During one restless night last month, I decided to move to the couch to see if the TV would put me to sleep. Instead, I found myself watching some late night infomercial, and in my exhausted stupor I caught myself thinking, "Wow. That really might be something I need." Thankfully, I fell asleep before I could do anything about it.

Have you bought exercise equipment that either doesn't do what it claims to do or just sits in your corner as an unused showpiece? I'm sure you aren't alone. Ever since Suzanne Somers showed up on TV screens with her Thigh Master, it seems like manufacturers have been putting out one device after another.

Consumer Reports recently reviewed many of the more popular exercise devices. In nearly every case, CR found that simpler exercises (like walking, free weights, mat work, etc.) were at least if not more efficient than using the device. It's a good reminder that fitness need not be complicated or expensive.