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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