Just in time for tackling that resolution to get in shape, Consumer Reports tested three exercise products advertised on TV infomercials.
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They tested Jay Glazer's Perfect Punch, Rhythm Rocker by Kymaro and the Nautilus CoreBody Reformer for women.
"We rounded up staffers to try out each product," said Consumer Reports' Kim Kleman. "We called on a fitness industry expert to evaluate each one. We even had our nutrition expert take a look at the diets that came with two of the products."
The $30 Perfect Punch uses mixed martial arts techniques to get you in shape. But Consumer Reports found you can burn roughly the same amount of calories jogging 4.5 miles per hour for 16 minutes. Also, testers complained it was uncomfortable.
The $99 Rhythm Rocker comes with several different workouts and a nutrition guide. Panelists tried the 11.5 minutes dance blast video. Turns out, you burn the equivalent of walking two miles an hour on a treadmill.
"As for the seven-day diet, it's pretty strict, so you could probably lose weight," Kleman said. "But, our nutrition expert said it offered limited food optinsa nd no maintenance program."
The $250 Nautilus CoreBody Reformer for women combines yoga, Pilates and dance in one workout. Panelists found some of the balance exercises were tricky, but overall the machine tested well.
"The workouts are well-rounded, and if you're somewhat fit and are looking to improve your strength and flexibility, it might be one to consider," Kleman said.
Consumer Reports said the CoreBody diet is also easy to follow, and you can lose a slow and steady one or two pounds a week.