AB lounge XL delivers
Written: Jan 06 '06 (Updated Mar 23 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Durable construction, Easy to assemble
Cons: Not so easy to fold up
The Bottom Line: A very well designed product that should last for years.
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| Digger's Full Review: Fitness Quest Ab Lounge XL System |
If the statement “starting the New Year off right” ever held true, it does now. My wife and I made a new years resolution to start getting in better shape. After her watching an infomercial on the Ab Lounge, her interest was peaked, and subsequently so was mine. We hashed it out between the two of us, trying to decide on whether it was a good piece of exercise equipment to buy, or not. Throughout the years, I have acquired just about every form of exercise equipment there is, from stationary bikes to air resistance rowers. They will all tone you up, that much is for sure. Some targeting the problem area's better than others.
The decision was made to go for it. After checking out the fitnessquest.com web site, we decided to opt for the 5 payment plan. The first payment being $16.18, then the next 4 being $64.90, these figures I'm supplying are with taxes included. Both options work out to the same amount, and no interest is charged. As I write this, shipping is still free. And I imagine it will be for sometime yet.
After placing the order, we received a conformation e-mail. About 2 days later we received another e-mail stating the Ab lounge had been shipped out. Well after much anticipation, one week later it arrived by UPS Ground. The package had a couple rips in it, but due to the excellent packaging surrounding the Ab lounge, nothing was damaged on the inside. Next step was to take it out of the shipping box. The packing slip says the Ab lounge weighs in at 41 pounds, it definitely feels solid. This was something that impressed me right away, I just knew there was a durable piece of equipment inside that box. From the time we removed the AB lounge until it was assembled, approximately 15 minutes passed by! The instructions are very easy to understand and follow. And if you have trouble, the included DVD shows you how. Take note, the DVD only comes with the Professional model.
The actual AB lounge XL seating material, is made of a breathable mesh fabric, which helps keep you cooler. The frame is tubular steel with steel reinforcement rods, all of which give the Ab lounge a very rugged feeling. This assures it will last for many years. The Ab lounge is rated for 275 pounds maximum body weight, as soon as I got on board it passed this test with flying colors. Attached to the front and back under the seat, are two rubber resistance bands. Right above your left and right shoulders, are the rubberized handle grips. There is also a nylon strap that you place your arms under for a more intense workout. At the other end of the machine, you will find the adjustable pedals. The closer they are toward your body, the easier the workout. Of course there is an optimal adjustment for every height. If you rest your legs directly on top of the pedals and lay flat, once again you get a more intense workout. The machine overall is very flexible, and offers many different levels of difficulty. Basically you can make your workout as easy, or as hard as you want. I would wager that almost any age group could use this machine. If you can find an exercise that you can do on a regular basis and also enjoy it at the same time, you are more apt to keep at it for the long haul.
I have to say on top of how well it functions, it's really a great machine to look at. That may sound funny, but if it's going to be sitting in your house, you want something that looks at least half decent to the eye. Just my personal opinion on that.
I can bet one question a lot of people will be asking, is “how easy is it to fold up?” Well you can fold it up, but first you have to remove the small resistance band (which is clearly marked on the front tubular frame). And if you want to fold it all the way flat, you have to maneuver the rubber gripped arm rests. It's kind of a pain to fold up, so you may want to put it in a room where you can leave it fully extended, or at least partially extended. I believe if you fold it up every time you workout, your less likely to exercise on a regular basis.
Now came the moment of truth. My wife could not wait to try it, and was the first to climb on board. First thing she said after using it for just a minute was “Wow you can feel it working your stomach and back muscles” She was able to do fifty abdominal crunches right off the top. That is a pretty amazing, especially if you have ever tried doing fifty sit ups! As I am writing this, I can feel my stomach muscles feeling taut. And the best part is, you aren't in pain the next day after using the Ab lounge. I don't feel any soreness whatsoever. The machine is obviously very low impact on the body. Today was my third time on the machine, and it is already getting easier to use. My wife was just commenting on the fact, that you don't need special clothing to work out in. I mean she will get up in her PJ's and hop on the machine, and do her routine before she takes her shower. This being more impressive to her than me, but something to take note of all the same.
As I mentioned earlier in my review, we ordered the professional package. Which included an instructional DVD (which tells you how to put the machine together and how to use it properly), a performance monitor (which comes with batteries), another DVD which is entitled RESISTANCE WORKOUT with Rosalie Brown. Also included is a CD entitled TOTAL FITNESS and NUTRITION. Another bonus with the pro model, are two arm resistance workout bands. You CAN order the exact machine $58.00 cheaper (around $200.00), but you don't get all these extras. Worth the extra cost, if not for any reason than to show you how to use it right. Oh yeah one more thing, it also comes with a couple of calorie books with meal planners.
Just a note, the Walmart and Walgreens models of the Ab lounge, which are also made by fitnessquest are different. The XL is clearly a superior machine to the one that they sell. Just be aware of that. For all you native southeast Texans, Academy sports sells it for $94.00.
Has the machine lived up to our expectations? It's kind of early in the game to give a complete and fair assessment on the Ab lounge XL, but from what I have seen and felt so far (yes you do feel it working!) it's a winner. I am really impressed with the ease of use and the quality of construction. I understand the earlier models did not have the mesh fabric to sit on, as do some of the cheaper models. The mesh seating vastly improves the breathing qualities, and makes it more comfortable to use. I have found putting a pillow under your head makes it a lot more comfortable during use.
Just a note, my wife is so sold on this product, that she has convinced 9 people to buy it! NO kidding! Dang, I told her she should be a spokesperson for the company. I can tell you this, I can see a difference in her since she started using it, she has been taking measurements and has lost 7 inches off of her stomach! She says she can see a difference in me.
Just as with any other exercise machine, if you don't cut back on your intake of calories or at least change your eating habits, no amount of exercising will work to it's fullest potential. I'm leaning toward throwing all sweets in the garbage, I've seen some pretty amazing things from people that have given them up, they are a major crutch for most of us.
Give the Ab lounge a try, if you don't like it, you can return it for a full refund. Minus the restocking charge that is. And that's only if you order it off the internet.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Digger
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Location: Lumberton, TX
Reviews written: 57
Trusted by: 3 members
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