The New WalkTC TreadClimbers: Comments or Reviews?

Over the past several weeks we've gotten several emails asking about a new type of exercise machine called the "WalkTC" TreadClimber. Apparently it's a new version of the very popular home cardio workout machine from Bowflex, which we happen to be fans of.

I've been using TreadClimber since around 2005 and I find them to be among the most unique treadmill-style  machines currently on the market. I can get my heart rate up very quickly because of the incline/climbing motion, which allows for a quick entry into the optimal "fat burning" zone.

We would love for someone to share there own reviews and opinions of the new WalkTC machines. They seem very cool but they definitely aren't cheap (although there is apparently a new under-$1000 TreadClimber model)... so obviously we'd like some feedback before deciding to invest.

Please leave your questions ad comments below...

Body by Jake "The Solution" Ab Machine Review

The Solution is a brand-new ab exercise machine from Body by Jake, the same company that brought us the popular Tower 200 home "door gym," the Cardio Cruiser Plus, and the Shadow Boxer Knockout "body workout" system. Although the infomercials have just started to run, there's already a big demand for Body By Jake Solution reviews online.

We have not yet gotten our hands on this new ab gadget but, just from watching the commercial, we can make a few observations and comments:

1. It looks freaking FUN! Let's face it, many infomercial fitness products simply look boring as hell. The Solution is not one of those. Whether it works or not, performing crunches on something that looks like a dang virtual reality video game controller seems like it might be a great idea.

2. Apparently it "knows what you want to do... even without you being on it!" We're not sure it's a good thing that an exercise machine -- other than a motorized treadmill -- can move by itself without any effort from the user. Or that it "knows" what we want to do... mind-reading exercise machines freak us out!

3. It looks like it could be effective. In general, abdominal movements that involve the upper abs, lower abs, and obliques do strengthen the core/midsection muscle area well. Also, the Solution machine appears to allow you to move in multiple planes of motion, always a good thing. But we're talking about strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles here, not burning fat.

4. The whole "Gravitational Linkage" system looks interesting... but it appears to allow the user to operate the device using his or her arm and shoulder muscles almost exclusively. If it's an "abdominal" machine why does it involve so much arm/shoulder power?

5. If this is truly Mario Lopez's workout, Body by Jake is gonna sell about 10 million of these things. 95% of the guys in the world want to look like Mario... and 99% of women want their husband/boyfriend to look like him too!

As cool and fun as the Solution looks, we're not sure if it's worth the price (currently about $269.00 - $315 depending on whether or not you pay in installments). In general, products like this are only worth the cost if they make working out more enjoyable... and lead you to exercise more often and/or more intensely. But no ab machine is going to burn off your belly fat and give you six pack abs all by itself. That requires a focused combination of dieting, cardio exercise, and proper strength training!

Have a question, opinion, or comment? Want to leave your own Solution reviews or ratings? Leave your feedback below...

(Coming soon: More useful reviews and a guide to the best prices on the Body by Jake Solution ab machine!)

Wanted: Rockin' Abs Exerciser Reviews

Let's face it, every once in awhile you see a late-night infomercial product that you know is probably junk but just looks too damn cool to pass up. So you whip out your credit card and buy it blind, before even checking for user reviews online. That's what almost happened when I saw the commercial for the new Rockin' Abs exerciser from Thane.

Several ab machines claim to mimic the fluid, enjoyable motion of a rocking chair (I'm looking at you Ab Rocket and Ab Rocket Twist!) but in the case of the Rockin' Abs device it REALLY IS A DANG ROCKING CHAIR! How genius is that?? I mean, the thing just looks freaking COOL. In fact, it looks like something I would actually sit in just to sit in... eating tortilla chips, drinking light beer, and probably watching old A-Team reruns. During commercials I could set the beer aside, wipe the tortilla crumbs off my belly fat ripped abdominal muscles, and burn a few dozen calories "ab rockin'" back and forth like a little monkey for a couple minutes.

Still, as cool as the Rockin' Abs abdominal machine looks, something told me to hold on and see if I could find any decent customer reviews online. Well, after a 30-minute long search, I was able to find a single genuine Rockin' Abs review anywhere... not even on Amazon! That's a little strange in my book. Plus, the fact the it apparently converts into a pilates machine was kind of a turn off for me. I don't want my girlfriend stealing it every time she wants to "lengthen and tone" her leg muscles!

(By the way, the only thing I did find was a few reviews for the old Rockin's Abs chair -- yes, same exact name! -- from Fitness Quest that came out a few years ago. I never did understand how the hell that thing worked... and I guess no one else did either since they've stopped selling it!)

So anyway, this blog -- and the entire as-seen-on-TV-product-lovers community -- needs your help. If you've used the THANE Rockin' Abs chair please leave your helpful, insightful, lovingly-crafted reviews, opinions, and testimonials below. Does it work? Is it another infomercial scam / rip-off product? Is it worth the $200 or so they want for the thing? I so want to be rocking my little buns off in this chair while drinking a Coors and laughing like a giddy schoolboy. Help me convince myself that it's worth the money and I'll be forever in your debt!

:)

JS

Consumer Reports Reviews the TRX Suspension Trainer

Consumer Reports magazine has just reviewed the increasingly popular TRX Suspension Trainer Pro from Fitness Anywhere. Their test users and in-house fitness expert gave it good reviews overall. They bought the TRX "Pro" version for about $200 from Amazon, which includes the TRX suspension device, a door anchor, and a 35 minute workout DVD.

The Consumer Reports reviewers say that "the TRX works"... they liked it and the fitness expert says it can effectively train every major muscle group while exercising those vital core muscles at the same time. They also say that the included DVD does a good job of showing how to make each TRX exercise more intense/difficult by altering your body's position, referred to as "vector resistance" training.

CR says that the negatives include the price -- it's definitely not "cheap" considering it's basically just a bunch of heavy-duty nylon straps and handles. They also say that it may not be the best exercise option for someone with limited mobility, low flexibility, or who doesn't have much upper-body strength. Reviewers complained about the difficulty of putting their feet in the handle stirrups and flipping their bodies into push-up and "plank" positions in order to do the DVD exercise movements.

I've used the TRX and here's my quick review: The TRX suspension trainer is one of those strange home exercise products that really grows on you. At first it feels awkward and "weird"... then you get more used to it and it feels good... then you develop more balance and stabilizer muscle strength and you realize it's one of the best total body muscle building devices on the market! Personally, I love taking it to the park and busting out perfect suspended pull-ups, push-ups, dips, etc. That being said, it's definitely not for someone who's totally out of shape or has major mobility problems. It's also a little pricey and their are good TRX alternatives out there like the Milo Kit and other cheaper options that cost under $100.

If you've got the money and you're already in decent shape you should definitely consider trying out out the TRX Trainer. It's a high-quality workout-anywhere option that will last for years. Click here for the best price online!


JS



p.s. Check out the Consumer Reports TRX review here:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/september/home-garden/trx-pro-pack/overview/index.htm

P90X2 Reviews... Coming Soon!

Well we all knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. A new "version 2.0" of the ultra-popular P90X home workout program is due to be released soon. Beachbody's new P90X2 program is already getting talked about online like it's the next great fitness product and, not surprisingly, we're already getting emails from people asking for P90X2 reviews!

Unfortunately, as was the case with Insanity Asylum a few months back, it's damn near impossible to review a product before it's actually been released. And no, we haven't had the good fortune of being sent a "preview" copy of any of the P90X2 workout videos. In fact, as far as we know, the product isn't even compeltely finished yet. Truly helpful, in-depth reviews from real users won't be available until at least a couple of weeks after P90X2 has been released. Rumors are that the release date will be sometime in late summer or early fall.

What we do know is that this program, like its big brother, was created by Tony Horton and with the help of a relatively well-known sports science expert named Dr. Marcus Elliott. It promises to help you burn even more fat, get even more ripped, and build even more strength than the original. (We wonder if Beachbody will continue to sell the original P90X if the new one is so much better!)

One of the main focuses with the new program, at least according to the Beachbody people, appears to be on increased intensity and improved efficiency. In other words, better (or at least equally-as-good) fat-burning, muscle-building results in less time. P90X2 involves only 5 workouts per week instead of P90X's 6 weekly workouts.

According to the P90X2 website, the new program will feature improved "muscle confusion" with more exercise combinations/complexes and a "less is more" strategy that focuses more on exercise intensity over exercise volume. It involves 3 phases:

• Foundation
• Strength
• Performance 

Dr. Elliott's input -- which is said to be based on the "latest research in applied science" --  supposedly results in a program that can help everyone, from long-distance runners to professional athletes.

As is always the case with Beachbody products, the marketing hype is laid on pretty thick. So it's tough to tell right now just how good or how unique this new product really is. But we think it will probably be better than P90X and its grueling 6-days-per-week workout schedule. Of course, until a significant amount of reviews begin rolling in, we won't know for sure.

One thing is for sure, however: there will be a BIG push to make sure P90X2 sales match the blockbuster success of the original... so get ready for lots more of those slick late-night infomercials!

Here's a look at the new commercials...

Proform Ab Glider Reviews: Does The "Hasselbeck" Ab Machine Work?

Anyone who watches television late at night knows there are lots of ab workout machines out there. There's a reason for that: they sell really, really well... despite the fact that many, if not most, are basically rip-offs. Well now there’s a new ab machine taking the world by storm: the Proform Ab Glider. It’s quickly become one of the hottest abdominal exercise products on the market and, understandably, lots of people are asking for reviews and opinions for the “as seen on TV” workout gadget.

Here’s one comment left last week by a reader named Olivia B:

"Hi I was hoping you could help me. I just saw the infomercial for the new Elisabeth Hasselbeck Ab Glider machine. It looks like a great product. What's your opinion? Do you have any reviews on it yet? Please help. I don’t want to waste my money again. Thanks!”

Well Olivia, we’ve got some good news for you and anyone else looking for genuine, unbiased Ab Glider reviews: we got our hands on one! In fact my partners-in-crime (aka fitness blogging buddies) and I have been using it for the past 2 weeks. The thing certainly isn't hard to find: it's currently being sold by QVC, Walmart, Sears, Best Buy, Amazon, and several online and offline fitness stores. At the time we bought ours the best Ab Glider deal was being offered on Amazon.com, which has become a great place to order discount fitness and cardio equipment!

So far we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Proform product (the lovely Mrs. Hasselbeck is just the spokesperson/heavily-paid-promotor) . The well-built machine really does provide a very nice at-home ab workout and even a decent cardio workout option. But it’s not perfect and there are a few “negatives” which we’ll cover below...

The Good

The Ab Glider is definitely a unique piece of exercise equipment. Unlike most ab machines it gets you up off the ground and allows you to work your abdominal muscles in multiple planes of motion. That's big! There’s a twisting circular motion -- called “circular burn” by the Proform guys -- and a crunching/knee raise motion -- called “arc crunch” by those marketing whizes. Both motions closely mimic traditional abdominal exercise movements, like hanging leg/knee raises and ab twists, and can be combined in several interesting ways.

Being able to work your abs, obliques, and various other core muscles in 3 dimensions, smoothly, gives the Ab Glider a BIG advantage over most other ab machines. Anytime you can move your body through space in multiple directions you’re able to get more bang for the buck. In other words, you get more fat-burning, muscle-toning benefits in less time. (This is one reason why so many bodyweight exercises -- like pull-ups and dips -- are so incredibly effective.)

Proform says that the Ab Glider provides a fast, fun, unique workout that allows the user to engage more muscle tissue and even get an effective cardiovascular workout. Surprisingly we agree with them!

95% of the time when ab gadgets are marketed as “cardio” machines it’s pretty much bullcrap. Most ab-focused products are simply too uncomfortable or difficult to use long enough to get any real cardio conditioning benefits. But in the case of the Ab Glider we’ve found that it's smooth and comfortable enough to use for the 10-20 minutes necessary to get a good heart-pumping, sweat-producing cardio/aerobic workout.

But like I said above, this isn't a perfect product and certain people should definitely avoid it...

The Bad

There are a few negatives associated with the Proform Ab Glider that we need to point out. First off, the thing is heavy. You’re gonna need some upper and lower body strength if you want to move it around a lot. It’s very solidly constructed out of high-gauge steel which is great in terms of safety and durability, not so great in terms of portability.

The biggest Ab Glider “con” is probably the way the arm handles are designed. Once again you’re going to need a decent amount of upper body strength to use the machine properly. Holding onto the handles while swinging and twisting your body around requires some serious chest, shoulder, and arm strength. Someone who’s very out-of-shape, who has a weak upper body, or who has any shoulder problems isn’t going to be able to use the Ab Glider very effectively.

Other online reviewers we’ve seen also talk about the handlebar problem quite a bit. The problem, as usual, is that the Ab Glider infomercial makes it look really easy to use. And it is... if you’re a strong, fit fitness model or Elisabeth Hasselbeck (who surely has her own $1000/session personal trainer!). But the thing simply isn’t as easy-to-use as the marketing guys make it look and you should be aware of that before you buy.

Personally I have a strong feeling that Proform will eventually come out with an “Ab Glider 2” (or, more likely, an “Ab Glider Pro”) that features padded arms rests like the ones on the popular Ab Coaster. The Ab Coaster is another great "gliding" abdominal machine but, in some ways, the Ab Glider is superior due to its multiple planes of motion. More comfortable and supportive handles and arm rests would make the Ab Glide almost perfect in our opinion!

The final negative we found using the machine is this: it’s not for very short people. My 5 foot tall assistant tried it and she found it more than a little difficult to use. She had to fully extend her arms during the “bottom” portion of the swinging arc motion, putting her in a very awkward-feeling position. Again, future versions of the Ab Glider will probably be more adjustable, especially since their primary target market is women!

The Bottom Line

The Proform Ab Glider is a nice piece of home exercise equipment that provides a unique and very effective ab/core workout as well as a decent cardio training option. It's better than 95% of the ab workout gadgets we've tested in the past. But it is relatively heavy and requires a good amount of upper-body strength to use properly. Very weak people should increase their arm, shoulder, and chest strength before buying. Also, very short people should realize that it's not very adjustable and that they may have a difficult time using it!

Overall we give the Ab Glider 4 out of 5 stars.

Click here to buy your own Proform Ab Glider and read more customer reviews!

Do you have a review of the Proform Ab Glider? Please leave your own useful reviews as well as any questions or comments in the area below. Thanks!

Insanity Asylum Reviews (LMFAO)

So apparently there's a new Beachbody product coming out soon called Insanity Asylum from exercise guru Shaun T and infomercial masters Beachbody. We guess it's something like the original Insanity workout... but even more insane!!!

:)

The workout -- which may very well be incredibly effective -- is based around the kind of high-intensity, bodyweight training many athletes do. It promises to help improve your speed, agility, power, and coordination... all while burning off your ugly belly fat and giving the lean, fit, sexy body we all want.

Even though this product has yet to even be released (no, we don't know the release date or the price) people are already asking for reviews. Since it's extremely difficult to review a product that isn't actually available to purchase yet, we can't help in that area yet. Sorry!

But here's the question that bugs me personally: why are people so incredibly geeked-up about Insanity Asylum?? Yes, I know Beachbody does an amazing job of marketing their products, but come on! We know that, no matter what, this is basically another high-intensity, bodyweight-calisthenics-based workout. Much like almost every other Beachbody program out there. We are fans of bodyweight-based workouts -- because they provide maximum fat-burning/muscle-building benefit with little risk -- but what makes so many people think the Asylum program is so unique and special?

If you think Insanity Asylum is going to magically give you 6% body fat, humongous pectoral muscles, a V-shaped torso, a perfect butt, a 4.7-second 40-yard dash time, and a fitness model's body you're in for a big disappointment. Those things only come with a LOT of serious focus, dedication, and (tons of) hard work... no matter what type of exercise routine you're following!

Some of the messages and review requests we've received for Insanity Asylum sound truly insane. Some people, apparently, are absolutely depending on it to get them into shape for summer 2011. As in, they're not going to begin doing "real" exercise until they can get their hands on the new Insanity DVD set. Here's one  email we recently received:

"Hey I heard about the new workout from the Beach Body people called Insanity Asylum and I want to know more about it. I need to lose about 25 pounds before summer and I want to know if I should buy this product. I've been holding off joining a gym or working out alot because I want to give the new Insanity program a try. I want to be fresh and give it 100% effort. I really think it might be the best workout of them all. Please give me your reviews and opinions of the product. Thanks!" -- Raj K

Wow. That sounds incredibly dumb silly!


Please... if you want to lose weight, build muscle, and get into shape fast DON'T wait around for some "miracle" product -- whether it's a home workout system, a new piece of exercise equipment, or one of the "magic" diet pills currently on the market. No workout video, exercise machine, or fat loss pill is going to give you what you want all by itself. It starts with dedicating yourself and just getting to work.

And, believe it or not, you don't need to spend lots of money to get into great shape -- despite what the marketers would have you believe. Just put on some old sweats and sneakers and head to the local park. Do a few rounds of pushups, squats, pullups, and windsprints. Keep the rest periods short and focus on your form and intensity levels. Eat a clean diet based around quality proteins, good carbs, and healthy fats.

I promise you'll get at least 90% of the benefits of the Asylum workout, P90X, Brazil Butt Lift, Zumba, or any other "hot" exercise program on the market. And you won't have to wait (or spend any money) at all!

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Do you have a review, question, or comment about Insanity Asylum? Please leave your feedback below!

Here's a quick video review:

The Rack Workout Review

The Rack is a home exercise device that's been getting a lot of attention lately. So I figured I'd write up a quick review and also ask our readers for their own helpful reviews! The Rack workout device is marketed as an "all-in-one" workout station and it's designed for bodyweight-based high-intensity circuit training. It's light but strong, relatively compact, and currently costs about $160, although the company also offers a 30-day trial for $14.99.

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UPDATE: The Rack has become hard to find/buy. The good news is that we've discovered 2 similar products that are both MUCH better overall, both in terms of functionality and value. The first is the TRX Suspension Training Pro Pack, a great portable "suspension" training system. Click here to learn more. The second is the Ultimate Body Press, which is very similar to The Rack but, overall, is much more versatile. Click here to learn more. Both of these popular products allow you to perform all of the same exercises that The Rack does as well as many more that can't be done on The Rack!

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This unique product looks a little strange but it's definitely intriguing, especially since it's designed to enable the user to do some of the most effective bodyweight exercises (like dips and plyometric push-ups) without a bunch of heavy and/or expensive equipment. I love dips and have spent many hours over the years trying to figure out different ways to do them at home without a true "dip station". I have found very few good options but with this product we may have a new one to add to the list.

The Rack workout device definitely appears to be targeted towards men. It's a chest and triceps machine more than anything so it's a great option to work those "t-shirt" muscles at home. That being said, there's no reason a woman with some decent upper-body strength couldn't use the thing.

The Rack only weighs 30 lbs, which is good and bad. It's great in terms of being very portable and easily storable. The light weight and attached wheels also allows it to move easily on the floor, turning it into an effective abdominal exercise machine. But being so nimble isn't such a good thing when it comes to the non-chest-building movements they show in the infomercial. 30 lbs of resistance isn't very much when it comes to doing lifts like squats, lunges, shrugs, rows, bicep curls, etc. A typical person will quickly outgrow that small amount of resistance, strength-wise. You can buy special weight plates to attach to it but personally I think your money would be better spent by investing in some simple dumbbells or even a set of kettlebells.

The biggest problem I see with The Rack workout device is that it really doesn't offer much in terms of back exercise options. You can do a type of inverted row with it but with a very limited range of motion, which isn't good. But, paired with a pull-up bar, you'd be able to do nearly all the most-effective upper-body exercises out there: mainly dips, depth push-ups, pull-ups, and all of their many variations.

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a versatile, light, and highly portable home workout option you may want to give The Rack a try. Just realize that it does have some limitations. Consider matching it with a simple pull-up bar and possibly even some adjustable dumbbells to give yourself everything you need to do the best exercises in the comfort of your home!

Here's a quick review submitted by a reader:

I ordered my "Rack" machine in early February and just recently got it after several weeks of waiting. I don't know if it was a supply problem or a delivery issue but I'm glad I waited. The first thing I did was watch the workout DVDs that came with it. Then I assembled it, did a quick warmup on my treadmill, and got to work. What I noticed right off that bat is that the product is surprisingly strong and sturdy yet very lightweight. I was a little nervous at first but it had no problem holding my weight (currently an overweight 230 lbs) as I performed dips (3 sets of 6 reps).

So far I've done all the DVD workouts and I can honestly say that I'm happy with my purchase. I like the circuit training style because it actually makes it fun to exercise at home. The Rack allows you to do lots of unique movements that you wouldn't really be able to do at home without it, or something very similar. The DVD's are great, with good instruction, music, production, and energy. They remind me a lot of the P90X and Insanity DVD's. They are definitely challenging but they are very do-able and enjoyable even for a flabby out-of-shape guy like me!

One thing I will say is that the Rack isn't made for back and biceps workouts. Don't get me wrong, you can do curls with it but it's so light that you have to do a lot of reps and sets to really feel anything. It's great for chest, pecs, triceps, and abs. If you want to really build back, biceps, and leg muscles you're gonna have to get more equipment.

Overall I'm very happy with the Rack workout system. Compared to other options like a regular dip station it's cheaper, lighter, and much more portable. It can even be folded completely flat and stored under a bed. It also gives you some nice variety and will make any home workout more challenging and more fun. I recommend it to people looking for a way to really increase the intensity and effectiveness of their at-home exercise!

- Jason T, Bellevue, WA

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Have you used TheRack Workout station yourself? Want to share your own reviews, questions, or comments? Please leave your feedback below. Thanks!

Click here for Rack Workout reviews on Amazon

Ab Rocket Twister Reviews?

Apparently the Ab Rocket Twister is one of the hot new fitness products on the market. We've already gotten a dozen requests for reviews of this new "infomercial" abdominal exercise machine. After spending about an hour searching for real customer reviews online it's easy to see why: there appears to be very little authentic user feedback regarding the Ab Rocket Twister! So let's see if we can change that situation...

Here's one message that we received last week:

"Hi. I'm thinking about buying the new Ab Rocket Twister and would like to know if you think it really works? Is it really as effective as they claim on the commercial? Have you used it yet? I'm kind of desperate to burn off the roll of belly fat I've added this winter, especially since I'm going on vacation (Miami Beach) in May! I had six pack abs just a couple of years ago and I really want them back. Please help me decide whether or not I should purchase the Ab Rocket with a review or suggestion. If you think it's a rip-off please let me know so I don't waste my money. Thank you so much for your help!"

- Monica R.

Well, first things first: no ab exercise machine is going to burn off all your stomach fat and/or give you six pack abs by itself. All infomercial fitness and weight loss products claim to provide "easy" weight loss results but we have yet to find one that actually does so. Remember that weight loss, and especially fast weight loss, is about 75% diet. If you're not eating a proper, clean diet you're not gonna lose fat and shed pounds... no matter how many "Ab Rocket Twists" you do. Even the commercial states that you must use the included diet plan in order to lose the pounds and inches promised in the marketing hype!

That being said, a machine or device that helps you do more effective exercises, abdominal or other, can certainly be useful. I used the original Ab Rocket on several occasions and was actually very surprised that I liked it. Let's face it: sit-ups, crunches, and just about all other unassisted ab exercises are difficult, especially if you're very out-of-shape, overweight, or have any back problems. The original Ab Rocket provides a type of assistance that reduces much of the discomfort associated with typical abdominal/core exercise movements. It appears the new Ab Rocket Twister works on the same principle but adds a twisting motion capability to work the oblique muscles.

In the end I never did buy my own Ab Rocket because I tend to avoid things that make exercise easier. I know from many years of experience that harder, more difficult exercises provide much better overall fat burning, muscle building results.

The spring assistance provided by the Ab Rocket and new Ab Rocket Twister reduces the effectiveness of each individual repetition because it basically lowers resistance levels. Of course, it will probably allow you to do more crunches and sit-ups than you would normally do. That's a good thing in most cases and for some people, especially those who are currently very out-of-shape, the Ab Rocket Twister may be a decent investment. More "comfortable" home exercise options can make it more likely that you'll workout more frequently and get into shape faster.

The problem with many infomercial products is that they simply aren't made very well. Any comfort advantage they provide is overshadowed by the discomfort that comes from using a cheaply-made machine for long periods of time. The original Ab Circle Pro is a good example of that.

Personally I would hold off on buying the Ab Rocket Twister until more information is available online. Please leave your own reviews, testimonials, questions, and comments regarding this soon-to-be-very-popular new exercise machine below... thanks!

Billy Blanks PT 24/7 Reviews

It was only a matter of time until lots of P90X "copycat" workout programs started popping up. The insane popularity of that home exercise program is creating a whole new market segment for extreme, "boot camp"-style home workout systems that combine full-body strength training and interval-style cardio exercise. One of the new products that's getting a lot of attention is the new Billy Blanks PT 24/7 program. Early reviews are overall very positive and it looks like the Tae Bo King may have created another knockout product here!

The PT 24/7 program is based around a set of 6 workout DVDs and a set of rubber "cardio bands" that are attached to MMA-style workout gloves. At first the site of rubber resistance bands made me cringe. I have literally never found bands that I actually enjoyed using, mainly because I hate having to hold them in my hands while I workout. But apparently Billy Blanks has figured out a nice solution to this problem: resistance bands that are attached to a pair of comfortable gloves, allowing you to use them without having to actually hold onto them during the exercises.

I gotta say, that's pretty damn cool. :)

One thing you can say about Mr. Blanks is that the guy makes some really effective workout programs and sells them for pretty cheap prices. Millions of people around the world have used Tae Bo workouts to lose weight, improve their bodies, and get fitter and healthier. And after all, Tae Bo was popular long before P90X was even invented. It really paved the way for P90X, Insanity, and all the other high-intensity home workout programs that are currently so popular. It's only fitting that Blanks gets a piece of the action with his own P90X alternative that just happens to cost about 60 bucks!

I plan to post PT 24/7 reviews and opinions here as they come in. Also, please be sure to leave your own reviews, testimonials, comments, etc. in the area below. Below is one quick review we were able to get our hands on a few days ago...

I ordered Billy Blanks's PT 24/7 package in January and have been using it for almost a month. I can tell you it's an awesome workout that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to burn fat fast and sculpt lean muscle. These are not easy workouts by any stretch of the imagination but Billy keeps things fun and enjoyable. The workouts are short and you end up burning a ton of calories in about 30 minutes.

The cardio bands are attached to the gloves and are easy and simple to use. But I like to change up my workouts and sometime I'll use very light hand weights instead of the bands, or no weights at all if I'm still a little sore. This is the 4th or 5th Billy Blanks home exercise program I've bought and it seems like every one is better than the last. I'm very satisfied with the PT 24/7 program, especially since it didn't cost very much at all. I know that I'll be able to lose the 15 pounds I gained at the end of last year quickly, hopefully by the end of March!

- Regina Yost

Got a PT 24/7 review of your own? Want to leave a question or comment? Just leave your feedback below. Thanks!

(Click here to try Billy Blanks PT 24/7 for yourself!)

OxyElite Pro Results / Reviews?

Over the past couple of months we've gotten several requests for information about a new thermogenic fat-burner called OxyElite Pro which is made by USP Labs. People want to know if it provides real fat loss results or if it's just another rip-off/scam product. There are several reviews online and, for the most part (about 85%), they are favorable. There are however some very negative reviews out there, mostly related to unwanted side effects of taking a powerful stimulant. OxyElite Pro definitely appears to be a pretty unique product with some extremely powerful energy-boosting effects.

But the question is: does OxyElite Pro work for fast, safe fat loss?

The first thing that caught my eye regarding this diet supplement is its list of strange ingredients. It's rare to see a diet pill that's made with so many uncommon substances. 90% of legal fat loss supplements basically contain the same mix of caffeine, vitamins, amino acids, and herbal constituents. That's not the case here. OxyElite Pro contains things with weird-sounding names like: Bauhinia Purpea, Bacopa Monniera, Cirsium Oligoohylium, Rauwolscine, and 1,3-Dimethylamine.

1,3-Dimethylamine, or DMAA, I've heard of and is found in another popular USP Labs product called Jack3d. The other things appear to be plant extracts and herbal stimulants that may or me not provide real benefits.

OxyElite Pro is marketed as a "super thermogenic" that's been created by pharmacists to provide extremely fast fat loss results. The unique ingredient mix is designed to provide a "jolting" energy boost while ramping up the metabolism and eliminating appetite and food cravings. So you workout harder, burn more calories/fat, and eat less... definitely a formula for rapid weight loss.

As with all stimulant-based products, it's a good idea to drink lots of water when you're taking OxyElite Pro. You also should try to avoid it later in the day so it doesn't cause sleep problems. Start slow and slowly ramp up your intake as your body adjusts to the product's effects. For best results, you should probably avoid other caffeine products and stimulants while using OxyElite Pro.

Personally, I only like to take strong stimulants before my "heavy lifting" weight/resistance workouts. But I rarely take pills and mostly stick to strong energy drinks and "5 Hour Energy"-type supplements.

Please leave your own OxyElite Pro reviews, opinions, and feedback below. Thanks!

Click here for the best prices on OxyElite Pro as well as more good reviews!

Any 3 Minute Legs (Scam) Reviews?

OK so here's the deal: I saw the "3 Minute Legs" infomercial on TV for the first time late last night and I want someone to prove to me that it's not the dumbest fitness machine ever created. I mean dang! How can they sell this crap on television?? Please provide any reviews in the comments section below...

This "exercise machine" is apparently designed to help you slim down and tighten up your lower body. You know: butts, legs, thighs, hips, etc. How does it do that? With squat and lunge motions, 2 of the absolute best exercise movements in existence -- and not just for "lower body reduction".

But here's the 2 major problems with this scam product:

1. It makes squats and lunges less effective by supporting your body weight and decreasing resistance. Why the heck would we want to do that? If anything, we'd want to make these movements a little bit more difficult by adding some resistance (like weights, resistance bands, or even a heavy book balanced on your head!).
   
2. 2. It costs money. Why would someone pay money to do two of the best FREE exercises known to man?
   

Bodyweight squats and lunges are great if you want to boost your metabolism, burn fat, lose weight, build lean muscle, tone and tighten your lower body, and basically improve your entire body. In fact the bodyweight squat may be the single best exercise known to man! But don't waste your money on this incredibly dumb product.

If you really wish to make squats easier just hold onto the back of a sturdy chair or something similar while you do them. It will be significantly easier to balance and you can use your upper body strength if you need some assistance. If you do this type of "assisted squat" on a regular basis you'll soon build up your leg strength and stamina and you won't need a chair for help, much less the 3 Minute Legs gadget!

Don't agree with me? Then please share your own reviews and opinions of the 3 Minute Legs device. I'd love to hear why it's not the biggest piece of "fitness" crap ever and a huge rip-off. Thanks!! :D

Oh I almost forgot, here's a video of the 3 Minute Legs commercial:



That's just hilarious.

Mari Winsor Slimming Pilates System (WinsorSlim) Reviews

We've gotten a few requests for reviews of the new Mari Winsor "Slimming Pilates" system, aka "WinsorSlim". So let's give it a go and see if we can't come up with a few right here. For those who don't remember, Mari's first major product "Winsor Pilates" came out in 2002 and was a HUGE success for her. In fact it was one of the best-selling fitness infomercial products of all time. And for good reason: Mari is a true Pilates expert and her program actually worked really well for most customers!

Because of the Winsor Pilates home workout program many people (probably millions) were introduced to Pilates method exercise. Some fell in love with it and it remains a very popular form of workout in Europe and North America. It helps that Mari has a very unique teaching style that makes it easy to actually enjoy intense workouts. Overall, user reviews of Winsor Pilates were overwhelmingly positive and I know for a fact that people still use the tapes and DVDs today. People such as my aunt, a cousin, and 2 of my fitness clients... :)

Mari's new product -- the Slimming Pilates System, or "WinsorSlim" -- is very interesting. It's basically an updated version of the old Winsor Pilates program that's more focused on fat burning and body slimming, instead of just overall muscle toning and strengthening. It also features a unique piece of equipment that allows you to do several different Pilates moves in your own home without spending the thousands of dollars that are required for traditional Pilates machines.

The WinsorSlim package includes 4 DVDs, a "Rapid Results" weight loss guide, an "On-the-Go" dieting guide, a wall chart with instructions for each move, and the Accelerator, which is basically an adjustable weighted bar with an elastic resistance band and clip-on handles. 30 days of free "VIP Access" to Mari Winsor's special membership website is also included in your purchase. So right off the bat we can see that you get a lot of stuff for about $60 dollars. That's approximately equal to the cost of just one or two private Pilates instruction sessions!

This program, like most home workout programs, is mainly designed for beginners and intermediate users. So the level of difficulty and the intensity of the workouts is not ultra high. It's ideal for people who want to lose weight while toning, stretching, strengthening, and "lengthening" their body and muscles at the same time.

The addition of the Accelerator bar makes this program especially interesting. Mainly because it allows Mari to improve and enhance some traditional Pilates movements while also inventing some news ones that work the muscles in different ways and at different angles. It also makes the exercise routines more efficient because you can boost the intensity easily and do more in less time (always good in our book!).

So there you have it: a quick and hopefully useful review of the Mari Winsor Slimming Pilates -- or WinsorSlim -- system. We hope that more people will leave their own reviews, ratings, testimonials, questions, and all other feedback in the "comments" section below. Thanks!

(Click here try try the new Winsor Slimming Pilates program for yourself!)

Any REAL Force Factor Reviews?

Over the past few months we've gotten many requests for real reviews of the "Force Factor" muscle building product that's being sold all over the Inter-webs. And we know why. If you use just about any of the popular web portal or news sites (e.g. MSN, Yahoo, Digg, Myspace, Facebook, etc.) you've definitely see the ads. There's usually a picture some heavily muscled guy and a promise to show you how he got "ripped" in a matter of weeks. We've been avoiding posting Force Factor reviews but it looks like we're gonna have to tackle it sooner or later, especially since it appears that the web is littered with fake/dishonest reviews and ratings of the product.

At first glance, and without knowing a whole lot about the product, I can tell you that Force Factor is probably a scam... or at least a rip-off. Call it intuition and many years of watching how products (both good and bad) are marketed in the fitness, weight loss, and bodybuilding niches. the way that this particular product is marketed raises all kinds of red flags for me.

Don't get me wrong, I think that nitric oxide booster products (which is what Force Factor basically is) are pretty dang good. They give you a sensation muscle "pump" and are a great way to flood blood and nutrients into muscle tissue before and/or after a hard strength training sessions. I also personally notice a significant increase in strength and power when I take a nitric oxide boosting substance (which is often just simple, cheap L-arginine!)

The main problem I see with Force Factor is its cost. It seems much too expensive for a simple NO-booster. Also, I know that it's often marketed as one of those "free trial" offers that turns out not to be so free, mainly because they start auto-shipping you new (full-price) bottles if you don't cancel. Always read the fine print before you buy Force Factor or any other supplements... nothing is truly free in this world!

If you have bought and/or used Force Factor please leave your own reviews, testimonials, ratings, comments, etc. in the space below. Let us know if it even actually works or if it's just another mediocre "rip-off" muscle builder. Also, please let us know how/where you bought it. Any and all Force Factor experiences are welcome... thanks! :)

Click here for the best prices on the Force Factor supplement as well as more good reviews!

Any Ab Circle Mini Reviews?

So the new Ab Circle Mini has finally been released and the fitness world is all abuzz, as expected. Pumping millions of dollars into online and offline promotion/marketing can do that for a product. But now the question is: does it work? And, if it does, is it worth the hundred dollar price tag?

The original Ab Circle Pro left a lot of customers unhappy, to put it mildly. It was constructed out of relatively low-quality materials and had extremely uncomfortable knee pads. Many users also thought that while it did work the abdominal muscles and obliques pretty well, the "cardio" exercise aspect of a typical workout wasn't all that great.

The fact that it was promoted as a weight loss solution led many customers to believe that it was an all-in-one machine for burning fat and getting those sexy "six pack" abs we all want!

So now's your chance to share you thoughts and opinions with the world regarding this ultra-hot new home fitness product. Just leave your useful reviews in the "comments" section below. Please be as helpful and candid as possible. Thank you! :)

Liporidex: Any Reviews?

Does anyone have any reviews of Liporidex, the new weight loss supplement? We've gotten a few requests for info about it and so far we haven't been able to find much. We did see that the company behind the product (Nuretix) is doing a lot of marketing online right now... which would explain why so many people are looking for customer/user reviews.

A quick look shows that it's another "metabolism-booster" supplement that also promises to lower blood sugar levels (so, at least theoretically, the body is forced to burn fat for energy) and suppress appetite. Nothing on its list of ingredients really stands out. In fact they can all be found in dozens of other diet products: CLA, phenylethylamine (a cocoa extract), bitter orange extract (a stimulant), green tea, cayenne pepper, soy isoflavones, several antioxidants, and a few minerals like calcium, chromium, zinc, and magnesium.

The Liporidex web site promises to make it easier to lose weight without experiencing the negative side-effects of most stimulant-based fat-burners (e.g. feelings of jitteriness and problems sleeping). It also has a few "red flags"... including promises of anti-aging benefits and an immune system boost. It even states that taking Liporidex will make you light, lean, and energetic "like a little hummingbird". Um... ok.

Hypey promises like those usually point to a sub-par product. When a fat loss products promises to boost your immune system you should usually turn and run! Of course there are exceptions to that rule... but not many. If you've used Liporidex or know something about it please leave your own reviews, opinions, and comments in the section below. Thanks!

REAL Brazil Butt Lift Workout Reviews

OK so Brazil Butt Lift is the new "hot" fitness product from Beachbody. And like the popular Insanity workout (and pretty much all of their products) it's tough to find real, unbiased reviews from people who aren't just trying to sell to you. Yes, Amazon has a handful of reviews (4/2011 Update: Amazon now has many reviews!) but many of them don't seem exactly "authentic". We have gotten several inquiries regarding the product but have yet to try it ourselves. If you or someone you know has tried the Brazil Butt Lift workout program please leave your own reviews, testimonials, opinions, etc. in the "comments" section at the bottom of this page. Thanks!

The idea behind this new at-home workout program is to help women get the kind of perfect butts that so many Brazilian models have. And, having spent some time in Brazil, believe me when I say that the women down their have some of the best-looking, sexiest, and fittest rear ends in the world. So right off the bat I love the concept. But the question remains: does the Brazil Butt Lift workout program actually work?

Leandro Carvalho (aka the "Brazilian Butt Master") is a well-known personal trainer in South America and he's the one who put this new program together. He claims to know the best proven way to "reduce, shape, and lift your behind". Several well-known lingerie and bikini models have used Carvalho's services so we assume that he knows something about what he's talking about. In case you don't know, bikini modeling is a HUGE industry in Brazil and the models absolutely have to look "perfect" by the Brazilian standard. So lots of intense exercise -- and, in most cases, a very good amount of plastic surgery -- is a must for these ladies.

The Brazil Butt Lift DVD program promises to get your booty into "runway shape" so that you too can have the same kind of sexy derriere that looks incredible in a bathing suit, tight shorts, or even just a well-fitting pair of jeans. According to Carvalho the secret is his "TriAngle Training" method that efficiently exercises all the muscles of the buttocks from several different angles. He promises that it's a super-effective way to lift and shape your butt while trimming and tightening you hips and thighs... and even melting away stubborn thigh and belly fat.

The program is based around Brazilian dancing (samba anyone?), special types of cardio training, and a few lower-body "sculpting" exercises. Beach Body claims that it will work for any butt type... but that's extremely hard to believe since the shape of your butt (like the rest of your body) is very dependent on your personal genetics. That's where the plastic surgery mentioned above comes in and it's why you should keep in mind that even the sexiest Brazilian bodies have often been enhanced with more than just natural exercise and diet!

We hope to get some good customer reviews in the near future and possibly even an "expert evaluation" from one or two of our contributors. And please remember to leave your own opinions, questions, comments, etc. below!



(By the way, just to clear up any confusion, a real Brazilian "butt lift" is a buttock "enhancement" procedure that involves transferring fat cells from one part of your body -- such as the stomach or hips -- and injecting them into your buttocks. Liposuction is often used to improve the contouring around the butt area. Many plastic surgeons consider this to be the best "natural" way to improve the appearance of your rear end... along with exercise of course!)

Any Metabosol Reviews?

We've gotten several requests for reviews of Metabosol, a new weight loss supplement from low-carb experts Drs. Michael and Mary Eades. No one here has used it yet and we haven't even been able to find any real customer reviews or testimonials, other than the obviously-biased ones on the web site. According to the Eadeses the new Metabosol product is a proprietary blend of several safe nutrients that is designed to speed up the weight loss process when combined with a healthy diet and good exercise program. So... nothing too new or extraordinary there!

It took me a fairly long while to find the active ingredients in the Metabosol formula but eventually I found them. They include: carnitine, hydroxycitrate, chromium, aspartic acid, and biotin... in "specific doses designed to support fat burning, especially if taken while on a moderately low-carbohydrate, protein-rich diet". Again, nothing too "special" there. All of those ingredients can be found in countless other diet supplements and none of them have yet been scientifically proven to significantly speed up fat loss. Of course, the combination and "specific" ratio may hold the key to fast and easy weight loss... and that's exactly what this product is trying to imply.

Apparently Metabosol is a powder that you mix with plain water. Powders are usually better than pills, but only if the flavor is OK. Currently this product only comes in two flavors -- Berry and Citrus -- so it will be interesting to get some user reviews regarding the taste.

The Eadeses are true experts who are well respected in the fitness community. But in recent years they have kind of gotten a reputation for promoting some "iffy" products (like Pentabosol) and sometimes seeming to be more interested in selling books and products than in actually helping people lose weight in a healthy way. That being said, Metabosol may work very, very well!

We'd love to hear any reviews, opinions, comments, or questions regarding this product. If you'd like to leave your own, just do so in the area below. Thank you!!

Beachbody Insanity Workout Program Reviews

Looking for reviews of the Beachbody Insanity home workout program? Then you're in the right place! We are big fans of total-body, bodyweight-only, circuit-training workouts. Why? Because they simply work better than just about anything else out there for burning fat while toning/building lean muscle and developing real-world strength in a relatively safe way... all at the same time! With that in mind, we figured we'd do a quick review of the very popular 60-day home fitness program based around intense bodyweight circuit training. Insanity is brought to us from the folks at Beachbody, the same company that developed the ever-popular -- and very similar -- P90X program as well as the Brazil Butt-Lift workout program (among others).

As with all Beachbody products, the majority of the Insanity reviews you'll find online are very positive -- maybe too much so. It's difficult to know which ones are real and which ones were written by one of the thousands of "Team Beachbody" members -- or "coaches" as they're called -- who make money selling the products. In fact, the last time we checked, only about 10% of the Insanity workout reviews online contained any negatives/cons at all.

Fortunately for you, Fast Easy Fit is an independent website that provides independent, BS-free info. The goal here is to provide a real, non-biased, and useful review of the Insanity workout program that highlights both the "good" and the "bad" about this interesting new fitness product. If you've used Insanity yourself please help us out by leaving your own customer reviews, ratings, and comments in the area at the bottom of the page... thanks!

The Good

If you can stick with it, the Insanity workout system will almost definitely help you lose fat while toning all the muscles in your body at the same time. And it'll do it fast. That's because it's a super-intense exercise program based around total-body interval training. It combines both effective bodyweight strength training moves with various forms of high-intensity cardiovascular exercise (including HIIT). This provides you with the best of both worlds, in terms of burning fat and building and toning sexy lean muscle tissue. Plus, as with nearly all bodyweight exercise-focused programs, Insanity can help you develop a ton of useful "functional" strength and fitness, which can improve your overall health, make you a better athlete, protect you from injury, and simply help you move and feel a lot better!

The Bad

In our opinion -- and from what we've heard from a few people who've tried the program -- many people who buy Insanity aren't going to stick with it for more than a couple of weeks. That's because a large percentage of the people who buy "infomercial" products are looking for a quick and easy solution to a problem. Insanity is certainly not "easy" by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, it's probably too difficult for the average totally-out-of-shape person looking to lose 20+ pounds while getting into shape at the same time. The only thing the typical person likes less than pain is LOTS of pain.

One common theme we've seen in many of the Insanity reviews is that it seems to work best for people who already exercise on a regular basis. These are people who already have a base of cardiovascular conditioning and won't be totally overwhelmed by the high intensity levels of the Insanity workouts. They are looking to kick things up a notch and burn off the rest of their stubborn belly fat while getting those lean, sexy, strong "fitness model" muscles (including six-pack abs!).

The other problem we see is the same for many home workout programs: most people simply do not have the discipline to do a hard, painful workout by themselves inside their homes on a nearly daily basis. It takes a good amount of self-discipline and self-motivation to get yourself to workout at all day in and day out for weeks and months on end. It takes a HUGE amount to do it totally by yourself... in your living room or bedroom... in front of your TV... with your kids, pets, spouse, cell phone, etc. distracting you!

One more thing: Insanity's price seems to be a little high for what it is. There are other really good home workout programs -- based around high-intensity calisthenics, aerobics, latin dance, kettlebells, etc. -- that are quite a bit cheaper and just as effective. And although "Shaun T" -- the hip hop dancer who leads you through the workouts -- seems like a good instructor, we don't know if he's that good! For nearly $150 you could buy several sessions with a one-on-one personal trainer in many cities.


Conclusion

The Beachbody Insanity workout program is based on solid fitness and exercise fundamentals that we know work very, very well for both fat-burning and muscle-toning. It's basically a bodyweight calisthenics workout based around different forms of high-intensity interval training. It combines some very effective exercises, including basic plyometric movements, with a proven form of fat-burning HIIT-based cardio (similar to the Tabata method).

The main problem with Insanity is that it's probably too intense for many of the people who order it looking for a "quick fix" to their weight loss problems. If you haven't worked out in years and are completely out of shape look somewhere else. Insanity is only going to leave you sore, frustrated, and hating exercise (never a good way to feel!).

We give the Insanity program 3 and a half stars out of 5. If you disagree or have your own reviews, testimonials, opinions, comments, etc. please leave them below!

Cissus Quadrangularis for Weight Loss: Any Reviews?

We've been getting questions about a substance called cissus quadrangularis and its potential weight loss benefits. Only one of our writers had actually heard of the strangely-named plant before, and he only remembered reading about its apparent ability to speed healing of tendon and ligament problems in bodybuilders. Some quick research shows that it is indeed sold on several bodybuilding and health supplement sites and that it's been used to heal broken bones and snapped tendons for a very long time (possibly thousands of years!).

Information regarding weight loss and cissus quadrangularis is pretty limited though. There is one interesting study that shows some promise for using cissus as an obesity fighter. And some experts do believe that it can speed up healthy fat loss, although how the antioxidant-rich plant extract does that exactly is not understood well at all. No matter what, one thing is apparent when it comes to looking at information about cissus quadrangularis: most of it comes from people and companies who have a financial motivation to promote the plant as a "safe" and natural weight loss aid or as a tonic for any of a number of other health issues (including asthma, osteoporosis, H. pylori ulcers, and even hemorrhoids!).

There are many c. quadrangularis supplements on the market. Some of the more popular ones are Super Cissus RX, Primaforce, Aminoslim, and Cissolean. Oh, and of course Cylaris, aka "The World's Strongest Weight Loss Formula" (LOL!). If you have any experience with these or any other cissus product please leave your reviews, testimonials, and opinions in the comments area below. We're especially interested in benefits related to weight loss as well as any negative side effects you may have experienced while taking the product. Thank you!