I was asked to review the Red Exerciser System months ago. I apologize to the person who went to my website and left this request.

What is this?

First I want to explain that you will see this for all different prices and even with different names. But they will all have the name Red in them. Some may say the Red Pilates System or the Red Ab Exerciser. If you want this look around for the least expensive one. I have seen them ranging in price from $120.00 to $175.00. I found one that was refurbished for $125.00.

This is a seat. It is approximately two feet tall. It folds flat and weighs about 22 pounds so it is portable.

The seat is 16 inches across, is nicely padded and has handles on each side. The handles are padded as well. If you need an extra seat in your house this works.

You will see it online listed as being able to accommodate up to 275 pounds. You will see it as being able to accommodate up to 350 pounds. The latter is the accurate number however please remember this is a seat with no back on a metal A-frame type base. There is no way I would recommend it for someone weighing 350 pounds.

The Red Exerciser is made by Genesis who gives you a 30-day warranty. (It can be returned in those thirty days.) If you want, an extended warranty is available.

What you get:

You get a lot of PR about dropping pounds and sizes and about improving your mood and self esteem.

You get an instructional manual, a nutrition and fitness guide and a DVD. The instruction manual will show you 24 exercises (I’ve read 64 but that must be a typo!) to do with the Red. These exercises include the company telling us that some exercises work my arms, shoulders, legs and hips.

You’ll be able to adjust the arms outward but not the seat height. Although the company claims that it is good for any body shape as you can see I disagree. I think someone extra tall or extra large will not be comfortable on the Red.

What is it for; how does it work; let’s use it:

The Red exerciser is designed for the core muscles in our bodies. There are five muscles that comprise the core including those of our abdomen and those at the sides of our waistline. (obliques)

Being an avid Pilates student I was well aware of my core and could easily use this machine. It is easy to use in any case but the feeling of holding in your abdominal muscles the entire time is one that takes practice but is key to any core exercise. You should be feeling as if your navel is going into your back.

Sitting on the red padded seat I held onto the padded handles. I started with my feet on the floor and literally just turned the seat. I started off just going to the sides slightly and then increased my range of motion (how far I could go). I then experimented with lifting my legs off the floor which made the exercises more intense. In addition there is a knob under the seat that is used to change the resistance. I just turned it a little bit and then a little more until I felt the range of motion became harder.

Some comments:

You will find that the company claims that Red will work your upper body and thighs. It will work your thighs if you keep your legs up just as a crunch will work your thighs especially if done on a slant board. I have a hard time saying that Red worked my upper body. Sure I held onto the handles. Sure as I turned I was hitting some muscles in my upper body but unless you have never carried a grocery bag in my opinion Red is not working the upper body any more than my putting a bag of potatoes into the back seat of my car.

I do like the fact that it is off the floor for those who don’t like to or can’t get down on the floor. That is a big plus. I also like that if your posture is correct – upright and erect- you will not feel any discomfort in your neck.

My rating:

This product though effective for the core area is overpriced. I usually don’t take price into consideration for most products. For example, if a machine is good but expensive I won’t rate it down. At times I have to and this is one of them. If you can buy it for $25.00 I’d say go ahead. You will get a decent workout in your mid-section without getting on the floor.

However these same exercises can be done on other machines that are more versatile.

You can sit on a chair with a Pilates ring and do the same exercises.

The Red has resistance going for it which is a plus but not enough to spend over $100.

I just can’t recommend this. There are some of you who will like the Red and be glad you bought it but as a general “to buy or not” I must give it a thumbs down. I think for the money it is just an average core exerciser.

Please feel free to leave me a comment or question.

OTHER AB EQUIPMENT:

Ab Lounge Ultra •
Ab Lounge • Ab Lounge 2 • Ab Lounge XL

Fitness Quest Ab Squeeze • ProForm Ab CoreMaster • Duo Exercise Wheel by Everlast • Ab Swing • 6 Second Abs Program • Precise Ab Trainer Club Pro • Stamina AB Hyper Extension Bench • Thane AB-DOer Pro • Yukon Ab Crunch Machine • Yukon Chin Dip Leg Machine • FitAbs Plus • Ab Revolutionizer • Yukon Back & Ab Machine

Pilates Magic Circle

My fitness equipment reviews can be seen here.









Recommended: No