How to Stop Wasting Money on Health Gimmicks
Every time I see a compelling ad for a new health or fitness product, or hear about a teasing trend, I have to admit that I am seduced just like everyone else. Sometimes everything looks cool! I picture myself like the people in the ad reaping the promised benefits – and then I break out of it and ask myself two questions.
- Does this solve the real problem?
- Is this the best way to solve this problem?
Both questions filter out nonsense pretty quickly, but the second has the added value of helping you find the best solution, whatever your problem really is. You may not buy what the ad says at all, but as a result of your research, you will find something better, cheaper, or more suitable.
Here’s an example: There is a company selling electrolyte powder that you can throw in a water bottle. The ad copy claims the product can “deliver hydration into your bloodstream faster and more efficiently than water alone.” So let’s ask us two questions:
- Was I confused by the problem of not getting enough fluid into my bloodstream? No, not at all.
- We don’t even need a second question.
Does this mean that all electrolyte powders are useless? Not really. It just depends on what problem they are trying to solve. If I was preparing for a marathon and doing a lot of long, sweaty runs, I would like to make sure to replace the sodium that I sweat. So, I could look at the same product, but I’ll start with a different question:
- Does this solve my problem of getting enough electrolytes while running? While the label is being checked, yes.
- Is this the best way to solve this problem? Okay, maybe. I have several options.
There are several electrolyte tablets and powders on the market; they are handy because you can wear them dry and add them to your water bottle along the way. Another option is to drink watered down Gatorade. Another way is to hydrate with water and allow my food to replenish electrolytes after a run. Now that I have a list of options, I can consider the pros and cons of each. Maybe I’ll end up buying the thing that initially pushed me into this thought process, or maybe I’ll find that another option will solve my problem better.
Let’s try a few more. (I’ve seen all of this recently in a commercial.)
Supplements that increase immunity:
- Are they solving the real problem? I don’t want to get sick, so in that sense, yes.
- Are they the best way to solve this problem? No, strengthening the immune system is not a panacea . If I am afraid of contracting COVID, then it is best to stay at home as long as possible and wear masks when I am outside.
Lightweight plastic rods:
- Are they solving the real problem? Yes, if I didn’t have dumbbells at home yet, I would love to have something I can lift without investing in a home gym.
- Are they the best way to solve this problem? Well, all of them (I have been advertised by several brands) are expensive and really don’t hold much weight. So if I start working with them now, I will need to quickly replace them with something heavier. Better to buy something more versatile, like heavy resistance bands or a pair of kettlebells, or skimp on a real barbell and cymbals.
Leggings with pockets:
- Are they solving the real problem? YES. Clothes without pockets are the curse of my existence.
- Are they the best way to solve this problem? In theory, yes. On a product-specific basis, some brands of leggings fit better and last longer than others. I asked some friends for advice and now I have several pairs of leggings with pockets that I really like.
The answers to two questions will be personal as they relate to whether the product solves your problem. Go ahead and try it next time you come across a product or trend (or even a workout style!) That you enjoy.