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Re-activateThe first time I watched the Ab Circle Pro infomercial, I was intrigued. Who wouldn't be curious about an exercise machine that claimed to be "the fastest, easiest way to sexy abs." So I decided to give it a whirl in our exercise lab.
The device is shaped like a large disc with handlebars and knee pockets. I had to get down on my hands and knees, which, to me, felt a bit awkward for an exercise position. I expected the Ab Circle Pro to easily glide from side to side on its own, the way it appears in the infomercial. After about 30 seconds of side-to-side abdominal effort and coordination on my part, I started to get into the swing of it—literally. After another couple of minutes, I started to feel the burn in my abdominal areas, particularly my oblique muscles—but definitely a less agonizing burn than that of standard floor crunches.
So, what's the verdict on this device? If you like some variety, and the idea of using this machine motivates you to work out more often—and you've got an extra $200 to spend, give it a try. But don't expect weight loss results in just three minutes a day, as the advertisement claims. Our testers found that although the Ab Circle Pro does target your core abdominal muscles, the three-minute workout burns about the same amount of calories as a brisk three-minute walk. As for me, I can think of a simpler, more budget-friendly way to tone my abs and reduce my love handles: my $20 stability ball.—Ginger Skinner
For more on our tests of the Ab Circle Pro, watch our video (above) and check out our review of the Ab Circle Pro (subscribers only) and other infomercial exercisers.
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