The other night I was sitting on my soft comfy couch. It was late about 10 PM, and I was watching TV. There wasn't all that much on, that I cared to watch anyway, until I flipped the channel one last time.

What I saw was so entertaining, it was full of humor and deceit, it was extremely popular as well. What was it, let's see..... "Introducing the revolutionary new Body by Jake Ab Scissor Ultra the real machine that delivers real results in just 4 minutes a day"

Are you excited?

I tell you I am. Having a background in Gyms & Fitness I really enjoy watching these infomercials touting their various claims.

But, for the most part this ab gizmo could be a path to failure and regression. Not only that, it would be a waste of money and time.

How does this happen, take a look.

"The secret is the Ab Scissor Ultra's patented gravitational linkage system, a biomechanical breakthrough, that creates the perfect synchronized abdominal motion, "The Scissor Crunch"." All I can say is wow, Gravitational Linkage, that sounds fancy. Doesn't that sound like what you find at a health club.

These infomercial always try to confuse people with their hocus pocus like terminology, this one happens to be the "gravitational linkage", and they all have their own gimmick.

It kind reminds me of watching an episode of some show on the sci-fi channel where they throw around fancy language.

To an average viewer, these breakthrough technologies can sound quite truthful, and like they really are something new and exciting that may be worthwhile. I'm not here to say that all Ab Gadgets in Gyms are "completely" worthless, they are just pretty close to it.

You don't need any of them. They're usually just stored away after the 1st week of use and no results.

They can stimulate your abdominal muscles, that is true. A study by the American Council on Exercise confirmed this and stated that.... "Those Ab devices provide no apparent benefit or detriment when compared to a properly performed crunch.

The one we talked about is just one of a plethora of these contraptions. Six Second Abs, Ab Doer, Ab Swing, Torso Track, Ab Dolly, Ab Rocker are some others, just to name a few. They certainly sound great, but they're not.

You may say, "Hey Gym And Fitness Expert Zach, what about all those great before and after pictures they show, aren't those real, they must be they always have such excellent results and a dramatic change between the pictures."

Let's see one such example!!

"I lost 20 pounds, and reduced my body fat by over 14%, I'm happy, I'm really happy."

I was watching the infomercial and when I was looking carefully - "Let's see, oh, it says, "Weight loss achieved by low calorie diet and regular exercise"

But I thought it was from the Ab Scissor, oh well. Not only that, there is other deception involved.

If you look at a before and after picture you often see dramatic changes that seem inspiring. This is very deceptive, let's look at some common trickery. here are just a few changes between the 2 photos.

Before Photo:

1. Stomach relaxed

2. Slouching

3. Loose fitting clothes

4. Poor Lighting

5. Unshaven

After Photo

1. Stomach in

2. Standing up straight

3. Form fitting clothes

4. Good Lighting

5. Shaved

While I'm sure it would be fun to use some of these devices - I know I would have some fun, however, it would not be worthwhile as far as gyms are concerned.

They are pretty much a waste of time and money and you are better off to not even join a Gym and use them even if they were free. Conventional ab exercises are just as effective and you don't need any special equipment.

Next time you see that late night infomercial for the Ab Eraser XL for 11 easy payments of $12.95, you know what to do, first hide your credit cards, then watch it for the entertainment value.