I Don't Buy It: Excel Body Gym

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:45:00 PDT

With a name like Gadget Universe, this site might not be the most reliable source for exercise equipment. I found this machine that is just over-the-top enough to share. Called the Multi-Core-Flex Excel Body Gym, it promises that for only $69.95 "you’ll be able to get 6-pack abs while simultaneously getting a back massage."

I do believe it will give my back a general, all over kind of massage, but the claim that you can get six-pack abs from using it gives me serious pause. I'm not saying this crazy machine doesn't work your abs, but the text gives the impression that it's a quick fix - that all you need to do is "ride" this machine and voilà! Instant washboard belly.

This makes me think of Leg Magic, another stupid piece of exercise equipment. That along with Suzanne Somer's Thigh Master just makes me laugh and cringe at the same time. These machines just work to isolate certain muscle groups, but guess what? The toned muscles will just be hidden under a layer of flab.

If you're trying to lose or maintain your weight, using just these "gadgets" isn't enough. You need cardio in your routine to exercise your heart and to burn fat (so you can see your flat abs). You also need to do weight bearing exercises that challenge your muscles and stimulate them to grow.

So don't fall for this scam, ladies. There really is no easy way to work your entire body, other than to work your entire body, and unfortunately the Excel Body Gym just doesn't cut it.