I used the bender ball with a personal trainer at the gym and wanted one for home. My local sports store did not carry it, so I ordered over the internet. I either did not notice or forgot about the subsequent DVD shipments automatically charged to my credit card. I kept the first set of DVDs and cancelled. I do actually use the DVDs and am frankly glad to have them, but I prefer to buy DVDs when and if I want them, and not have them automatically sent and billed to me just because I bought a product.

Anonymous169

Auburn, CA

For those of you that have ever watched the TV infomercial for The Bender Ball and thought , "OK, it looks kinda cool but like all that other TV stuff, it probably doesn't do what it says it will." YOU'RE WRONG!  If you've ordered this product and not gotten it as quickly as you'd like, well, anything you order off TV takes 4-6 weeks usually.  Order off the internet site and you will get quicker shipping and don't have to deal with a crappy customer service company that was hired to answer the phone and take orders (not by Leslee herself, mind you).  Sometimes you'll even get a better deal off the internet. Anyways, anyone that HAS bought the product and complained about it on this forum probably isn't using it correctly and are trying to do advanced moves right from the get go.  We all do it.  Even me, a fitness instructor with years of experience.  Her concept and product are pretty darn good.  Used correctly, The Bender Ball will do what it says.  For any of you that have had problems with using it, I guarantee you are doing it incorrectly and your core strength is low.  These things take time to do their job and it also takes patience to learn to use it correctly.  It's not a magic pill.  There's one thing I don't like about any Sally, Sue or Mary being able to purchase this product off TV.  The Bender Ball comes with a video but not a REAL PERSON who can look at what you are doing and assess what you are doing wrong or right for that matter.  Most of us don't have mirrors in our homes so that we can see our position and make sure it is correct.  What I would advise any of you that have bought this product and think it was a waste of money is to find a personal trainer or fitness instructor (you might have to spend a couple bucks for their time but it will be worth it in the long run) and have them view the video with you and then help you get into the positions properly for the necessary desired results.  I know you all bought this to not have to join a gym and it really will work for you at home if you learn how to use it PROPERLY.  I'll get off my soapbox now. PS:  I DO NOT agree with the TV ordering placing you automatically into a system that gives out your info so you are bombarded with unwanted stuff or places you in an automatic delivery system of more videos etc. that you do not want without your consent.  That system is unacceptable, and should not be allowed.  Also, if you are erroneously charged for an item on a credit card and the company is giving you a hard time about correcting it, CALL YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY!!  Let them handle it for you.

fitmomof3

Kalamazoo, MI

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! :-)

leanmachine79

Haymarket, VA

I like this product and think it provides a great ab workout. The DVD is easy to follow. However, I bought my 1st Bender Ball directly from Leslie Bender's company and it was a terrible experience. They charge a ridiculous amount for S&H, which they won't refund if you return the item. Then they automatically sign you up for their program and keep shipping you stuff and charging your card until you cancel. Canceling is difficult at best - long holds, customer service reps that don't get what you want them to do, etc. I wound up have to dispute charges through my credit card. I bought the 2nd Bender Ball (gave first one to my sister) through Ebay and it was GREAT! You get a better price, often the S&H is free, and you don't get stuck with the automated shipments.  

verka6811

Cleveland, OH

Bender Exercise Ball is a fun little stomach killer. It hurt my back a bit at first. It took some getting used to. For it being just a blow up ball it is pretty sturdy and does not loose air. I have had it inflated for about 8 months and I haven't had to re-inflate it. There are DVD's to show you how to do the exercises quick and easy.  The workouts are short and still result in a stronger and flatter belly.  Well they would if I used it more. I get lazy easy. When you do crunches with this Bender Ball you get a much wider range of motion than without it.  The Bender Ball is small and works your muscles much more intensively. It's not just for your stomach you can work your arms, back and leg muscles.    This Bender Ball is on an infomercial on TV. I picked mine up at a local store. I am not very patient and I have heard it takes a long time when ordering it over the phone. If you have back problems I don't think I would recommend this to you. If you want to strengthen and you don't have problems I would definitely recommend this to you. For the cost it is a nice deal. It is really a sturdy ball for exercising.

Gigi2239

Undisclosed

I bought one and rarely use it. The hype makes a lot of exercise equipment sound great but you have to actually use it. It doesn't work any better than crunches alone except that it does seems to ease the tension in my neck. Again, you have to use it and unfortunately I didn't stay motivated. The dvd is short and useless.

karenc36695

Mobile, AL

This little gadget is great.  The video shows how to do the exercises in a very quick and simple manner.  The workouts are short and still result in a stronger and flatter belly.  I have broken my pelvis and because of this I've developed some lower back issues.  This ball makes it possible for me to do crunches with a much wider range of motion than before, WITHOUT pain.  And because it's smaller than a traditional exercise ball it works your muscles much more intensly.   I have tried many different gadgets and workouts to tone and flatten my belly, this is the best.   

rompre

Augusta, GA

Because I run and strength train, I have some back pain. The Strong Healthy Back dvd, which incorporates the ball, is wonderful for relieving some of this pain. However, I originally purchased this set to improve my abs. I found that the two other videos for core training increased my back pain and did nothing for my abdominals. I was committed to giving it a try, but after 6 weeks, I could no longer tolerate the pain. It would be nice if the dvd and the back video were sold seperately. I use the SHB video twice a week, so I guess I am getting my money's worth.

NicksMom2005

Lake Forest, CA

It's not so great, be careful when you do their advanced method, I actually got injured for a few days, since they didn't not caution you on the specifics.  Please do check where they said you'll be a member that you'll receive a new package every month, missed that, and they want me to ship it back at my own expanse, what a crop!  It is unethical!!

Committee

Minneapolis, MN

**DON'T BUY THE BENDER BALL.** This company will steel from you. You will end up paying for things you didn't want. Even if you call them to cancel, they will keep charging your credit card with some stupid vitamins or some DVD's. I had to cancel my credit card to make sure no more purchases will be made.

mkln89

Virginia Beach, VA