The Ab Circle Pro has become one of the most popular ab machines in the world today. It began in the US but quickly became a hit in countries such as New Zealand, Ireland, even India.
With a clever infomercial and beautiful models who make it seem so easy and yet so effective, there’s no wonder why this machine has become such a best-seller.
However, as someone who’s been involved in the diet and fitness field for years now, I know that infomercials usually paint a much rosier picture then what the real quality of most products are.
I wanted to find the whole truth about the Ab Circle Pro and present you with the best review possible on the matter.
Ab Circle Pro Overview
The Ab Circle Pro is a machine which claims to be able to burn belly fat fast by combining a cardio workout with an abs workout.
You use it by placing your knees on knee-pads, grabbing two handles with both hands, and assuming a position similar to on-all-fours as you can see on the picture to the right.
Then, you rotate you legs from side to side and so achieve a cardio stimulation. The basic position and the movement are supposed to work your abs at the same time.
In addition to this exercise, you can adjust the machine to work the thighs and tone your buttocks, so it’s more than just an abs machine, even though this is what it’s marketed as and its main feature.
The machine comes with a workout DVD and an eating manual.
1 Thing You Need To Know
1 claim which a lot of infomercials for ab equipment make or hint at is that using this or that exercise machine can lead to belly fat loss. This is impossible because it has long been proven that you can’t spot reduce fat from a specific body part by exercising that body part.
Our body burns fat as a single unit, so it doesn’t matter which body part we workout, we burn fat from our entire body.
Therefore, to really burn stomach fat, you need to invest your time in maximum fat burning workouts and not just ab exercises which are less effective than others at fat burning.
The Ab Circle Pro may give you a cardio stimulation, but it certainly doesn’t work your entire body. In addition, you will probably get a bigger cardio stimulation with running, rowing, or a lot of other cardio workouts.
In addition, the Ab Circle Pro may work the abs, but it doesn’t work your entire body. You will still need to workout more to get the results you’re seeking. This isn’t a magical solution. Be aware of that.
Pros and Cons of Ab Circle Pro
This list of pros and cons is based on multiple reviews and testimonials I’ve read regarding this machine.
Pros:
- Portable and easy to store
- Can work the abs, thighs, and buns
- Comes with a workout DVD
- Some people report it’s fun to use
- Can be used at home
Cons:
- There are many reports that the knee pads are far from comfortable and can even be painful
- Has a weight limit so it’s not good for too heavy people
- The machine tends to break. You can get an additional warranty period if you pay more when you buy the machine
- Some people say that you get more strain in your arms than abs
- Some users reported that the resistance isn’t that high, so you can probably get a better workout in more traditional ways.
- Expensive at over $200 full price
- Doesn’t really cover the 3 fundamentals required to really lose belly fat and get flat abs.
In Conclusion
Only you can decide whether you want to get the Ab Circle Pro or not. No one can do it for you.
I recommend that you only get it if you can afford the $200 it costs and if you’re sure you will use it often. Also, don’t get it if it’s going to become your only workout tool. This will not lead to the best results. The Ab Circle Pro can be one of the tools you use to exercise. You need to train your entire body with proper exercises to lose belly fat and get flat abs.
Update (8/27/2012) – The makers of the Ab Circle Pro were made to pay up to $25 million in refunds by the FTC due to making false claims in their advertisements (full story here).
Update (29/10/2012) – Consumer Reports reviewed the Ab Circle Pro, and the conclusion was far from flattering. Here is a video by them which explains their position:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPAxyYcfnHg
I bought one of these thinking I could get a work out on it but not so. I have tried doing the 30 min sessions and find it very easy. I am 63 kilos 5’8 so I guess I will be returning it
Hi.
I have one and I have a bad lower back – prolapsing-when-it-feels-like-it-L5/S1 and L4/5, IYSWIM.
I do the circling on medium setting until sciatica sets in, go for a walk round and do it again, three times. My back is very very stiff in the mornings, I have to do stretching in bed before I get up or I fall over, much to the amusement of the men who deliver parcels early on their way to the rest of the country as I’m usually the first on their run because of where I live. (Rolls eyes).
I find after using it, my back is fab. No pain or stiffness for the rest of the day. No spasms.
It’s a good warmup exercise for my back, props up neatly and my left tricep is now back to normal even though the nerve supply to it is lost 50%.
I call this a result.
I can have a BMI of 18.5 and not show a six-pack. Ladies, we are not strictly designed to have an obvious one! Solid muscle puts me up to BMI of 21.5 at 9stone 4 oz (five feet 8) and I still don’t have an obvious six pack.
Works for me.
Like any type of fitness, there is no magical cure, it takes work, dedication and the ability to focus on your goal. If you want it, it takes work just like anything worth having. I just bought an ab circle pro, I’ve had my eye on them for a while, i go to the gym at least 5 times a week and intend to use this as an additional work out tool at home. I am halfway to reaching my overall goal but no fitness equipment will magically change your shape over night, its a lifestyle change thats required, regular exercise and healthy eating to maintain a healthy body and mind. I’m working towards a goal but once I reach it I will continue to incorporate regular exercise along with healthy eating. Yes this article seems very negative, however I feel this is the point that the initial reviewer is trying to get across that no machine will transform your body, only your hard work and dedication will do that. Find a machine your happy with, it may or may not be the ab circle pro but hey if your keen enough to try it then its a step in the right direction for the new body and mindset you want to create.
Good Look everyone however you choose to attempt to reach your goal, keep positive and stay focused.
Re:123 and other dubious hopefuls
Hi. Im a personal trainer / studio fitness instructor. Just dropped by this site to see what ppl’s experiences have been like with this machine. Im not surprised about a number of ppl not seeing/ feeling results. I find the idea of using so much momentum for spot training rather hard to digest. Sure u may burn some calories & have a bit of fun. But it is hardly the magic cure-all for ab flab.
You want a 6 pack, u shed the pounds first to remove that layer of fat hiding those ab muscles. Once ur well on your way along this course, u choose a good ab programme to tone up those muscles. The two go hand-in-hand always. Forget fancy machines, start building up to 30 minutes of good cardio 4-5 days a week to trim down first. The abs will follow inevitably. Good luck!
I think it’s “to each it’s own” meaning some people will like it and some will not just like with every other workout machines out there. Im 26 years old and i’ve had mine for about a week now and I use it 30 minutes a day while watching tv…every single time i’ve used it i sweat profusely in the stomach area…which is great! I’m not overweight but I have two children so I do have a gut which im trying to lose and I would say so far so good. The only cons I can come up with is that it’s hard on the knees (and I have arthritis in my knees)so bought volleyball knee pads which work great and it squeak rather loud and it sounds weird but I spray the rollers with hairspray and it works.
Year after my first child I also tried this machine, to flatten my stomach .. It worked so well, it took me a week of daily 8 minutes of this machine, to flatten my belly ..
Now I have my second child, he is 3mnths old, and I’ve been using this machine like 1.5 weeks, and results are showing again, I’m aiming to use it daily for 8 minutes, and trim down big time .. Let’s hope it goes
Congratulations on your new child. I hope that you get that tummy flat again soon.
Well— I have had this machine for about a day now, love it, and it’s really doing a job on my abs and triceps(cause I can feel the burn). I am hooked on it, so I would have to say it can work if you stick with it. The knee pads could be updated with a better version but you can buy some soft knee pads to put on and you should be just fine. FLAT ABS-here I come….Oh and I bought mine used off of craigslist.com and got it for $60.00 and its like new condition, so before you buy new check this site out. There’s almost a craigslist in every state in the US and city near you.
Hi reviewer
just wanted to say thanks for the great review on the ab circle pro. I was intrigued when I saw the advert for it and I suppose I am one of those “magic solution” thinking people. In my heart of hearts I know you are correct it’s takes hard work and good diet to get a good body. Thanks for saving me the mula and also the space under my bed!
my wife & I bought this maybe a week ago, used this for 3 nights. I wasn’t happy at first and wanted to give it more time. The third night, my 11 year old daughter was using it and the center bushing/rubber is falling apart & squeeking. I plan on calling soon to see what they doe for parts or replacement.
hi, i have the ab circle pro and i feel its working ive shead 2 pounds in the first 2 -3 days i think you should buy this product only if you are under 300 lbs. but don’t take it as your only source you should also take walks and pedal on your bike for about a half an hour. also save up to buy everthing on the “slim down nutritional plan.”
here’s a tip for you DON’T EAT FRUIT AFTER 4 O’CLOCK PM OR YOUR BODY WILL STORE IT AS SUGAR BUT AT AM IT WILL BE KNOWN AS ENERGY. when you get all of the stuff you need eat that. don’t break your plan and say “well my mom made me this pie for dessert on thanksgiving and i didn’t want to disapoint her so i ate a peice and i could’nt say no when she brung out my favorite kind of ice cream and a can of whipped cream so i had 3 peices with ice cream and whipped cream …. now that im home uh-oh i packed on 4 lbs. and all on desert but for dinner i packed on 2 lbs. from turkey,ham,yams,cranberry sauce…” no you buy what you need from the nutrition plan and nothing else then you’ll see real results. good luck! P.S. you might want to buy it at walmart its $160-170 everywhere else is about 200. i’ve got mine for 163 bucks not too bad for a great product
hi my sistr and i are interested in one of vese,.
im already size 6 (new zealand)but i want tone up.
my sistr is a 8,
we already do daily work outs,
i think its more the individual persons body that determines how fast we can burn fat,
im willing to try it,
also nicole wow:)
sounds like youv done way supa,wow done:)
my sistrs a mother is well so i knw you dnt get alot of spare time but sounds like it works for you,.
i was thinking of buying it but then i read this article and it is not looking good.Are there any other weight loss equipment targeted on the abs,bum and thighs out there that are very comfortable,easy to use and show noticeable improvements.Please help! =)
I am doing research right now if get this or not. And my conclusion is maybee Walk Away the pounds dvd are better
That may be so, but it should be noted that these are two very different products.
After purchasing I found and
read these reviews
kind of scary to think I may have reason for revenge from those that miss lead
Hi Will,
Let’s not talk about scary things like revenge. I don’t think there’s any call for anything that sounds so sinister. Why don’t you share with us your expriences with the product?
Had my Ab Circle Pro for just over a week before the rollers broke so havent had the chance to see any real results yet
But just bought some “red upgraded replacement rollers” from ebay in Australia and so far they seem fantastic! Only had them 4 days but no marks or anything yet and does seem alot smoother and faster then the originals. Apparently this helps to improve the exercise and burn fat quicker, lets hope so!!! Anyone else tried these yet?
Just a question for the reviewer. Did you try the product yourself? It appears from the article that you have made assumptions based on your existing knowledge as opposed to using the Ab Circle.
I’m not disagreeing with you about the way a body loses fat and the need for diet both well established facts but have you used the product?
At the gym we use all sorts of machines, routines and weights to improve strength, lose weight and tone body, this is just another one of those pieces of equipment that may or may not assist in increasing cardio activity to burn fat in conjuction with a healthy diet?
Hi,
One of our consultants who’s a physiotherapist tested it out for us and reported what she found. However, some of the information in the review is from the expriences of people who’ve reported on their results.
I’m not saying it’s a scam or anything like that, but many people who buy machines such as this tend to feel that it is something of a miraculous way to get results.
People need to know that this will likely not be the case. It requires hard work to get flat abs. That’s all.
I dont think I’ve ever seen a machine get so many bad reviews. How sad. I just got one and all I can say is I love it. None of the above has happened to me. I think people are just being to critical and surely not loyal to it because it works amazing if your LOYAL TO IT >>and eat right good God stop the crying and just start to workout …
Whether or not it’s true, it will take a lot more workouts and a good diet to really get flat abs.
As to the Ab Circle in general, some people love it and some don’t.
Hi this is monika fron india I have a question ab circle pro is good to reduce fat on thighs ,hip,waist and belly because already bougt it but not sure it will work or not Whats the minutes I have to do exercise on this machine.
I have a 7 month old son and going to the gym is something I just have no time for. I am a size 10(NZ size) and have tried walking with the pram, but found that it was more of a time waster than weight loser. I purchased an Ab circle pro off Trade me and I think its great. I use it for a total of 15mins a day while my baby sleeps and have noticed a big change already (i’ve had it for about 2 months). Although I havn’t got “abs” yet, i am almost in my pre-pregnancy jeans again which is my goal. I am not on a diet of any kind but think if i was, the weight loss would be greater.
Yes the knee pads get extremely uncomfortable after the first couple of days, but i use a piece of cloth to go under my knees and they are fine. Another thing I have noticed is that the rollers are starting to chip away which is weird. Apart from that i’ll give it a 7/10.
Thanks for the article.
excellent article. my husband purchased this for me but i definitely would not have allowed him to do so if i had done prior research! way too costly and feels cheaply manufactured. if you attempt to go at a faster speed, it feels like the machine will fall on its side! all in all i give it a 4 out of 10.