Ab Circle Pro: Recommend or Not?

by Jacob
(Michigan)

QUESTION: Would you recommend the Ab Circle Pro?

ANSWER: I would NOT recommend the Ab Circle Pro. There are many reasons, but the primary one is that the cost far exceeds the benefit. You don't need to spend $200 to get toned abs and a flat stomach. For about $25-$30 you could get an exercise ball and ab wheel. You will get a much better ab workout using those items than you will from the Ab Circle Pro. You can even spend zero dollars on ab equipment and get a great workout with exercises like the ones Here.

While the movement the machine uses will work your abs, it's limited to only one kind of move: lateral flexion. You should be working your abs in a variety of different planes of movement, as well as, static contractions like used in the Plank exercise.

Other reasons against I would recommend against it:

1) They claim by using it you're aerobically burning fat. Not true. Aerobic exercise is characterized by use of the legs. Using the Ab Circle Pro uses the abs and upper body (which is supporting your weight while you do the movement), but it could not be accurately categorized as an "aerobic exercise".

2) They claim that you'll lose your love handles. That's spot reducing and it doesn't work. Working an area of the body does not burn the fat in that area. Only a reduction in calories along with an increase in calories burned through aerobic and strength training will burn your fat. An hour a day on the Ab Circle Pro won't burn fat on your abs.

3) Many of the reviews I read said the machine was not very sturdy. There is even a weight limit for use of the machine reflecting the concern about sturdiness.

4) It takes up space in your house for a limited benefit.

While the Ab Circle Pro will work your abs and looks like it's fun to do, the cost, the limited benefit, and the false promises it makes prevents me from recommending it.

You would be much better off spending your money on a quality abs program like Mike Geary's instead.

Bill