Article: As Seen On TV: Torso Toner No Gimmick

[Guest guest]

by Kelli Calabrese M.S., C.S.C.S.

Exercise Physiologist

Even if you don’t watch infomercials you probably

have seen the new and improved abdominal wheels.

Jack LaLane reinvented the wheel years ago, and I

bet some of you still have one in the back of a

closet in the basement. Today’s abdominal wheels

are far more sophisticated with wrist supports,

spring-loaded tension and a choice of hand

positions. A trim torso is the very essence of

the healthy, fit appearance most of us are

striving for. The muscles around your torso,

abdomen, sides, and back, are critical for

stabilizing your posture and preventing back

pain. Austin's new Torso Toner works the

abdominal muscles and stimulates the muscles of

the back, chest and arms as well. You begin the

exercise by kneeling on a knee pad (which is

included). You then place your hands on the

outside hand positions with your wrists

comfortably resting on the curved handles. You

begin to slowly roll out away from your knees as

far as you are comfortable. The Torso Toner has a

patented, spring-loaded action that " loads up " as

you extend your body.

When it is time to return to your starting

position, the spring helps when you need it most.

That way, you can gain the benefit of the torso

training movements without overdoing it. You then

return to the starting position and repeat again.

The Torso Toner can help you strengthen and tone

the muscles around your torso, ultimately helping

with posture and potentially reducing back pain.

The Torso Toner comes with a complete exercise

video so you can understand exactly how it works.

It is small enough to store almost anywhere. The

torso toner claims to work your entire upper

body. But while it is stimulated, I would not

count on this alone as your upper body workout.

It also claims to “help you become stronger and

slimmer” which you know is only possible with a

combination of a wholesome and nutritious meal

plan along with regular cardiovascular activity.

You want to be careful not to overextend your body

if you are a beginner. As you get stronger you

can progress to increasing your range of motion.

I would not recommend this if you have any chronic

discomfort in your back. Your back needs to be

fairly strong to perform this motion. You may

want to check with your doctor prior to attempting

this motion.

The Torso Toner also comes with a middle handle

that allows you to incorporate the obliques (sides

of the waist) by rolling out to the sides. Again,

do not over extend your body in the beginning and

do not do any motion that causes you pain.

The Torso Toner retails for about $69.95 which is

about the middle of the road if you compare it to

products like it that work the abdominals. If you

would like to see a comparison of similar

abdominal products prior to making an informed

purchase, go to: www.bodytrends.com This product

is available from infomercials, in local

department stores like Wal-mart as well as online

at www.BigFitness.com Remember these products work

only if you use them.