Customer Reviews

Ab Lounge 2 Abdominal Exerciser

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

I power walk 2 miles a day on my treadmill. I needed to add something to my workout so I decided to get the ab lounge 2. I have had 2 children and have a bit of a 'pooch' but other wise I am in decent shape. This is what I found from my experience in the last 6 months of using my ab lounge:
THE GOOD:
1)Easy to put together...my 11 y.o. son put it together for me.
2)Comfortable to use...unlike regular sit-ups on the floor this does support your body so that you don't get the sore neck and lower back.
3)Informative video/dvd...definitely watch it. It will show you the proper way to use the ab lounge for the best results.
4)It's quiet so you can watch t.v. while you do it BUT good luck with that unless you want to turn your head with each repetition.
5))Light weight...the ab lounge is not too heavy so you can move it place to place without too much effort. BUT...see below.

THE BAD:
1)Even though it's not heavy...it's bulky and DOES NOT fold up easily or quickly. Even folded, it is not something you can just hide away easily either. I have it in a seperate room with my treadmill so I don't have to move it but for those that plan to use it in the living room, etc...then move it out of the way...good luck.
2)I know the importance of doing an excercise right in order to get maximum benefits and after using the ab lounge basically every day for 6 months..I seen little improvement in my 'pooch'. I would do 50 reps front and 50 on each side. I cannot SEE any difference when looking in the mirror. I CAN feel that my abs are harder when I poke them with my fingers.

Bottom line: I think it is a good alternative to floor sit-ups. I know that it works to some extent but don't expect 'WOW' results.

Okay here are the (+):



- Easy to assemble

- Very little strain on back and neck

- Good variety of ab workouts



Here are the (-):



- Takes up a lot of space and cannot realistically be folded down.

- If you are 6' or taller you will not fit on this machine

- The arm strap is kind of small. My gf's arms can fit through comfortably but not mine.

- Don't know whether this machine will be able to get you a six pack...perhaps if they had bands w/ higher resistance?

When I first saw this on the TV I was very hesitant. I asked the manager at my gym what he thought about it. He told me he bought one for himself and loved it and urged me to buy one as well. I just received mine two days ago and already I can feel a difference. I got sick of doing crunches everyday. This is portable and also is comfortable. The video that was in package is very helpful and easy to follow. I used it the first day and loved it. When I woke up the next day I could feel the ache of my abs. This proves that it is working. It feels like I had done 300+ crunches when really I did the easy video and only did about 40 jackknifes and oblique exercises. I would recommend this to anyone.

Somehow I fell upon the Ab Lounge online when looking at things to tone my Abs (Or Fat Stomach as I called it then).

At first, I looked at this product as a "Late Night Informercial Product". I was wrong.

This is amazing, i've only used it for a few weeks and my stomach has tightened up beyond belief, things are going on in my arms, and in my stomach area that i've never seen before (could it be muscles???? Or baby abs?)

I'm doing before, during and After Photos, and will post again to show the results from this excellent machine.

It doubles as an extra chair, and I use it to crack my back as well. My back feels wonderful! I read some of the boards and heard that it's sometimes damaged in shipment, so I picked mine up at a local sporting goods store, they seem to be price fixed.

I found the enclosed diet plan sensible and easy to understand, it had things I liked to eat and incorporated Lean Cuisines. I am not following a diet verbatim currently and still seeing results.

* About me: I'm around 5' 8", 165 lbs, *completely* out-of-shape, with a few minor back problems. I love pizza(!), and my ever-increasing stomach is the evidence of my inactivity. When I'm not working with computers, I'm either watching TV, reading, or playing video games- constant inactivity! The hardest part about exercising for me is starting. To begin: How great is it to just sit in this chair and watch TV?! :) Whenever I'm ready, I start by stretching back gently and then exercising, moving back & forth- It's that easy!
* AbLounge2 Quality: Max user weight= 250lbs.; max user height isn't specified- maybe 6-feet? Yes, construction quality *IS* very high- Best purchase ever! Anyone who says this can be regularly disassembled has to be kidding(?)- I'd like my workout *using* the chair, not constantly assembling & disassembling it(!). There's only a slight stretching-stressing sound during use- pretty quiet. My only complaint is the size of the arm strap- it's too close to the chair and I can't get my arms through it. A few exercises on the video show the lady with her arms straight up & through, with the strap around her arms instead of her palms. She's tiny: good luck in anyone *else* getting through! Thankfully the strap is still pretty helpful as-is: it's basically used for grabbing & steadying.
* Continual Exercise: I don't know if I can get a six-pack here, but I'm certainly inspired to try! The great thing here is that it's easy to reposition slightly to eliminate most discomfort. I actually do my exercises slightly differently than on the video because of my back, and it seems to be working very well so far. Be aware that it's really easy to cheat in the movements by using arms & legs instead of abs, so *some* self-control is required. This chair helps with a variety of exercises targeting abdominals & obliques, and it's VERY nice to stop & stretch whenever I want, as well as to continue to watch TV! I had to laugh with how GREAT it feels to stretch *all* the way back- it has to be felt to be believed. 5 STARS!

I have this product for almost a week now and I must say it does the job. The only problem is that the strap is not long enough to put both hands through for some of the workouts. Other than that I was happy with my purchase, you can feel the burn after a couple reps.

I don't actually own one yet, but my boyfriend does so I've been sneaking over to his house to use it until I make room in my own home for one. When I first used it I was like some of the other reveiwers, disappointed that it didn't work my abs the way I expected, but then I realized I wasn't doing it correctly. It makes it pretty easy to use your legs and arms instead of just your abs so it helps to focus at the beginning on just using your abs and nothing else and then you can really feel it! The strap is way too small though, I usually just put my fingers under it, but there's no way to do somme things that the lady on the video does, like sticking your arms through the strap and holding them straight...and I have pretty small arms.

The range of motion thing is great, and feels so good on the back, which is the complete opposite of doing crunches on the ground(I used to do about 1,000 crunches a day but then I started getting bruises on my back from them and I pretty much hit a plateau where I wasn't seeing any changes in my abs). I have so much fun using the ab lounge while I watch TV too, it's a great way to make the commercial time go by.

I would recommend that the people having problems with this try to go slowly and really focus on working just your abs, it makes it so much more worth it.