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In a field where success is typically marked by a lifespan of less than two years, the infomercial for efi Sports Medicine's Total Gym this year celebrates its 10th year on the air and continues the company's track record of success.

Total Gym's 30-minute show, produced and distributed by Total Gym licensee American Telecast, co-stars action film and television star Chuck Norris and model Christie Brinkley. Both are dedicated users of the device, whose design makes it an effective and efficient fitness application for those working out at home as well as the rehabilitation, athletic training and commercial fitness arenas.

"Typically in the infomercial field, if it's wildly successful, a show will see a 12 - 18 month run," notes Total Gym creator and efi Sports Medicine president Tom Campanaro. "To be successful for 10 years is testament to the quality of the product, the program's production and the credibility of the hosts."

Even the American Council on Exercise, the nonprofit watchdog organization that regularly conducts university-based studies on the claims and effectiveness of infomercial products, cited Total Gym in its publication ACE FitnessMatters. In 1999, an editor's note states: "(Total Gym) has largely relied on the product's merits to make the sale - not outrageous claims."

The Total Gym promotes functional training, increased flexibility, greater strength and improved endurance. It is designed and built based on the scientifically researched principal that "functional exercise" - the recreation of natural body movements - is the safest and most effective way to exercise increasing strength, flexibility and endurance. efi's integration of the proven benefits of gravity resistance and functional training on a single, adjustable exercise apparatus facilitates shorter, more efficient workouts that produce superior results.

After years of success in the physical therapy, rehabilitation and athletic training markets, Campanaro knew the potential reach of infomercials combined with comprehensive demonstrations was the right marketing strategy to reach individual consumers. After being wooed by eight companies, Campanaro signed a licensing agreement with American Telecast in 1995.

"From the earliest days on the air, it was clear that Total Gym with Chuck and Christie was accepted by the public," noted American Telecast president Jim McFadden. "It's our top seller and our longest running program by far."

The 10-year run of the Total Gym infomercial makes it one of the most successful shows in the $256 million-per-year infomercial industry, with Total Gym broadcast to 85 countries and selling over 2 million units.

"We could not have done that ourselves," noted Campanaro. "We chose American Telecast over the others based on their credibility and successful track record. We credit American Telecast executives for having the foresight to make this product a whole new exercise machine category."

Established in 1975, American Telecast is one of the most successful consumer product and direct marketing companies in the world today.

American Telecast entered infomercial marketing in 1987 and is considered a true pioneer of long form television marketing. The company combines quality production, a superior product line-up and celebrity endorsements from top stars regarded as credible personalities.

Campanaro notes that the infomercial's longer format, versus 30- or 60- second ads, affords the time for demonstrations and to communicate a more complete message about a product, thereby giving the consumer a deeper level of understanding.

"There are more than 100 exercises that can be done on the Total Gym, and we can show some of those," he said. "We can also constantly elevate our message with things like user testimonials, research and explaining the physiology of a Total Gym workout."

A six-time professional karate world champion, and action movie and television star, Chuck Norris began using the Total Gym in 1978 as a way to rehabilitate an injured shoulder without surgery.

"I've never endorsed a product that I didn't have total confidence in," Norris said in his 2004 autobiography "Against All Odds." "I couldn't have done the infomercial if I hadn't been convinced of the Total Gym's effectiveness for anyone willing to put in the time and effort, even beginners."

Brinkley was also a confident Total Gym user before beginning her endorsement.

Total Gym models available from American Telecast are the Total Gym 2000, Total Gym Electra, and the top-of-the-line Total Gym XL.

About efi Sports Medicine

After more than a quarter century at the forefront of innovation in athletic training, physical therapy and home fitness, efi Sports Medicine has become the leading manufacturer of functional rehabilitation and conditioning equipment. efi's ground-breaking integration of the proven benefits of gravity resistance and functional training on a single exercise apparatus facilitates shorter, more efficient workouts that produce superior results. Today, efi provides a wide array of functional equipment to more than 14,000 clinics, schools, hospitals, athletic training centers and health clubs. Visit www.efisportsmedicine.com or call (800) 541-4900 for more information.

For more information on American Telecast, visit www.americantelecast.com or call (610) 430-7800.