Fitness

Wacky Fitness Devices That Really Work

Looking to lose weight and get toned? Reviewers says these weird fitness inventions may actually help

April 14, 2011 | by Charli Schuler | 42 COMMENTS

TRX Suspension Training Pro Pack, $189.95 You may have seen this at a boot-camp class or on "The Biggest Loser." It sounds complicated but it's basically just a set of adjustable straps with handles attached to them. By anchoring the straps to something solid (a tree, a door, etc.) and pulling on the handles while assuming a variety of poses, you use gravity and your own weight to get better "strength, balance, flexibility and core stability." It's not the cheapest piece of equipment, but reviewers swear by it and are even surprised by it. One blogger says it's "a great choice for home exercisers" that's cheaper than a gym membership, and that it's good for "functional fitness types ... [and] folks who travel." Just beware of fakes that are shoddily made and potentially dangerous to use, other reviewers say.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Indo Board Balance Trainer, $119.95 and up

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Love the ab wheel!

by Mollysunshine Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 01:38AM Report as inappropriate

The Kangroo shoe thing looks like they could be fun. Some wacky stuff here for sure but might actually try one. Probably not the shoes though dont want to spend that much

by Alana_Danes Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 06:08AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks

by Monique3 Monday, February 4, 2013 at 08:34AM Report as inappropriate

Some sound real cool!

by Only1KimmieD Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 12:56PM Report as inappropriate

Some wacky info!

by Ydabney Monday, January 7, 2013 at 01:11PM Report as inappropriate

This article helps a lot! I agree that basic workouts/working out can really get the job done but if devices like this are more helpful for others then go for it. At least know you know which ones actually work and which ones are just about the hype of something new. There is no point in wasting your money!

by danny54f Friday, October 12, 2012 at 08:04AM Report as inappropriate

These are just so much!

by schien Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 10:47AM Report as inappropriate

Nice!

by sweettpea29 Monday, June 18, 2012 at 03:53PM Report as inappropriate

great

by Nicole2814 Monday, May 21, 2012 at 08:03PM Report as inappropriate

i stick to work out videos and 3lb (pink) weights

by AmandaAmanda Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 09:27PM Report as inappropriate

infomercials are so addictive!

by olkrav319 Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 07:02PM Report as inappropriate

It's a good article, letting people know about these types of products. But I've come to learn that plain ole exercise does just fine...and if I want to do something with weights, I just use some 4 or 5 pound weights.

by jbynum Monday, April 9, 2012 at 11:34AM Report as inappropriate

I love gadgets. I have been wanting the TRX system, but can't justify the cost of it right now.

by beautybody Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 08:13PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting, but I'm not really a gadget person.

by tallredamanda Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 12:33PM Report as inappropriate

The Perfect Push Ups really do work. My husband uses these everyday and he has seen results!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 01:21PM Report as inappropriate

Hard to imagine some of these are effective versus a gimmick

by Breton Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 06:27AM Report as inappropriate

Hard to imagine some of these are effective versus a gimmick

by Breton Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 06:26AM Report as inappropriate

A few of these look interesting..... I may try one.

by skinpro Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 07:01AM Report as inappropriate

RE: Shake Weight... of course shaking a two and a half pound weight back and forth over and over is going to burn calories and build muscle (to varying degrees, of course, depending on how you use it and for how long). That's just common sense. You can build muscle lifting anything: groceries, your baby, etc. HOWEVER, I think a lot of people expect some sort of miracle with devices like this, but a miracle just doesn't exist. I have used a Shake Weight a friend of mine owns. I'm in good shape, but if you can shake that thing for 6 minutes straight you're doing way better than me. You have to do the work to get the results, and only using the Shake Weight for 6 minutes straight per day without also doing cardio and other weight exercises is not going to give you the arms of your dreams.

by pinkgrrl Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 02:04PM Report as inappropriate

I have been thinking about the Shake Weight and now think I will pick one up.

by Agrimony Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 01:20PM Report as inappropriate

Wow, these things actually work?

by MissXu Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 10:59AM Report as inappropriate

I really want to try the shakeweight!!

by sportimonki13 Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 08:59PM Report as inappropriate

The use of anecdotal evidence isn't convincing. I'll take a walk for free instead.

by krycekov Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 08:29AM Report as inappropriate

I have tried and have most of these exercise items: ab wheel,kettlebells,Perfect pushup like. i really like the kettlebells with dvd. OH!! start out with 2 to 5lbs, you can hurt your shoulder or crack your leg bone. I still want to get the "Shake Wieght. As for the KanGod jumps must be on a padded floor or gound(SCARY!!!)

by amgo.db Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11:24AM Report as inappropriate

The Ab Wheel actually does work. I have sore abs for a few days after I use it.

by Feline44mom Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 10:15AM Report as inappropriate

Im always wondering if these things actually work

by andyv1217 Friday, October 28, 2011 at 09:00PM Report as inappropriate

The push-up thing looks like it actually works well!

by vfalkow Monday, September 5, 2011 at 09:10AM Report as inappropriate

I've been meaning to get a kettle ball for some time now!

by Steph53 Monday, August 15, 2011 at 08:15AM Report as inappropriate

we sell those push up things were I work, discount whoop!!!

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 02:50AM Report as inappropriate

I think a partner can always be a big help in keeping us charged... To be each others cheerleader! I will try and yes I am very guilty of buying and not trying some of the wacky devices I really just enjoy walking... Unless i have the buddy!

by kelly_ahrman Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 06:45PM Report as inappropriate

I actually just got the perfect push up for free from my coke rewards and I like using them better than the push up bar or just doing them without anything.

by sassym0mma09 Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 07:10PM Report as inappropriate

Those sound like a lot of fun...the ab wheel especially is a great way to get a workout

by LittleBunny Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 07:56PM Report as inappropriate

i am not a fan of fads and some of this products en up just not being used

by BerenicePonce Monday, June 13, 2011 at 12:12AM Report as inappropriate

hahahah love those Kangaroo things.

by volta Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 11:41PM Report as inappropriate

Some of these aren't that wacky (kettlebells) but some definitely are (shake weight). It probably isn't actually the gadget that's working, as much as the person. I'm going to stick w/running outside, or hitting the gym.

by LipglossandSpandex Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 09:22PM Report as inappropriate

i never get suckered into gadgets

by AmandaAmanda Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 08:06PM Report as inappropriate

It would've been helpful to have facts instead of opinions.

by krycekov Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 06:37PM Report as inappropriate

i'm still unclear on how some of these devices actually work, but it seems to me that the cheapest way to get in shape is to get your heartrate up and perhaps get some basic dumbells. why do we need $190 fitness bands that fit over your door?

by mlenaei Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 08:37AM Report as inappropriate

The shake weight works AMAZING! But, i keep it hidden, and only use it when no one is around, lol!

by MissPurple Friday, April 29, 2011 at 01:42PM Report as inappropriate

.Some of these gadgets do really work.

by tiffany_gallehugh Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 11:56AM Report as inappropriate

eehh..

by taliarivas Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 06:57AM Report as inappropriate

Eat less, move more. Pretty simple.

by LittleBunny Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 08:03PM Report as inappropriate

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