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.
Buy Ab Lounge 2 Abdominal Exerciser Now
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.
Read Best Reviews of Ab Lounge 2 Abdominal Exerciser Here
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.Want Ab Lounge 2 Abdominal Exerciser Discount?
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?
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