If you decide to buy this, you should probably pick up a Teeter Hang Ups from the same infomercial channel because you’ll most likely end up in a back brace.
What is this thing? Who thought of this?
The Ab Circle Pro is the latest ab gadget to sweep the late night infomercial scene. Essentially, you climb onto the thing, get into an all-fours position, and swing your hips from side to side against resistance to work your abs.
Is it really so hard to just do some crunches? Its really so horrible to do basic ab exercises, which WORK if you do them properly, that you are going to present your ass like a donkey ready to mate, and swing your hips from side to side repeatedly? Have you ever tried to stay on your hands an knees for an extended period of time? If yes, please don’t explain why, but I would assume it isn’t very comfortable- far more uncomfortable than the average ab exercise.
I don’t dispute that this will work your abs. You’ll have to engage your abs to hold your upper body steady while you swing your hips. I will not say it will work your abs more than traditional ab exercises. I would also like to state that lower back pain is the biggest pain complaint in the United States, and one of the most common reasons for doctor’s visits. Should people really be putting so much pressure on their lower backs for extended periods of time with out anything to brace themselves against besides their forearms? There is absolutely no support whatsoever. You should always have your lower back supported during ab exercises, to ensure your back is protected and your abs are properly engaged.
I really just think fitness companies are running out of ideas. I mean, there are a finite amount of ways our bodies can move, and they are really pushing the limits on trying to find new movements and positions to make us work out in so they can slap the word “innovative” all over it. Pretty soon we are going to be hanging upside down from our feet to get the “best” workout. Oh, wait, they have that already.
I suppose I shouldn’t be too worried. People that buy these kinds of things generally shove them in a closet after a few days anyway, so repetitive motion injuries probably aren’t something to worry about. But, seriously, save your money, and your back.
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Comments
Mike
August 21st, 2009 - 2:47:25 PM
That looks truly frightening.
1
Sandra
August 23rd, 2009 - 11:20:36 PM
I'm waiting to get my Ab Circle .. i'll let you know what I think when I get it. I say don't knock it until you try it.
2
Kelly Turner
August 24th, 2009 - 1:26:10 PM
sandra- seriously, let me know what you think of it. Ive talked to people that have used it, and they complained of the exact things that worry me- lower back pain, knee pain (from the position) and just plain all around uncomfortableness (I made that word up) and difficulty to use properly. If you have a good experience, please let me know!
3
Roger
August 24th, 2009 - 1:34:22 PM
This product really seems dumb
4
Amy
August 25th, 2009 - 3:43:23 PM
I think people are just looking for the latest "fix" to give them ripped abs without any effort. People are too lazy to do any research to figure out how to go about doing that and why their old methods aren't working out.
5
Camevil
August 27th, 2009 - 9:06:10 AM
I suspect you'll be finding a lot of these at garage sales next year...sitting next to the chocolate fountains and margarita machines.
6
Tony
August 27th, 2009 - 10:51:26 AM
I just ordered mine from the site seentvcanada.com .. i hope I'm not going to be complaining about this product after I just dropped some money on it. Wish I read these reviews earlier.
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Kelly Turner
August 27th, 2009 - 11:03:56 AM
Tony- just be careful. It looks like a wild ride so maybe itll be fun but the swivelling worries me. keep your belly button pulled into your spine to help your core protect your back and dont crank up the intensity too high good luck, my friend. we're rooting for your safe return.
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Jennifer McKay
September 14th, 2009 - 4:01:11 PM
HORRIBLE Company. The box I received came all shredded up, upon opening the box and reading the pamphlet I discovered a weight limit which was not advertised anywhere on infomercial. I called the company and they REFUSED to pick the item up even though they improperly advertised this product. NEVER buy anything from Direct Entertainment Media, they do not care about customer service!
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mandi rook
September 22nd, 2009 - 9:17:19 PM
What is the weight limit on it?
10
Darren McDalton
September 24th, 2009 - 10:37:44 AM
Leave it to you Kelly to break it down to the lowest common denominator - Having sex with donkeys. If a person is unwilling to lose the weight then obviously they wont. No pain no gain right? This product actually worked for me, with nice results in a reasonable amount of time. Its not about swinging hips from side to side, its all about the lateral ab motion. Years and years of situps and ab crunch machines wont do what this machine can do. Situps and sex with donkeys probably causes more pain to your back. You would know all about that right Kelly? Put your money where your mouth is and try the machine before slamming it.
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Kelly Turner
September 24th, 2009 - 10:51:28 AM
wow Darren- thanks for that. I was making a reference to the position you must hold to use it which is inherently bad for your back, not endorsing beastiality. Im sorry you take metaphors literally. and lateral means side to side, ie: back and forth. Im glad you had success with this machine but the fact is it is completely unnecessary to buy an expensive machine when you can get the same results with no equipment. Maybe you weren't able to, but think of the millions of people with strong abs that do not use this product- perhaps its not the exercises but the manner in which you were doing them that was ineffective. Most bloggers and writers stay quite when completely inappropriate and hateful commenters rip them to shreds, but i refuse. Where is all the anger coming from? Because I used my professional experience and years of schooling to insult a hunk of metal sitting in your closet, you feel the need to personally attack me? We are people with opinions which is why you come read our articles. If you disagree with the content, feel free to voice your opinion, I encourage it actually, but if you make it personal don't expect me to keep quiet or respect the merit of the rest of your comment- which may have been valid. Look at the time. I must go f*** donkeys now.
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A
September 24th, 2009 - 11:32:47 AM
Well said Kelly! Bravo!!!! -A
13
glidingcalm
September 24th, 2009 - 1:56:22 PM
Rediculous. Thanks for the review Kelly. I know you've tried SO many different kinds of equipment so I always look forward to your posts- and appreciate your opinions.
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Jillian
September 24th, 2009 - 4:06:56 PM
Is it donkeys or mules that can't procreate? That machine looks scary to me. Good thing I probably am too large for the weight limit.
15
Leslie
September 24th, 2009 - 5:02:21 PM
great review kelly. darren is an ass!
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Jenn (eating bender)
September 27th, 2009 - 9:53:50 PM
Gotta love on the hate, Kelly. It makes us stronger and, at the same time, giggle a little. I mean, Darren was way out of line, but I hope it made you smile at how ridiculous the Internet can be :) Keep up the good work - 99.9% of us appreciate your opinions!
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A @ Please Don't Eat Me!
September 28th, 2009 - 6:47:43 AM
wow, that machine looks down right scary to use.. i wouldnt be able to use it anyway- too much pressure on the knees!!! Darren... i guess it takes a fellow donkey screwer to recognize another.. im sure kelly is grateful for the shout-out!!!!!!
18
swivel those hips
September 28th, 2009 - 8:33:41 AM
The first time I saw this on tv I thought it would work but there was no way I was going to pay what they wanted for it. I wondered if there wasn't someway to make something similar, I hit on the idea of an old swivel office chair. I knelt on the seat backwards, my hands on the desk and started swivelling side to side. Definitely felt it in my waist and sides, it doesn't have the upwards motion of the machine but it looks a lot more comfy on the old knees. The only issue I have is what to use to chock the wheels.
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Michael Casey
October 8th, 2009 - 12:12:54 AM
Kelly, Your article couldn't be more wrong and misleading. I suggest you get a medical degree before you start making medical claims regarding a lateral side flexion motion that is designed for a no axle load back workout. The Ab Circle was designed for post rehab after spine surgery... I own the item in case your wondering who the hell I am and how I know this... Do your research before you write misleading articles. Also, we have sold over a million units and counting so apparently not many people read your column.
20
A Donkey
October 8th, 2009 - 3:03:22 AM
You know what I love about this device? Other then a great workout it is great for doggie style. :-) One device for 2 different workouts! Awsum!
21
Kelly Turner
October 8th, 2009 - 5:09:24 AM
michael- I noticed that "we" in there, so obviously you work for the company. Very professional tone to that comment with the swearing and dig at my reader base. And Im pretty sure Snuggie is one of the top selling items right now so the fact people that people are really into buying dumb products isnt much of a case. and i thought it was designed to give you best workout of your life? not spinal rehab? I've done spinal rehab for a broken back and the lateral flexion is the one of the motions I was told to stay away from at all costs- especailly against resistance. Plus, Im a trainer, I know that using resistance for lateral flexion is bad. and thats all you pulled from it? no defense for the fact that you charge a crap load of money for something that can be done just as well, if not better and safer, for free? no defense for the absent warning of a weight limit? no defense for the fact that is completely unnecessary and ridiculous?
22
Nate Saunders
October 8th, 2009 - 5:25:23 PM
Kelly-I love the way you hold it down and intellectually jab back at your hecklers! Right now you've got 'em taking a knee for the standing 8 count. No doubt in my mind that they should not answer the bell for the next round but based on their verbiage they don't posses the sense enough to quit! I just saw an infomercial for this thing and decided to go online to look up some reviews and came across this site. Thank you much for your feed back and I couldn't agree more about just doing it the good old fashioned way. The problem in our society is that we want the quickest and fastest results without dedicating hard work. I get like that too some times and that's why this thing peeked my interest! I'm ex-military though and know for a fact what kind of results one can obtain by doing good old fashioned sit-ups and push-ups. The problem is that they are not quick and easy but then again neither is the work needed to become a Doctor. If it were, everyone would do it! LOL You rock!
23
Kelly Turner
October 8th, 2009 - 6:06:48 PM
Thanks, Nate! I honestly don't care if people disagree, or else I wouldn't' write opinion pieces, its just the rudeness that bothers me. It blows me away that people are willing to say things over the internet they would never dream of saying to someone's face. I always like to picture a grown man yelling at little old 22 year old me in real life- makes me laugh. If you have points to make, make 'em, but don't hurl insults over a piece of exercise equipment. So true- anything worth doing is going to take work. if it were easy to get into shape, America wouldn't be in the shape that it's in.
24
Jessica
October 11th, 2009 - 10:26:32 AM
I think you all have way too much time on your hands to be fighting over such dume things !! who cares
25
murray richardson
November 6th, 2009 - 10:13:54 AM
I think what happens here is that since there has been so much garbage put on to the market to do with ab flexion that yes most of it is crap. That said, I have a back problem and have for years. This machine addresses the very issues that I have with my back. It is also not that easy to get that kind of lateral flexion any other way. When I first saw this machine I thought it was the best of all the ab machines I have seen. Personally I have worked out with crunches, sit ups, leg raises and the likes for years. They all tend to aggravate my existing back condition and offer nothing for flexibility. This machine in my opinion rocks! I have to say as well, why would it bother any of you that it might actually improve your sexual prowess in doggy style? Since when is improving your sex life a bad thing? I do not work for the company at all. I will most likely buy this machine. I used it at a show in Vancouver last night and my suspicions were correct. It loosened my back nicely and had the opposite affect of what some are claiming on here. In fact I felt like there was no resistance or very low resistance on my back. I admit I didn't do it long enough to hurt my knees. At the end of the day I am sure it is not a do all fix all machine but it certainly is not a useless piece of crap like those ab rollers and whatnot....
26
grizzly bear
December 5th, 2009 - 5:49:29 PM
you know, i actually have been using this machine for a while and it hasn't caused me any stress or pain, it's giving me results and defined my abs way better than sit ups ever have when sued as part of a routine but, on the other hand i do have friends as well as read reviews about people who have either gotten hurt due to rusty parts in the machine or just haven't had it work for them whatsoever personally, i think as with any excersise you get what you give
27
mama54321
December 9th, 2009 - 9:33:26 AM
The machine fails within 2 months of regular use. It wears away the circle part where the bolts are underneath. I've had to replace mine twice already and they both did exactly the same thing. P.S. I'm not very heavy
28
terry
December 13th, 2009 - 7:03:13 PM
can someone email the name of the company that makes ab pro ? i want to run them by the better business berau . thanks. 12-14-09
29
farta
January 14th, 2010 - 4:59:57 PM
i got mine today i hope it works for me:(
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