Here's a thread about BodyFlex from the 3FC archives:
Body Flex?
Just as a point of reference here is an article regarding their FTC violation:
Quote:
FTC Charges BodyFlex Marketers With False Advertising
NOVEMBER 11, 2003 -- The Federal Trade Commission has sued the marketers of the BodyFlex+ System for falsely advertising that BodyFlex causes fast inch loss and fat loss. The FTC's complaint, filed in federal district court, names as defendants Savvier Inc. and Savvier LP, California companies; their principals, Jack Ching Chung Chang, Jeffrey T. Tuller, and Keith Greer; and BodyFlex "creator" and spokesperson Greer Childers.
The BodyFlex+ System includes a Gym Bar and a breathing technique. The BodyFlex 18-minute "workout" involves several minutes of deep breathing and stretching, followed by exercises with the BodyFlex Gym Bar. The defendants have promoted BodyFlex through a heavily aired national infomercial and on the Internet at xxxxxxxxxxxxx.
The defendants claim that, "in just seven days you can lose from four to 14 inches guaranteed with BodyFlex Plus." According to the ads, the BodyFlex breathing is the "secret to burning fat," because it supposedly "will supercharge your blood with fat-burning oxygen and you'll lose inches fast." BodyFlex ads emphasize that the "workout" takes only minutes a day and can be performed sitting down. The defendants stress that the "program is not about food."
"These claims of fast, easy inch loss without diet or exercise exploit the millions of overweight Americans looking for an effective weight-loss and exercise program," said Howard Beales, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "Frankly, we think BodyFlex's breathtaking claims are full of hot air."
The FTC complaint alleges that the defendants have falsely claimed that:
1) BodyFlex causes users to lose from four to 14 inches across six body areas in the first seven days without reducing calories;
2) BodyFlex causes users to burn enough body fat to achieve the claimed inch loss in seven days;
(3) A clinical study proves that BodyFlex causes significant fat and inch loss in the first seven days.
The FTC asked the court to issue an immediate temporary restraining order for all defendants, except Childers, to prohibit them from making the challenged false claims, and freezing their assets, and require an immediate accounting. Childers has stipulated to the entry of a temporary order that prohibits her from making the challenged claims, freezes certain of her assets, and requires an accounting. The FTC also is seeking preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, including redress for BodyFlex purchasers.
According to the FTC, the BodyFlex infomercial has been among the 10 most frequently aired infomercials in weekly U.S. rankings, and has aired over 2,000 times from February through September 2003 on national cable channels such as Bravo, The History Channel, and Home & Garden Television. The defendants have spent approximately $22 million to promote BodyFlex through the infomercial, according to the FTC.
The defendants have sold BodyFlex for $39.90, plus $14.95 shipping and handling (totaling $54.85) directly to consumers through their toll-free number or Web site. The product also has been offered for sale on third-party Web sites, such as xxxxx.
The Commission vote to authorize staff to file the complaint was 5-0. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, in Los Angeles, on November 7, 2003.
Well, from what I see on their current website, they've ramped down their previous claims quite a bit. But still that "breathe yourself thin" is pretty much a crock...I've seen plenty of folks in the Yoga and Pilates classes I've attended (for those not familiar, breathing is a BIG DEAL in both, but I've never heard a Yoga or Pilates instructor say that we'd lose pounds by breathing!) that haven't seemed to 'breathe' off their weight.
Given that, I suppose it's just your basic workout video with a big marketing boost - incidentally, for those thinking of purchasing it, I would suggest you skip the infomercial and website (selling for $43 + $15 S&H) and get it from eBay.
Just keep in mind the disclaimer on the website:
Quote:
RESULTS MAY VARY. TYPICAL RESULTS ARE 4.8 INCHES LOST ACROSS 6 BODY PARTS IN 14 DAYS. RESULTS BASED ON FOLLOWING THE COMPLETE BODY FLEX EXERCISE AND DIET PROGRAM. BODY FLEX PROGRAM IS DEEP BREATHING, EXERCISE AND 1600 CALORIE PER DAY MEAL PLAN. PARTICULAR EFFECTS OF INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS HAVE NOT BEEN TESTED.
Pat
OperationSWC , 07-07-2005 03:54 PM
Sushi Penguin , 07-07-2005 11:34 PM
goddess1261 , 07-13-2005 01:22 PM
Amarantha2 , 07-13-2005 04:54 PM
