Journey Gym Portable Universal Gym for Cardio, Strength and Circuit Training

I think this is a great idea but the execution just is not there.

I bought this as a Gold Box Deal. I was attracted to it as I live in a very small house and it seemed very convenient.

Issue 1: The legs! I really struggle to get the legs in the base. Then after pounding on it for 10-20 minutes during the workout, I really struggle to get them out! Not very convenient. I have to add 20 minutes to the time to set up and break down.

Issue 2: After three uses, one of the bands is already stretched out. Yes, there are replacement bands but I should not have to replace them after three uses.

Issue 3: Mine came to me defective. One of the white roller bars that helps manage the bands does not fit and came off.

Issue 4: Inconsistent training information, which I think led to issue 2. The "Getting Started" segment discusses how you need to set up the bands in a starting position but during the 10 and 20 minute work out segments, the instructors are not doing that, so during my third use of it, I thought since they were not doing it, I did not have to do it, ergo, stretched band.

Issue 5: The instructors in the 10 and 20 minute exercise segments are not using the gym in the same manner one would use it at home. Their platform is clearly fastened to the floor because if you pull the bands without standing on the step, the gym goes flying and you have to reset the legs (see issue 1) all over again. Frustrating! When following new programs, I follow what the instructors do to a T and I should not have to remember that I cannot follow certain actions.

Issue 6: I do not feel comfortable using the step. The platform is a lot smaller than standard steps and there is a lot of little things that one could get caught on, such as the hinge on the platform, the case handle, etc.

Issue 7: The stupid case is like a map! Once I opened it up, I really struggle to fit everything back in its place and close it completely.

In the end, I think it would better to buy a standard step (around $100) and bands (around $30). It won''t be as convenient as this gym in terms of portability and storage but the quality will be immensely better.

I don''t plan to return this as it does serve a tiny niche in my exercise program but I don''t plan on recommending it to friends or family either.

Actually, I think I bought this product mainly because I wanted to see if it really did live up to its perfect reviews. After reading all of the 5-star reviews I was convinced that they were planted, mainly given that not one other person has actually reviewed anything other than the Journey Gym. However, I decided to give it a try because it does look like a pretty ingenious invention... and it''s relatively inexpensive for a piece of exercise equipment. I''m a woman in her mid 40s, let myself go and am pretty out of shape at the moment, so I think that I am in a similar position that most of the other reviewers said they were in when they started using the gym. I have only just received my Journey Gym and have only used it for 2 days, but I am planning to keep it up and see if I can really rave about it like the other reviewers... stay tuned for an update in about 6 months.

Ok. So the pros... So far I really like the fact that it has short online video workouts that you can jump right into. I have done 2 10-minute workouts so far and liked them both. I was a little sore and winded afterword, but not too much so. (I don''t want to overexert myself and lose motivation to continue.) It felt good just getting off the couch and moving around for a change. I like the fact that the intervals are short (1 minute each), so by the time you feel yourself getting tired of an exercise you''re onto the next. I am planning to increase up to the 20 minute workouts at least 3 times/week, but for now 10 minutes is better than nothing.

And now for the cons... For one thing, the bands make a lot of noise when you''re moving with them, which is annoying but a minor point. Another thing, after my 2nd workout, one of the bands broke... Not a good sign (I don''t want to have to buy new bands all the time), but fortunately the gym does come with 2 extra sets, and it was pretty easy to replace the broken one. Actually, after examining it, I determined that it didn''t actually snap or anything... I think it was just defective and didn''t have the proper shape to keep it attached to the plastic end piece. Anyway, just a couple minor points.

So to summarize, I am hopeful that I will be able to keep up the exercises. Overall, I like the product so far. It''s pretty easy to use and the workouts are short, contained, and pretty easy to complete. Will report back with a progress report in 6 months.

Buy Journey Gym Portable Universal Gym for Cardio, Strength and Circuit Training Now

Haven''t bought or used the product but was a little surprised by all the glowing reviews for stretch bands. 12 of the 14 reviewers have this review as their only review. And most have the same theme, why pay money for a gym membership when you can have this for no monthly fee, etc.... Just a warning read them for yourself and decide..........

Update: Many reviewers have commented to my post that their reviews are legit. Company is in Portland and these people all bought locally and were asked to post on Amazon if they liked it. So they may be legit, who knows. Sine it was a lightening deal today guess we will see when reviews come in from verified purchasers. Until then not convinced either way.

Update November 30, 2012: 6 reviews posted since my original review. Three from rs, Two 2 star reviews and one 4 star review. Three other reviewers who acquired system another way (not verified), all 5 star reviews. So why the big difference, I''ll leave it all to you to decide!

Read Best Reviews of Journey Gym Portable Universal Gym for Cardio, Strength and Circuit Training Here

recieved the journey gym an hour ago and its going back. one of eight leg place holders was to loose and the leg kept falling off.Didnt use it after seeing how poorly built /defective this product was...dont buy

Want Journey Gym Portable Universal Gym for Cardio, Strength and Circuit Training Discount?

Concept:

You have a self-contained set of resistance bands, a step and instructional videos in a small, portable package that you can stow away after you are done working out. You have access to more online videos as well.

EXCELLENT!

Execution:

1. The unit is compact, easily put together for use (although attaching and detaching the 8 legs can be challenging, they are not as easy to take out as you would assume, but that is a trade-off for a tight, safe placement).

Good.

2. Three levels of basic resistance bands, they can be combined for more levels of difficulty.

Very good.

3. Quality is sub-par, the bands stretched to a non-usable state after a few uses; with care taken, after reading other reviews, to avoid over stretching them.

Poor.

4. The thing is noisy! There are roller cylinders over which the bands roll, but they are not very easily mobile and frequently get stuck. The bands frequently depart from the intended groove in the roller and get stuck in a stretched position as well.

Poor.

5. Videos: the device used for the instructional videos is definitely not the same retail version. I am unclear on which version exactly that is, but it seems to have none of the issues mentioned above about the one I received from Amazon.

Poor.

6. Customer support: I emailed them about the bands and some of the other problems I had with the device, no response.

Poor.

I live in Portland, and I really would love to support a local company, especially with a very promising exercise concept, but the way this was executed leaves me disappointed.

Will reverse back to basic exercise bands until something better is available.

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