How to invest in the right exercise equipment

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There are few things more valuable than your health, but should you invest in exercise equipment, a gym membership or gizmos advertised on infomercials that promise to melt away pounds in a few minutes a day?Consumer Reports tries to answer those questions in its February issue, out now. If you've resolved to get in shape this year, it's worth checking out. Some of the content is available free at www.consumerreports.org.The bottom line: Although there are ways to get in shape for free -- like running, walking and doing calisthenics -- anything that gets you to exercise might be worth an investment. But be realistic about how often you will work out and the results you can expect. And read the fine print on any contract or product claim.Consumer Reports critiqued 10 lower-cost products that have been heavily advertised on television infomercials. Prices range from $50 to $300 plus shipping and handling, which generally add $20 to $50 but could reach $90, says Jamie Hirsh, an associate editor with the magazine.Some devices -- such as the $210 Ab Lounge XL or a $50 inflatable rocking chair called the Bean -- make exercise look almost as easy as relaxing on the couch."Infomercials are compelling," Hirsh says. "They show these tanned fit bodies working out, and they look like they're having a great time."Most of the products target a specific body part but seem to promise dramatic weight loss and total-body improvement. The secret?All but one come with diet plans, some "very restrictive," Hirsh says. "They also recommend, in addition to the miracle 60 seconds on the device, aerobic exercise. They'll refer to 'systems.' I think that's how they keep it legal. The system consists of a machine, a reduced-calorie diet plus aerobic exercise in a lot of cases."Rating health clubs: Consumer Reports asked more than 10,000 Web site subscribers to rate health clubs they had used in the past six months on criteria such as staff, equipment, classes, crowds, cleanliness and billing.Almost across the board, independent and nonprofit options such as community centers, universities, offices, YMCAs and Jewish Community Centers fared better than for-profit chains. One exception: Lifetime Fitness, a chain that operates in 15 states rated second out of 15 options both independent and commercial.Kent Wipf, a spokesman for the publicly held company, explains that when Lifetime started 15 years ago, "We had no long-term contracts. That was revolutionary at that point." The founder's philosophy was, "if you have me locked up for 35 months, what is my motivation to make you happy tomorrow? I have to earn your business every day."The top-rated option was independent yoga/dance/Pilates studios. Office gyms and community centers ranked third and fourth, followed by Jewish centers, school gyms and YMCAs.Ranking last was Bally Total Fitness. It got the lowest two out of five scores on "pretty much everything," Hirsh says. Bally filed for bankruptcy in mid-2007, just before the survey was conducted. The clubs stayed open and Bally emerged from bankruptcy in October.Bally spokeswoman Karyn Petkus says, "We have many satisfied and loyal long-term members. Since this survey we have invested almost $30 million in upgrades and equipment."In choosing a gym, know what's important. "Even gyms that score lower might be right for some people. If you need support and motivation, the big gyms are more likely to have electronic tracking systems and lots of personal trainers," Hirsh says. Before joining, get a free visitor's pass, go back several times at different days and times, and check out classes and locker rooms.Clubs often run specials in January, but don't feel pressured to join now. Promotions are common throughout the year. Bigger machines: For those who prefer sweating in the privacy of their homes, Consumer Reports also rated elliptical and treadmill machines sold at places like Sears, Wal-Mart and sporting goods stores.With these machines, "you really do get what you pay for," says Consumer Reports Managing Editor Robert Tiernan. "The more expensive machines tend to have more features and more durable construction so you could get a very good workout."The magazine rated 16 folding and 13 nonfolding treadmill models that cost $500 to $3,500. For serious running, you probably should spend at least $2,000 on a nonfolding treadmill, Tiernan says. For power walking, a lower-priced folding model is probably OK.Always try before buying any machine. Make sure it doesn't bounce around too much, matches your stride, doesn't hit any body parts or make you seasick.E-mail Kathleen Pender at kpender(at)sfchronicle.com.(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)