On Sunday I noticed a friend of mine — and not the type you’d expect — was wearing something unexpected around his wrist.
It was one of those energy-enhancing bracelets made popular by professional athletes like soccer star David Beckham, Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom, Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez and pro surfer Andy Irons.
He swears there’s something to these hologram bracelets — in this case, the ones produced by Grounded — that help his balance and energy level.
And he’s not the kind of guy you’d expect to believe in these sorts of things. In fact, he doesn’t even believe he believes in it!
He showed us the test: you clasps your hands behind you and have someone push down on them. You will naturally lose your balance. But if you wear one of these bracelets — either wrist — you don’t fall over as easily.
I’ve long wondered about these energy-enhancing and health-promoting accessories. I have friends who swear by the Japanese brand Phiten, for example, which the company says regulates and balances the flow of energy throughout your body to help alleviate discomfort, speed recovery and counteract fatigue by restoring the body’s natural healing powers.
And I know folks who can’t live without their Power Balance bracelets, which features a hologram that optimizes the body’s natural energy flow.
Sounds hokey?
Well, sales for these accessories have tripled in the U.S. since 2001, according to research group SportsOneSource. Phiten alone reported global sales topping $200 million last year.
And these companies produce more than just bracelets. There are T-shirts, belts, socks, patches, even dog gear that tout the benefits of holograms and titanium technology.
Holistic solution — or outright scam?
“This is utter nonsense,” said Steven Nissen, head of cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic to Bloomberg. “There’s absolutely no scientific reason why this would work. Unfortunately, we’ve not done a good job as a society in keeping people from selling snake oil.”
So what’s the allure? Why are so many professional athletes touting these accessories as a way to improve balance and combat fatigue? And do they really work?
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To read all of Cat’s blogs, visit www.nonstophonolulu.com/thedailydish. Follow Cat on Twitter @thedailydish or send her an e-mail at [email protected].
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31 Comments
CAT,
A lot of kids who play sports are now wearing them, too! Soon you can imagine the ED oriented companies will have a condom touting “more balance and energy”!!??? It will be called “Fight On”…disclaimer will say: If you experience increased energy for more than 4 hours consult your physician, as a medical condition may occur.
@Annoddah_Dave Kids are wearing these things? The advertisers really are getting them early.
@Sushi Yeah, they are especially popular with baseball players. I saw a lot of Phiten necklaces during the Little League World Series.
@Annoddah_Dave If it doesn’t work then you get your money back, guaranteed. Heh…
Cat wrote: “Why are so many professional athletes touting these accessories as a way to improve balance and combat fatigue?”
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Endorsement money.
“…And do they really work?”
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I’d have to experience it to believe it. I kinda doubt it though.
Cat, did you try it? If so, did it work?
Back in my running days, I received a Phiten necklace and braclet from a friend who lives in Hiroshima. He swore by it and wore his from the time he stepped of the plane for the Honolulu Marthon to the day he left back to Japan.
I tried it out for a couple of weeks but didn’t feel any different. Body still hurt from putting in the mileage day after day.
Wore the necklace on the day of the Marathon but I don’t think it help me in any way. Maybe got a chaffed neck from the material rubbing against my neck but I still hurt and was tired after the finish.
I still have the set in a drawer. Haven’t used it in a few years but I don’t think it did anything for me.
I’m guessing part of the allure is actually believing that the bracelet works in the first place. After all, believing is the first step to the thing actually working, and for nonsensical things like these, it’s the only step since they usually don’t do anything in the first place.
Hello Cat!
If it works just psychologically, it’s working. I wear one for Stand Up Paddling in the open ocean chop and swells like from the Hawaii Kai to Waikiki runs. I wouldn’t paddle without it.
Humans are the ultimate animal in many ways. In this case, we are the utlimate self-deceived animal (and I am equally guilty of it in other cases). It is true because we want it to be true. It is true because we believe it to be true… If it works, it works, but don’t look to science. Who doesn’t have a lucky shirt, or hat, or something? Seems about the same to me. It keeps M paddling standing up, so it works. I can’t deny or dispute that, and there is no reason he should either.
Oh, and have a great trip Cat. Just don’t mess with TSA and keep your blue passport out of view when you don’t have to show it. Can’t wait for pics from 15,000km away.
@WildeOscar @thedailydish You probably did this already Cat: keep copies of your Passport in your luggage, carry on, purse/wallet, etc. Just in case the passport is misplaced then it’s that much easier to get a replacement at an American Consulate.
Perception is reality. For those who perceive these things to work, they do–at least in their minds. Left-brainer that I am, I don’t believe there’s anything real or scientifically provable to these products. I’m not sure how the manufactures of these products get away with the advertising claims they make. They really ought to say things like “Proven to make millions believe it works!”
Perception is reality. For those who perceive these things to work, they do–at least in their minds. Left-brainer that I am, I don’t believe there’s anything real or scientifically provable to these products. I’m not sure how the manufacturers of these products get away with the advertising claims they make. They really ought to say things like “Proven to make millions believe it works!
if u believe, it’ll work. same as placebos would b my guess.
Perception is reality. For those who perceive these things to work, they do–at least in their minds. Left-brainer that I am, I don’t believe there’s anything real or scientifically provable to these products. I’m not sure how the manufacturers of these products get away with the advertising claims they make. They really ought to say things like “Proven to make millions believe it works!”
Perception is reality. For those who perceive these things to work, they do–at least in their minds. Left-brainer that I am, I don’t believe there’s anything real or scientifically provable to these products. I’m not sure how the manufacturers of these products get away with the advertising claims they make. They really ought to say things like “Proven to make millions believe it works!”
I actually was skeptical about these “phiten” nic-nacks but decided to try out those tabs which I saw a friend wearing one day. I hurt my back and figure give this “hokey” product a try and put it to the test. Low and behold, I guess it might have worked. I don’t know if it’s psychological, which I think it is, but it actually made by back feel alot better. I’m still not willing to bet the house on these products but…who knows. Anyhoo, get the “Genius Scan” app for your iphone and take pictures of your passport and other important docs. You might lose your papers but your iphone will be by your side like a beetle in dung.
My grandma wears it. It helps her ease the aches and pains.
Cat, not having anything to do with your trip and I set it up this way when Nonstop was born, but my illegible avatar just happens to be the map of the location of Tiffany’s in Paris. If your special guy is part of this whirlwind, go to Tiffany’s in Paris (London will do, but Paris is better); point to one shiny item and give him “the look.” I recommend a Tiffany’s key necklace. There are lots of styles to choose from from the modest to the extravagant. If he is a keeper, he will know what to do, and you will cherish forever that necklace and your time in Paris. Even a FUUDie like you will forget the food, eventually.
its like prayer, there is no real harm in trying.
My nephews wear these things. Like one around each appendage! Crazy. I don’t know if it’s helping or not… but… they seem to think it’s cool. If anything, it’s a fashion accessory — if it actually works, bonus.
Sports people are notoriously superstitious so these things are about as effective as not changing your underwear or socks if you’re on a winning streak. If it makes you feel better though then it works for you. As far as the push me down test goes that is just crap. You’re expecting it the second time you get pushed and you know that you are supposed to be “more stable” so basically it’s all in your head. People do this for water and everything else to prove that it works. BUT it’s a good business.
I am the ultimate skeptic,surgical nurse (50+),understand placebo effect. When a friend sent me a cPRIME bracelet to try I thought he was crazy. The first day I wore it I could tell a difference in my back and knees. Still did not want to believe it so ask a 28 yr. old coworker to wear it, told her nothing about what to expect, at the end of the day she wanted to know where to get one for her and her mom. I never go without mine anymore..just saying.
hmmmm some of these comments are making me wonder if I should try one … pretty good discussion … have a great trip Cat
My grandfather swore his arthritis was greatly diminished by wearing copper bracelets… or some metal. He also used DMSO etc. Chronic aches and pains will drive you to try just about anything. One guy I knew had this stuff called ketoprofin (sp?) creme a pharmacist cooked up. When you rubbed it on the skin close to where things hurt the pain went away pretty quickly. It worked wonders on my Achilles pain when I tried it. My point is that if it hurts enough or you feel run down enough… and you have a little pocket money to spend… why not?
if David, Lamar, Alex and Andy wear them, then no harm done. but regular guys with no trace of the skills of the above mentioned should avoid them. i quote Peggy Hill: “i know a girl repellent when i see one.”
I’ve always want to try these things simply to see if they work. But, I’m always a bit skeptical of anything shown on a an infomercial. But I’d be open to trying something like that, I think the benefits sound amazing.
I’ve been seeing quite a few Phiten necklaces while watching the MLB playoffs these past two days. Hey, if it works for Tim Lincecum…
I wasn’t a believer either but after several years of shoulder pain, I purchased a Phiten necklace thinking why not. I play alot of beach volleyball so my shoulder is always in pain. After wearing the necklace for a couple weeks I noticed a considerable difference in my shoulder. I wasn’t as sore at night and I wasn’t having to take the usual daily dose of anit inflammatories as I had been doing previously. Placebo? I don’t know. But something definitely working.
I wasn’t a believer either but after several years of shoulder pain, I purchased a Phiten necklace thinking why not. I play alot of beach volleyball so my shoulder is always in pain. After wearing the necklace for a couple weeks I noticed a considerable difference in my shoulder. I wasn’t as sore at night and I wasn’t having to take the usual daily dose of anit inflammatories as I had been doing previously. Placebo? I don’t know. But something definitely working.
I wear a Grounded bracelet to class every Monday and Wednesday Cat you only noticed the now. hahaha
I dunno if it works but I’ll try anything until my jacked up knees stop hurting.