Ab Circle ProI purchased the Ab Circle Pro yesterday and just put it together now. It was a pretty simple task and did not take long to assemble.
I have been extremely skeptical about this product because of the horrible reviews. However, as a result of the commercials, I had a strong feeling that it would be a beneficial workout despite the quality of its parts. Therefore, I purchased it at Sports Authority because a 2-year warranty is available for $32.99, so if the product breaks in any way, the Ab Circle Pro may be returned for full refund or replacement. I have always been and always will be an AVID FAN of Amazon.com because I am delighted with the prices, free/speedy delivery and service. But, the warranty is not available here for this particular product, so that is the only reason I went elsewhere.
After trying the Ab Circle Pro, I must say I am definitely pleasantly surprised. I agree with others who posted that the parts could have been thought out a little better in order to ensure its stability and quality. However, I can undoubtedly feel the workout. I am 5′8″ and 143 pounds and am generally fit. I purchased this product so I can re-reveal my six-pack for spring break and this summer, and I believe that this will be the key to success. I am the type of person who is not necessarily motivated to go to the gym or stick to a specific ab routine of my own, so a product like this is perfect for me. It is definitely difficult, especially on the hardest setting with the handle bars as low as they can go. This product works the triceps, shoulders, chest, forearms, lower back, abs and inner/outer thighs (once the bar is removed). The extra sets of knee pads are definitely an added bonus (I’m assuming they were added to the newer models because of the painful reviews), and are necessary for a comfortable kneeling position. However, they proved dangerous to me because the added knee pads slid out of the knee bowl causing me to fall over and bang my knee on the bar. This was quite painful. Therefore, I would recommend duct-taping these pads to the knee bowls if you plan on keeping the Ab Circle Pro. Another complaint is that the feet sometimes lift off the ground with the momentum of your body, and could possibly be dangerous for tipping off the machine for people on the heavier side.
Overall, I am pleased with this product, but I do believe that some tweaks should and will eventually be made to the Ab Circle Pro. I would not advise this product for people who are not already fit and who are heavy and/or uncoordinated. I feel that this product is best for people who are young, don’t have achey joints (because of the kneeling position), and have the agility and coordination to keep up with this routine. I understand that the entire point of a workout machine is (generally) for people to lose weight, but I feel that the Ab Circle Pro would be best for the goal of toning, adding some muscle mass, and cardio. I’m glad that I purchased this product, because it is easy and fun enough to keep up with, and if it will ultimately make me more confident and fit, it is worth the $199 (+ price of one or two year warranty which I recommend). Try it out!
Reviewed by : Deal Finder, Jan 21, 2010
