Reviews about Misc. Exercise Equipment

TallgirlWithGuitar says "The best ab workout, but ONLY if your back & hips are up for it" about Valeo Exercise (Ab) Wheel

TallgirlWithGuitar — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:30:31 GMT

I hate gyms. The idea of feeling shamed into going because I've spent money on membership just annoys me. And I don't like the bleachy smell, or working out in front of other people.

But I don't like spending a lot of money on at-home equipment, either. Like gym memberships, spending a wad of cash on a home gym may pressure you into using it, but eventually, you won't care and you'll just get rid of it. (Ever notice how much workout gear you can find at yard sales?)

But something simple and inexpensive that works really well? Now you're talking. That's why I loved the idea of an ab wheel, especially after I saw my friend's little workout video on YouTube.

He got down on the floor and rolled this thing out in front of him -- all the way down and back up -- twenty times, raving about how wonderfully it works the entire top half of his body. "Oh, cool!" I thought. "That looks fun!" So I went out and bought one. (It was a double-wheel model, not the single wheel, which...

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Saxguy says "Failed in less than a year" about Timex Timex 5G941 Personal Heart Rate Monitor

Saxguy — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:52:08 GMT

I bought the Timex 5G941 Personal Heart Rate Monitor during the early part of the summer. I was getting occasional arrythmia and rapid heart beatand I wanted a basic monitor so I could check my pulse, not necessarily during exercise as I have a second monitor with more features.I was attracted to the Timex 5G941 Personal Heart Rate Monitor because it's name and price. I paid less than $40.

The unit comes with the watch, of course, and a chest strap, feauthing a front plastic portion that fits under the chest, wth 2 sensors and an elastic band around the back.

The monitor tracks exercise time and pulse rate during exercise, and reports exercise time, average heart rate and eak heart rate when finished.

The watch itself has a backlight and reports time of day.

It worked adequately when I first got it. However, it is not working now. I wanted to use it yesterday, when my arrhythmia flared up. I turned it on and the watch did not pick up the pulse. So, I replaced the CR 2032 battery...

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KrisWen1 says "Omron Heart Rate Monitor is Easy to Use" about Omron Omron Heart Rate Monitor

KrisWen1 — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:32:04 GMT

I bought this heart rate monitor from Amazon two months ago. Before I purchased it, I read a lot of reviews from Interent. I had another brand heart beat monitor but the batteries die on me. I have no idea how to open it up and change the batteries myself. And it's not accuate as Omron heart rate monitor.

It's really very easy to use with a very reasonable prices. It comes with a wrist watch monitor and a chest transmitter belt. Also included is a mounting bracket that makes it easy to attach the watch receiver to most treadmills and bicycles and a soft, zippered storage case.

I bought this for myself and really love it. My husband recently borrows it from me when he is doing workout on the machines. The transmitter singal is stronger enough to be recieved by my treadmill. So I can easily see my heart rate from treadmill without wearing wrist monitor.

I will recommend anyone need a simple heart rate monitor buying one. It is a very good product.

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wolfhill says "Noticeable Abs in 1 week or less!" about Ab Scissors

wolfhill — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:07:46 GMT

I was highly skeptical of any exercise machine which advertises that you only have to exercise 4 minutes on it per day. I have spent years running, jogging, swimming, etcetera. I know the effort you need to see results. I sat and watch (and laughed) as my fiance purchased this piece of equipment and commenced to use it. Then, after personally witnessing his own results in less than one week, I admittedly had to concede that it worked. After only using it once, I could FEEL the results. After using it twice, I felt that was not going to make it through the entire four minutes, and I have great stamina. However, there are different difficulty levels for people. Of the four minutes, you are resting for certain intervals. It targets your abs, and the results are noticeable. No doubt, you develop a six pack, without sweating, dieting or long, lengthy workouts. The machine has a timer. You just count and pull down on the overhead arm devices. Then you rest, change positions...

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bjoy says "great furniture and exercise equipment in one" about Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit

bjoy — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:17:11 GMT

i didn't realize how much i loved my Gaiam Balance Ball until i let it get a little too close to my space heater...needless to say, i will be purchasing another one as soon as possible. not only does the balance ball act as a fantastic, easily movable office chair that keeps your core engaged while you work at your computer, but it's a great way to increase the effectiveness of abdominal strengthening exercises. i purchased the ball toward the end of my pregnancy when my tailbone started to bother me and i could no longer sit on hard surfaces. i now am using it to regain my ab strength postpartum, and bounce on it while nursing my daughter to get her to sleep faster. i also read that you can place your baby on top of it (belly down) to help him/her gain more back and neck muscle control, but we like our good ole' tummy-time just fine over here. i imagine it would be a great tool for a baby who doesn't like to be flat on the floor, and if you sit on the floor, you would be face-to-face,...

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Thatlas says "Ball is fine - and so is the "fine" print" about The Bender Ball

Thatlas — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:42:17 GMT

The Bender Ball is fun to use and a good little item to add to your sit-up routine. However, the fine print is so fine you can't read about the fact that you are automatically "enrolled" in a "free 30 day risk free program" that sends further DVD's and items each month at your expense. All I wanted was the $9.99 Bender Ball and it turned into a total fiasco with calls to Customer Service and lines at the post office to return the items. I am still waiting for the refund. Purchase your Bender Ball at a store so you aren't scammed into additional charges

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ycamiy says "great for father and son" about Ironman Inversion Table

ycamiy — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:29:09 GMT

I initially bought the IronMan Gravity 4000 Inversion Table for my son, but now I get a kick out of it too. Just put it together and gave it a spin. I have a back problem in my lower back, a herniated disk, I asked the doctor about using this and she said YES. It is like traction. So, I have used it for a few minuits a day over the past week and I must say I think it is helping. The machine goes together easy, I had my 16 , 13 and 10 year old boys put it together. A 2 hour project since they had no idea of what they were doing. They put it together with no problem. Now, the basics are there, soft back, adjustable for your height, soft locking feet clamps, adjustable srap for tilt. One of the hard things for me is when I start back to the upright position, I tend to lean forward which causes the machine to want to go back to the upside down position. My son has no problem with returning to the upright position so I think the "old man" needs to learn to stay against the back rest. I am very...

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xoashley1623 says "I think this really works" about As Seen On TV Ab Circle

xoashley1623 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:02:15 GMT

everytime i see a new info-mercail for a new fitness item i sit there and wonder if it really works. . .sometimes it seems that some of the things they come up with is just rediculous and i don't see how it would EVER work. . When the new item came out on tv i wondered and thought if this worked, im talking about the Ab Circle pro.

If you see the info-mercials you could see that it looks like it works, it looks like it could not, not work. Well my family puchased the item and began to mess with it and just mess around the next few days we felt that it had worked in some ways and this product really does what it says. I think the pads for the where you put your knees looks like it should be stuffed in your bra but at least it doesn't hurt them. I felt it work right off the bat i also felt that it worked my arms, but i wasn't sure i was doing it right. It helps a little that it is easy to move around and put up but i think this product does work.

My arms and my abs are getting a work out...

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leanmachine79 says "The Bender Ball is the best ab workout I've seen in a long time!" about The Bender Ball

leanmachine79 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:50:54 GMT

I am thrilled with my purchase and am happy to post a positive review! I've worked out for 10 years, have been in Oxygen magazine, and have tried every stability and balance routine under the sun. Never before, have I felt so strongly about a product. My abs literally shook as I completed the exercises! They were 100% engaged. I knew I would definitely be sore in the morning, but, to my great surprise, I was sore the very same day. (I work my abs 2-3 times a week with a 15 lb medicine ball, and I run; my abs have not been sore in years.) The workout wasn't painful because of the support the Bender Ball provides to your back. I am very happy with this product. Let's give this thing another chance!! It works, and I've got the 6-pack to prove it! :-)

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CallieN says "Addicted to this workout" about T-Tapp T-Tapp Total Workout

CallieN — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:31:17 GMT

T-Tapp is a workout like no other. I started it 4 years ago when I was having some weight issues. I have done it fairly regularly and this is amazing because I have never suck with a workout so much as TTapp. it is addictive and it reshapes your body. It is Designed by Teresa Tapp specifically for women, to rebuild the basal metabolic rate and to cinch in the body and lengthen and define the muscles. It's like a mixture of dance, pilates and yoga, but then totally unlike anything you have ever tried. Even after the 15 minute workout my entire body is incredibly sore. Despite having huge issues with thyroid and hormone problems, I my waist is the same size now as it was when I was 14 pounds lighter. TTapp definitely cinches you in and my shape is very nice. I can see long lean muscles and cuts in my back and legs. It does not create the slightly round shape of weight lifting. Teresa worked with models before turning her workout into a video that anyone could use. ...

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Jo says "Pur Power Resistance Cord gives you a traveling gym" about Zenzation Athletics PurPower Resistance Cord 10128

Jo — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:14:05 GMT

The PurPower Resistance Cord was an impulse buy. If you have a Marshall's near you then you'll know the bargains offered. The $11.99 Cord was $5.99 so I grabbed it. I've used Resistance Cords or Bands as I call them for years. If you haven't it is a great piece to either add to your routine just use it to work your whole body. Don't worry because it comes with a piece of paper that show you a few exercises to do. You can see the PurPower Cord here: www.jr.com/zenzation-athletics/pe/ZNZ_WTE10128/.

The PurPower Resistance Cord

is made of latex so stay away if you are allergic to latex.
is purple which is a medium strength. Other name brands such as Spri makes it much easier to know what the strength is of the Tube/Cord/Band. There was no indication on the package but I figured if it was too easy I could just make this 5' Cord small by wrapping it around my wrists. This makes it shorter and thus harder.
is portable and a super prop to take with you on your travels. Unless you are a body...

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chattykaye says "BodyFlex is working for me!" about BodyFlex Plus

chattykaye — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:37:16 GMT

In one month I have gone down a jeans size and those are getting baggier too! I am also eating healthy (not their plan). Just started the advanced BodyFlex this week. I am not able to do aerobics or bike at this time due to an injury and I am so glad I picked up my BodyFlex at a garage sale! The only thing I can say is not 100% is Greer's verbal instruction.

The gym bar is okay for what you can do with it, but it should be stressed that you SHOULD hold your stomach muscles tight during as much of the gymbar exercises as possible and breath in through you nose and out through your mouth. Proper eating is main reason for weightloss; BodyFlex exercise (I believe) is mainly for tightening & strengthening.

I'm Happy!

Susan

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pattonmamaof3 says "The Nike+ running system really does not work that great" about Nike Nike+ running system

pattonmamaof3 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:03:20 GMT

The Nike+ running system was great at first but as time went on, it stopped working correctly. When you first use the system, you must calibrate it. Seems easy but it took several tried to get it calibrated correctly. The distance claimed was never correct and as time went on, was off by more than a mile! If it is windy out or you are running on a hilly course, the system really has trouble calculating your distance. For the price, it is OK but it is not something I would buy again. You have to buy a seperate holder for the sensing system to connect to your shoe if you do not own Nike shoes. The holder must be positioned perfectly everytime and is probably the reason distance is not calculated correctly. The sensor for you shoe and the sensor for your Ipod are very small and easy to lose, which I did often.

I did however like that my mileage history was stored not only on my iPod but online at the Nike website once you connected your iPod to the computer.

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jsbaker4404 says "Fun and easy" about The Firm Wave

jsbaker4404 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:26:38 GMT

This is my 2nd Firm workout. I have tried other Firm videos and found them a little difficult and they go very fast. The Firm Wave is very easy to catch onto. I love that it comes with a variety of workouts and a calendar so you can gradually build up your workout. It offers workouts for your abs, cardio and sculpting. I don't think I'll get bored with this equiptment. There are also additional videos and ad ons you can purchase to make your workout a little more difficult as you become more advanced.

Most workout videos have a really annoying person, but the firm instructors tell you the moves to make without talking about it for 30 minutes!

I have been using The Firm Wave for a week now and am starting to feel a difference. This workout can make you sweat or can be very easy. You decide how difficult you want the workout to be by positioning yourself accordingly on The Wave. I am very glad I made this investment! It's better than others I have tried in the past.

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roxygrl1118 says "Great for the business traveler" about Beachbody 10 Minute Trainer by Tony Horton

roxygrl1118 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:17:54 GMT

I absolutely love the 10 Minute Trainer DVDs. As a person who travels a lot for work, I often find myself stuck in hotels with very limited gym equipment, if any at all. Not to mention I am often short on time between meetings and client visits. Finding the time to workout is often difficult. The 10 Minute Trainer offers a much easier way to squeeze in a few minutes of a workout and still see results. Each DVD provides different 10 minute workouts which only take 10 minutes to complete and target different parts of the body. I will admit they are a challenge but they are worth it. And as a bonus, whenever you have some extra time, you can always complete another 10 minute workout back to back.

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PattyTherre says "Skechers managed to make Shape Ups the perfect exercise shoe." about Skechers Women's Shape Ups

PattyTherre — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:39:22 GMT

Quick View: I have all the exercise shoes made, I think. I love buying new shoes and I love to get benefits from them. I have FitFlops, MBT's, Power Diet Sports Sneakers, Shape Up Shoes (Flip Flop style killer shoes), Tony Little's Cheeks Exercise Sandals, and more. All of them have benefits.

But when I bought my Skechers Shape Ups (Strength), I knew I had found THE exercise shoes for me. These shoes are a little FitFlop, a lot MBT, and a little extra that make them comfortable, effective, bouncy, and not so ugly that I can't wear them in public with ease. Skechers Shape Ups are what I have been looking for since the original Dr. Scholl's Wood Exercise sandal came out. (I have them too still!)

My Take on Skechers Shape Ups - "Strength"

First, the name "Strength" only refers to the color and style combo. Each style and color has a name but all of Skechers' Shape Ups have the exact same sole and benefits. All that changes is the name and the color or style so don't be confused by the names....

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AmbitiousBlossom says "Alas...the Rumors ARE True..." about The Firm Wave

AmbitiousBlossom — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:14:54 GMT

First Impressions:

Being a loyal Firm lover for about 7 years now, I have been eyeing The Firm Wave since before it was released! I have watched the infomercials, read the reviews, watched the workout video clips, and kept an observant eye on eBay/Amazon.com prices. From what I saw on the video clips, I couldn't help but feel the urge to go right out and purchase the system and add it to my other Firm systems I constantly use...I mean, it looks NEATO! The only thing that was holding me back from making the purchase were the reviews on The Firm's member website, as well as the reviews on Amazon.com. From what the reviews said, The Firm Wave was more of a novelty than a "great" workout and that it was a continuation in the decline of The Firm, since the release of the "pink workouts" which include the pink-Firm cardio weights (which I own as well). I decided to purchase the system a day ago as a Happy Birthday to Me gift, and I have to say that I'm glad I tried it, did the workouts, and am...

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eddyreddy says "Thera-Band exercise ball is the one we use most!" about Thera-Band 65 cm Professional Exercise Ball

eddyreddy — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:58:34 GMT

We have owned our Thera-Band exercise ball for about six months now. We had two others that did not last as long as this one has. I use it mostly for sitting on in front of my computer. I find my back doesn't bother me like it did on an office chair. Which to me like a lot of items, are made for men. I am not a big person and every office chair I have ever sat in or worked on seemed to swallow me up or were so big I had to wrestle with them to get into place.

This ball keeps me on balance so that I sit up straighter. I don't cross my legs which I tend to do in other chairs. I have less problems with pressure points on my body. At least when I can't think, I can always rock the ball back and forth to get some motion going.

I would buy another one of these if I had the need for another office chair.

Also when little kids come to my home, they think it is so cool to have a big green ball in my office! They want to play ball with it.

The other thing is the color. If I designed these balls,...

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eddyreddy says "Skechers Shape-ups make an all day on my feet day softer!" about Skechers Women's Shape Ups

eddyreddy — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:07:27 GMT

I stand for many hours during the day on concrete tile floors. These shoes give me the added height and support I need for the type of work I do. These shoes are soft and my feet and legs don't hurt after 10 hours of wearing them. They take some time to get used to because they are soft soled, and they remind me of the earth shoes from the 70's where you leaned back or heal first then toe, when you walked.

I like these shoes because some of the things I need to reach at work are tippy toe away from my fingers in tennis shoes. I wear these and it gives me that added inch to get my fingers on what I need. Other Whys I was wearing clogs to work and my feet were hurting after four hours in the clogs.

I normally don't like to pay $100 for a pair of shoes. But the other reviews I had read about these shoes were all positive. I agree that they do save my back and legs from hurting. I have not worn them in the winter so I don't know how they will do in the snow.

I did purchased these on line after...

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frog77 says "Great upper body and ab workout you can hide away" about Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

frog77 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:20:28 GMT

The Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar is a great product that works just as advertised! It will fit into any doorframe and best of all will NOT damage it! Nor will it fall off easily, which is a worry for me when doing my ab routine since this can involve swinging the body/legs around. The bar stays pretty stable but is still easy to put up and remove again with use. It is also not too huge and can easily be tucked under the bed or put to a stand in the closet. There are soft grips on the bar which is certainly a possative benefeit, oppossed to the normal plain iron/metal pull-ips bars found in most gyms. The only real negative is bcasue of the set-up (which is the bar connected to two other bars which wrap up and behind the dorrfram as pictured) is that certain possitions are not as easy to do for smaller people. What I mean is that I am a 5'2, 105 lbs woman with small hands: doing close grip chin-up is a little bit of a problem do to the lack of grip pad directly in...

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