As Seen on TV Fitness Gear: Buy or Change the Channel?

We tested seven toning systems to see if the hype holds up.

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The claim A "treadmill for your abs!" It will help you "lose your love handles" in just two weeks, for a "rock hard body."

The gist Kneel on this machine and swivel from side to side. Follow the routine on the 30-minute DVD, or if you're in a hurry, pop in the three-minute quickie version. It also includes a 10-day meal plan that encourages eating more often.

$150; AbCirclePro.com

Tester's Take

"Rather than promising six-pack success in two weeks, the program should pledge a tighter tummy from all the laughing you'll do! Fun, yes, but I felt only my obliques working." —Jaclyn Emerick, editorial assistant

★★☆☆☆

10-Minute Trainer

The claim Clock all of your cardio and strength training in only 10 minutes a day for "amazing results in record time."

The gist Tony Horton, the guru behind celeb favorite P90X, created this intense workout. Do at least one of the five 10-minute DVDs daily for a month. You get a mix of cardio drills, such as side shuffling, a resistance band for sculpting moves and a meal plan of 10-minute dishes (a low 1,200 calories—self suggests a minimum of 1,400 for weight loss).

$80; BeachBody.com

Tester's Take

"I lost a few pounds and an inch off my waist in a month, even though I didn't do the diet. The DVDs are so speedy, I could do two a day, and I have the defined arms to prove it." —Marissa Stephenson, fitness editor

★★★★☆

MORE FROM SELF: Find the Right Workout For YOU with SELF's Workout Finder

PT 24/7

The claim "You get double the workout in half the time," for results "in only seven days."

The gist He's back! Our former Tae Bo crush, Billy Blanks, guides you through 30-minute workouts on seven DVDs. Tackle cardio and strength at once with boxing gloves and a resistance band that attaches to hands and feet. Do DVDs five days a week for a month. You also get a meal plan high in fiber and lean protein.

$90; BillyBlanksPT247.com

Tester's Take

"I saw changes in my arms after two weeks (not one). They're more toned but not scarily so. You do a new DVD every day, so it's almost impossible to get bored." —Carin Gorrell, nutrition director

★★★★☆

Bender Ball

The claim "The Bender Ball gives you a workout that's up to 408 percent more effective than ordinary crunches!"

The gist Position the inflatable 8-inch ball under your lower back, and follow the DVD's 15-minute medley of souped-up tummy toners. Use it on your lower body, too: A butt and thigh routine is included. There's a low-calorie meal plan online, but it falls short of healthy fats (which you need to absorb certain vitamins).

$13; BenderBall.com

Tester's Take

"I didn't end up with a super sculpted stomach, but I feel stronger in my core. Because the workout is only 15 minutes, it's easy to do every day. And the ball is portable. I even brought it on a cruise!" —Hadley Garrettson, art assistant

★★★★☆

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