Ab Rocker - In two separate ACE studies, the Ab Rocker, perhaps the worst in the bunch, was shown to be 80 percent less effective than crunches. Why would someone want to spend money on an exerciser that is only one-fifth as effective of something you can do for free? Most users reported that it was difficult to use, and some reported tipping over backwards on it the first few times they tried! Ineffective and dangerous... a losing combination.

Red Exerciser - This is another example of how manufacturers try to create a new mousetrap to snare consumers but use the same old lies. The product claims you can reduce inches from your waistline by sitting on a red seat that spins like any office chair. By twisting your upper body from left to right while holding hand grips, you are supposedly exercising your midsection "where you need it, to sculpt a slimmer, new, you." The biggest problem with this piece of equipment is that it is a rotary torso movement, which can place stress on the spine if not performed properly. The dangers are increased when additional resistance is added, placing more pressure on your spine as you twist your body back and forth. Those with back problems should avoid this movement altogether. There is a simple tension knob to adjust the resistance on the Red Exerciser called the "Torsion Max Resistance System," which makes it sounds like there is some sort of advanced technology involved. This piece of equipment is anything but advanced. It's just another marketing scheme and a waste of money.

The Bean - One of the newer ab exercisers, the Bean promises a "full-body workout in only five minutes a day!" If you read more closely, you'll see you can use the Bean instead of a stability ball (exercise ball) for Pilates or Yoga. But why not just buy a much less expensive, more reliable, stability ball? Unfortunately there have been many reports of a deflating Bean and, since I purchased one myself to test and it did, in fact, deflate after only a few months, I can vouch for that theory. I have owned a stability ball for about ten years now and it's still as good as new. The other problem with doing ab exercises on the Bean is that it allows you to rock back and forth, creating momentum. It's a great ride if you have a four-year-old daughter like I do, but if you actually want to exercise your abdominal muscles, there are much better solutions for less money.

Copyright (c) 2008 Craig Pepin Donat

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