering the effects of taking them. When used in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise program, it can help you lose weight more quickly.
When it comes to losing weight, it is easier said than it is to do… If you think thin and take on that very positive attitude prior to your weight loss efforts, you will have won half the battle.