Bender Ball Review

I recently tried the Bender Ball created by "master trainer" Leslee Bender, which I can't seem to turn on the TV without seeing it's commercial and people excited about how much they "love their abdominals".

The claims made are that the Bender Ball workout is 408% more effective than regular floor crunches and 200% more effective than the larger abdominal ball exercises. These numbers are quite alerting, come on 408%! So I was very excited to try it out and see if it really delivered on its promises.

The complete kit includes the Bender Ball and one DVD containing two different exercise routines: Core Training, and Buns & Thighs, for $12.98. I think this is a pretty reasonable deal since exercise balls run from $14-$30.

Once you have the kit you have to inflate the ball; instructions are included on how to do so - with your own breath and a straw. This wasn't too difficult to do. The only hard part was managing to get the plug into the hole without losing all the air. I suggest slightly overinflating the ball before plugging it because you will certainly lose some air when you do.

Once inflated, you're ready to start the workout. The first part of the DVD is the core training (although you can choose to do the Buns & Thighs first). The Core training session is broken down into three levels of increasing intensity.

I wasn't sure if you are supposed to them all back to back, but I did because each one was pretty short, and throughout them I was definitely feeling it! The exercises targeted every abdominal muscle and left no area untouched, even the side abs. By the end I felt like I had a plate of armor over my stomach!

Following the Core Training you can do the Buns & Thighs workout. I found some of these exercises and the positions you have to be in a little awkward and pretty funny, but they are truly effective. My entire legs (all the way around) felt tighter and stronger by the end of the routine. Also, I continued to fell my abs engaged throughout the workout which I think helps keep them flat following the ab exercises.

Some Other Features
Leslee always shows a modified version for each difficult exercise. For beginners this is a great way to start and then work up to the more advanced versions. Also, since it is a DVD if the workout is ever too intense, you can simply pause until you're ready to continue.

I really like the smaller Bender Ball compared to larger balls because it is definitely a more intense workout and I don't have to constantly check that the ball is in the right spot on my back as with the large balls. Leslee Bender calls it "Selective Stabilization", which means the smaller ball is perfectly sized and placed where your back muscles can relax forcing the abdominals to do all the work.

I would definitely recommend the Bender Ball for everyone. It is perfect for beginners who are looking to getting started, while at the same it is a great way for more advanced exercisers to increase the intensity of their regular workouts and get even better results.

Once you purchase the kit you also gain exclusive access to their member-only site where there are many great fitness resources including: Free Meal Plans, Healthy Eating Guide and Tips to Maximize Results. It's a great deal for only $12.98 and there is a 30-day money back guarantee, so there isn't any harm in trying it out.

- Review by Kathleen, TVTopTen

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