Ab-DOer? More Like Ab-Don't
By Charlotte Kuchinsky
for AsSeenOnTVCritic.com
According to its advertising, the AB DOer is "fun and easy." I will agree to the latter statement but take exception to the former. There is nothing fun about this abdominal machine! Additionally, the cost is ridiculous.
What is the AB DOer?
The AB DOer is a piece of exercise equipment that claims to help strengthen and define abdominal muscles. Having a modified chair format, the AB DOer is designed to simulate the same motion as an abdominal crunch. With its rotating back and spring support, the chair moves easily from right to left, from front to back, as well as around in a circular motion.
What Does the Machine Do?
According to the machine's developer, John Abdo, the AB DOer targets the upper and lower abdominals, the obliques, and the lower back; all with one full-range circular motion. He also claims that regular use of the machine will "flatten your stomach in just minutes a day." Perhaps - if you live in fantasyland.
I used this machine two to three times a day for months and saw absolutely no change in my abdominal muscles. Although I was using the AB DOer in conjunction with a diet in which I lost more than 70 pounds, there was no noticeable change to my abs. I actually got better response just doing regular crunches for the same period of time.
A newer version of this product - the AB DOer Xtreme - does everything the original machine did plus it adds additional capabilities the manufacturer claims will help tighten the upper chest area as well.
Is Assembly and Storage Difficult?
Actually, the AB Doer comes in as few pieces as possible and I was able to put it together all by myself, without the help of my husband. The instructions were thorough and came with pictures to help the process. Because it doesn't fold or easily come apart for storage, the AB Doer takes up space, wherever you choose to store it.
The newer AB DOer Xtreme has even fewer pieces to assemble since it folds down into a small flat unit that is easy to store under a bed, behind a door, in a closet, or anywhere else you choose to put it.
How Much Does the AB Doer Cost and Where Can I Find it?
I purchased the original AB DOer for around $60. Unfortunately, the AB DOer Xtreme is much more expensive at almost double the cost, $110 (at the time of this writing; prices always subject to change).
The original AB DOer is hard to find these days, although a few stores and online websites still carry the model. Almost everyone else has moved on to the AB DOer Xtreme. It can be found in many discount department stores, stores that specialize in exercise equipment, and offered on various Web sites.
The Verdict
I'm going to put it bluntly. This machine simply did not work for me. It will certainly make you uncomfortable. It may give you whiplash. It might even make you dizzy. But it didn't do anything significant to strengthen or define my abdominal muscles. I don’t understand how the manufacturer can justify its price tag.
You can get the same effect on your abs by doing a few crunches every day. And all that will cost you is time and a bit of frustration. Therefore, I can't recommend the Ab-DOer machine to anyone. I give it 0 out of 10 stars. It's an expensive dud!
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