Question: How effective are all of these abdominal roller machines that are being advertised so heavily? Should I buy one?

        Answer: Every year, the companies that produce annoying fitness infomercials come up with a new machine to market to the public. Most of these machines are new twists on old ideas for the sole purpose of collecting quick profits. The abdominal roller products are based on a concept (a wheel with handles attached to it) that came out in the '70s.

        Yes, these machines can be effective but so can doing abdominal crunches on the floor at no cost. Either way you exercise, you are not going to see your abs unless you exercise consistently and eat nutritiously. Without this consistency, you won't reduce the layer of fat in between your skin and abdominal muscles.

        I recommend concentrating on good exercise and eating habits for eight weeks. Do abdominal crunches on the floor — slowly and without pulling on your neck.

        If you can't see the results after eight weeks, then consider one of these machines. My bet is that you won't need one.

        Dave Patania, a certified personal trainer, welcomes your questions at davpatania@aol.com.

Local ties shine at Golden Globes
Golden Globes winners list
Maruska still talks with the animals
KIESEWETTER: Kathie Lee is doing fine, thank you
Waco Brothers kick up a storm
Long wait for a son was worth it
Ask a Stupid Question
Get to It
Weightlifting for the masses
Regular crunches just as effective as ab rollers
The Cincinnati Diet
Fit Bits