Customer Reviews

SPRI Advanced Traveling Trainer

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been using SPRI resistance bands for three years. I steadily progressed from light/medium resistance to heavy/very heavy resistance. My ONLY complaint is that the purple (very heavy) band is the highest resistance and I've become too strong for it on some exercises (I'm a man so I doubt most women will outgrow that highest resistance). I'm doing repetitions of over 25 on some routines. I use these bands at work in my office because I otherwise sit on my butt all day. I've found creative ways to lock the door attachment device to my locking bookshelves. I've been using them twice per day and I do five different muscle groups, both left and right side. I walk/run or ride a recumbent bike in the evening for 45-60 mins. I do both five times per week and take the weekends off. As can be imagined, I've saved a lot on expensive gym equipment and memberships. My workouts are pretty cheap and nearly free. In three years I've lost about 25 lbs of fat and put on about 10 lbs of muscle. I've taken about 3.5 inches off my waistline. My physique actually looks athletic and toned now, and I'm middle aged.

I tried cheaper resistance cords and they ended up snapping on me, they actually broke. That can be dangerous. The main reason I recommend SPRI is because I've never had one break on me and I'm only on my 2nd set in three years. I bought the second set mainly just for peace of mind, but also to have one extra set for travel and such. These are very well made exercise bands, reasonably priced, and make for very effective and convenient muscle toning and fat burning workouts.

Admittedly, an early review of these can't speak to the durability of the elastic, but I can tell from moving from another set of tubes that these are far more durable and usable. However, I've really only used them as substitutes for biceps and shoulders as I've found bands to be just too weak to strengthen the back. A pleasant surprise was the nylon pack; it was lightweight, compact, and easily transported. I can just throw this in my backpack and take it to work for a quick workout during the day if I need it.

As a personal note I've been using these in the p90x workout routine and have noticed that they fit the exact need for what you'll be doing in the videos; so if you're doing this type of program, I highly recommend these bands.

My only gripe is that the picture looks like it comes with the purple band. The pack comes with the green (light), red (medium), and blue (heavy) bands, but not a purple. I probably should've read the description more thoroughly, rather than relying on the pictures, but just take note that this is probably acceptable to most exercise enthusiasts. I actually received an extra red band, which I suppose I'll just combine with the blue bad to make the purple band. That's how weight lifting works, right?

***EDIT: UPDATE 12/13/09***
After 8-9 months of use, I thought it might be time for me to update you all on the longevity of these bands. I've been mostly using the blue band for my needs 3-4x / week on average for nearly the entire duration, but step down to red bands for shoulder exercises. The green band is essentially useless for me, but would be well suited for certain people. The red/green bands are in perfect condition with absolutely no signs of wear and tear.

However, just recently, I've noticed my blue band has begun to slightly fray around where I step on it for extremely taught band exercises (Congdon Curls, Side lateral raises, etc.). It's not unusable and is likely only cosmetic, as this is a rather thick band.

Just know that these bands will eventually fail if you do strenuous enough exercises that compromise the integrity of the band, but they have lasted me this long, so they are a very quality progress!

I bought this product mainly to do conditioning and toning on my off-gym days, and it works flawlessly. If you want to get "big" then this product is not for you. It will not replace free weights. However, if you mainly do calistetic type workouts (pushup, situps, pullups, etc), then this product is perfect because it adds a little more resistance to your everyday routine, or you can use it mainly just to tone your body.

I also recommend buying it with the "purple" tube, to suppliment the other 3 tubes in the kit, but you can always double up on bands if you really want or need more resistance.

This is the perfect companion to take on your next trip. No more excuses. The gym is now portable. With enough resistance to give you a decent workout. This gym rat highly recommend these bands.

I really like these bands. The red one is perfect for me. I'm a woman, in OK shape, and I started with the green - way too easy. The red challenges me on most exercises. I really like the book that came with the bands, as it explains clearly how to do the exercises. I haven't looked at the video yet. I wish there were more ways to use them without having to use the door attachment, though...most places where there are doors are just not great places to work out! The food book/menu was pretty worthless, but that's not why I bought the product. Overall, a great idea, good for taking on trips and still getting a decent workout.

helped me in my weight loss journey. They appear to be of a
higher quality than others I've had in the past.

I suffer from a neuromuscular disease that is movement
and positionally related. These bands give me a gentle
exercise and help me to burn enough calories to help in
my losing weight, that and also a healthier diet along
with it.

I give these bands 5 stars.

I have no space in my house for a bulky home gym. I needed a workout that would not take up space while in use and when not in use. I read an article from an Exercise magazine that reviewed these bands and they said that people are more likely to stick to this workout because it isn't a hassle to use. This is the most convenient workout known to man. It is also safer than lifting weights if you have have kids, because those dumbbells could land on their little feet.

For those of you that lift weights regularly in a gym, this can be used for those light days, or when you can't make it to the gym. For those that don't go to the gym, don't expect to bulk up, it is very good for definition because of the range of motion that weights cannot replicate. You work out more muscles, although not as intensely as heavy weights.

I just received this product and am a first time user with the SPRI bands. I have to say i am completely suprised what a great workout they provide. I am coupling this with Jim Karas's Cardio Free Diet b/c his bands are just too expensive for my liking. The only piece of equipment that is missing is the leg band but the demonstrations in the traveling trainer exercise guide show alternatives to using the leg bands by using the regular ones. I love that this is compact not for travelling purposes but for anti-clutter purposes.

I bought this because 2) I had had an earlier positive experience with this type of exercise (using a similar kit for aging women called "Osteo-Smart") and 2) I wanted something geared more to a real workout that came with full instructions and guidelines. This kit fit the bill perfectly. I especially like the Level 1, 2, and 3 heavy-duty cards with a regimen for different fitness levels. And I liked being able to see the exercises being performed with the correct form, as on the DVD. The zippered bag made the purchase a no-brainer. (Who can turn down a product that fits in a small zippered bag the size of a shaving kit?)

I bought this with the heavy purple band. It replaces an old spring type device. It is lighter and easier to use. More exercises are available with this device, when compared to my old device. I can recommend this as a convenient traveling trainer.