Ab Rocket product reviews

Like many fitness tools before you can use it you need to assemble it. In alot of cases that is generally easier said than done, however in this instance, it's not so bad. The installation instructions I found to be clear and concise with good diagrams to follow.

The installing and removing of the resistance screws was easily done and can be done by anyone. I found the lightest resistance to be very negligible, but in order to work yourself into the process it is a good starting point. I felt I was about the right height for this as I felt good support both on the way down and back up again. One point that took a bit to get used to was the fact that you are right at floor level, and if you are at the point where you are getting a bit stiff in your joints this could be a bit of a restriction, however once your down there it's not so bad (just the getting up again could be an issue )

The DVD is very easy to follow and as a bonus also includes a Pilates Assist Program. Also included are some quite tasty looking food recipes (because as we all know a good exercise program isn't worth anything if you don't eat right). One that looks particularly appetising is the Grilled Pepper Steak.

I think for those out there who feel in the need to start an exercise program, yet don't want to pay the costs for a gym, this is a good starting place.

I'm not sure the Ab Rocket is designed for taller than average chaps like myself. I felt somewhat uncomfortable trying this out and felt it wasn't really supporting my head. However, my daughter found this exceedingly comfortable but preferred its use as a convenient floor seat rather than an exercise tool - something more akin to a rocking chair to rock the cat to sleep.

The adjustable resistance settings are very easy to change - two hand-screws either side and the resistance springs slip on and off easily. The colour coded springs means you can easily choose the levels of resistance for your levels of fitness. The lowest resistance did nothing for me. I was expecting some resistance on the way down, but felt like there was very little there, so I went to the highest level of resistance and felt that was better.

Perhaps the resistance springs would be better the other way around so the lightest springs give you minimal support and make you work harder, whereas the strongest springs give you much more support on the way down and up and probably better suited to beginners. Either way, I am sure you will figure out what is best and what works for you.

The Menu book and DVD was highly informative and gave you plenty of helpful advice to kick-start your weight-loss and your fitness regime. It was good, honest and sensible advice. So much dietary advice is complex to follow and is ultimately ineffective because of the sheer complexity. Weight-loss advice needs to be clear and simple to follow. Telling people what not to eat is not helpful - advising what to eat instead, is more helpful - something this does very well.

But all in all, I'm not sure it did too much for me, and I suspect my height was the factor, and perhaps a few stronger springs and a higher neck/headrest would have been helpful to me.

Having said that, the machine does have many features going for it. It is generally quite comfortable, and does fold up quite easily into a small space. It is light-weight meaning you don't injure your back trying to move it around.