The Truth About Amazon Fitness Brands: Fake Reviews, No Support & Shady Tactics
If you’ve shopped for fitness gear on Amazon, you’ve probably seen the same pattern: flashy product photos, a suspiciously high number of glowing 5-star reviews, and a price that seems too good to be true. Spoiler alert — in many cases, it is.
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of Amazon fitness products, from resistance bands and benches to treadmills and massage guns. What I’ve learned is this: many of these “brands” aren’t brands at all. They’re temporary names slapped on generic factory products, pumped full of fake reviews, and sold until the negative feedback piles up — then they disappear and relaunch under a different name.
The Fake Review Game
Amazon’s review system can be easily manipulated. Many shady sellers send products for free (or heavily discounted) in exchange for a guaranteed 5-star review. Sometimes they even offer a gift card or cash back after you leave your feedback.
The result? You think you’re buying a top-rated product, but you’re actually looking at inflated ratings that hide the truth. I’ve tested “5-star” items that broke within a week — products that should have never been rated above 2 stars.
The Disappearing Brand Trick
Another common tactic is the “disappearing brand” scam. A seller launches under one name, racks up sales with questionable quality, and when the bad reviews catch up… poof, they’re gone. The same product then reappears under a new name, with a fresh listing and — you guessed it — a fresh batch of fake 5-star reviews.
Customer Service? What Customer Service?
When something goes wrong, most of these sellers are nowhere to be found. You can send emails into the void or try Amazon’s messaging system, but often you’ll get no reply, a canned response, or a refund offer only if you change your review. If you’re buying from one of these brands, you’re rolling the dice on post-purchase support.
Why It Matters
Fitness gear isn’t just another online purchase. It’s equipment you’ll use daily, often supporting your body during intense workouts. Poorly made gear can waste your money — or worse, cause injury.
And with my history of neck, back, and knee injuries, I can tell you firsthand that bad equipment isn’t worth the risk.
How to Protect Yourself
Look Beyond the Stars – Read the 1-star and 2-star reviews first.
Check for “Review Bombing” – If you see reviews mentioning unrelated products, it’s a red flag.
Research the Brand Name – If it barely exists outside Amazon, be cautious.
Buy from Trusted Sellers – Look for companies with a consistent track record and direct customer service channels.
Test Immediately – Don’t wait until the return window closes.
The Bottom Line
Amazon can be a great place to find fitness deals, but not all deals are created equal. Shady fitness brands thrive on fake reviews, zero accountability, and customer confusion.
If you want honest, tested fitness gear recommendations, stick with companies that are transparent, have real customer support, and put quality first. Your health and safety are worth far more than saving a few dollars.