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566 of 569 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
First impressions, November 9, 2004
Just started using my AbLounge2. First impressions (though lengthy, hope they're useful to some as I would have desired):
* Total setup took ~1/2 hour from opening the box through reading enough of the manual to try things. Tools for setup are included, though the unit is about 90% pre-assembled, and it's about as simple as can be realistically to finalize. Put in and tighten four screws/bolts to hold two small stability bars in place, insert and screw in handles, hook in the two elastic cords and you're done.
* Construction quality is a *LOT* higher than I expected for the price. The unit seems to be pretty gosh darn well built overall, and not at all what I expected for online/ infomercial-esque equipment. Do note that there are some slight differences (like hand strap instead of metal bar) compared to the AbLounge Ultimate advertised on TV (which goes for about 2x the price). Curved hand bars on the sides wobble *ever* so slightly since they attach separately, but are fine since they don't come into play during repetitions/use beyond getting on and off.
* The unit is *NOT* easily collapsible for short-term / daily storage, and requires a footprint of roughly 2+ feet wide by 6-7 feet long (plus access space). It can be flattened for long-term storage / moving, though remains 37 pounds.
* Long-term weaknesses (??): (1) The two elastic cords (attached between the seat and the base) will assumably deteriorate and require replacement over time, though appear well-built on their own. Manufacturer supposedly can provide replacements. (2) The general seating material appears to have been stitched onto the frame in several locations. Though again sturdy and well-manufactured (albeit not canvas or whatever), it appears it would be impossible to replace on one's own should need arise over time. Cannot be removed for cleaning, etc., and manufacturer suggests using any protective waterproof / stain-resistant spray before use (not included). I'd take care not to rip / stain / damage it in any way, as it would probably be cheaper to buy a new unit than try to replace it.
* Actual exercise: Abdominals indeed appear to be targeted, and it's a godsend to not have to deal with the additional pains of things like situps / crunches, even products like the Torso Track and ab-rollers where one is on the ground on one's knees. It's not at the level of doing "captain's chair" at the gym, but regular weightlifters probably aren't looking at the AbLounge anyway for hyper-intense exercises. This is "normal" person's stuff.
The AbLounge seems to keep things simpler and a lot less stressful than "normal" ab exercises, and it's wonderful to have good back support and so on while doing such. Abdominal work here will probably require a few more reps and maybe a few minutes longer than usual compared to situps (?), but the tradeoff seems to be worth it. I feel the work occurring gradually, but there's not the quick, clear burn sense that can happen via crunches and the like.
Already, my own "getting-on-in-years" relative has tried the unit and been impressed -- they would not be the type to be doing any situps, etc., otherwise (though may need to consult a doc to ensure the AbLounge will be 100% okay for them?). I very much like that it's possible to keep things pretty simple, yet also use the unit for a bit more complex ab work if desired -- one can arch backwards quite a way if one wants, for a simple example.
I'd *think* a user should perhaps expect to do maybe 3 AbLounge "crunches" per "normal" ab exercise, but for the ease, lack of pain, back support, etc., it appears to be well worth it, especially for those who don't do harder-core ab work otherwise (like via "captain's chair" or on-the-ground "bicycle" maneuvers).
If FitnessQuest can long-term improve the AbLounge to gym-quality level (like having a more easily cleaned and replaceable seat material), the AbLounge should well evolve into a new gym staple.
Nice stuff, and strongly recommended, especially to those who aren't otherwise getting abdominal work. Though I'm not one qualified to give medical opinion to those who may need it, I do like this equipment, and personally, it's looking to finally give me a good abdominal workout at home without all the pain and hassle I've had to deal with over the years.
Sure, it might take a few more minutes for an ab workout, but my back is already thanking me a ton, and I was quite resistant to normal crunches, ab rollers, fitness balls, etc., as it was.
Excellent value product. 5 stars, and may the inventors evolve it even further and get all the kudos they have coming.
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190 of 192 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
AWESOME!, September 25, 2004
I've bought several fitness machines over the years, but this is the only one that our entire family loves and uses! Not only does it give you a great abdominal workout, but it provides a fantastic back stretch (bending back - countermotion from the forwards crunch). It's very comfortable and I like to lie on it and stretch backwards after long sessions working at the computer. Wonderful item!
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86 of 88 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I think it is very worth the price and hype, August 14, 2005
I would consider myself a pretty active guy when it comes to exercise. I am not muscle bound, but try to do push-up's and pull-up's every day. I am about 178lbs, and 5'10. My problem with sit-ups have always been lower back issues and sometimes neck. I have tried roughly three different machines (including the machine at the gym which is kinda pointless if you don't sit on it for an hour). So, I was at Costco, and they had a demo Ab Lounge sitting out. I was like, 'What the hell! Let me look like like a dork doing exercises in a wholeseller warehouse.'
I sat on the chair and started the motion. A couple of people asked me as I was doing it if I felt anything, I didn't know yet. All I knew was my back and neck felt supported. When it hit me to tighten my stomach muscles while doing the exercise - I knew the Ab Lounge was my product. I got off that chair somewhat sore (in a good way). I have owned this product now for over a month. If you already have a decent body type, a month's time will show you some visable results. Do it daily, WATCH the instructional dvd and eat better and see what this thing will do for you. The one thing that throws me off though, is it not easily storable as the commercial suggests. It is an eye-sore which in the case of working on your abs is a good thing, because you have to do this kind of workout once a day to see any results in the future. Storing it is pointless. This is really the most fun I have ever had doing sit-ups, not like exercise like this is fun, but if genes did not give you the perfect torso area, this very well should. It is working for me!
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