Separating Fact from Separating Fact from Fiction in the Fitness Fiction in the Fitness

IndustryIndustryJohn P. Porcari, Ph.D., FACSM, MAACVPR

La Crosse Exercise and Health ProgramUniversity of Wisconsin – La Crosse

Can thigh creams, belly busters, and butt burners give you the body you’ve always wanted?

Can you drink your way to better performance?

The Placebo EffectThe Placebo Effect

““Toning Shoes”Toning Shoes”

• Rocker soles or “pods”

create instability (like walking in sand)

• This purportedly results in:

– Increased muscle usage (EMG) in the back, thighs, buttocks, and calf = better “toning”

– Increased caloric expenditure = faster weight loss

Toning Shoes

• Can you really “get in shape without setting foot in the gym?”

Which ab machines will give you a six-pack?

Shocking results from EMS!Shocking results from EMS!

Power Balance or Power of Persuasion?

Will the shake weight give you the arms you’ve always wanted in just 6

minutes a day?

Are walking poles worth the ridicule?

What is the best exercise What is the best exercise (machine)?(machine)?