The first time I saw the Leg Magic Exercise Machine was at a friend’s home. She always had problems with her lower body and she wanted to find a way to workout in front of the TV. The Leg Magic seemed perfect… at least that’s what the name implied. I was a bit more suspicious – as I usually am about such things.
I gave it a try and decided to write a review about it here. This review is based on how I felt when I tried it and on research I’ve done into what other people say about it.
What is the Leg Magic Machine
The Leg Magic is a lightweight fitness machine meant for use at home. The machine is marketed as a way to tone your lower body at home quickly. The complete package includes the actual machine, a workout DVD, and a nutrition guide.
The way you use the Leg Magic is simple: There are two pads to stand on, one for each foot. These pads are attached to a rail so you can move them to the side and back to the center. There is a handle in the middle which you can hold onto for balance. When you begin using the machine, I advise holding onto this handle at all times until you become accustomed to using it. Later, you may be able to work with it without holding the handle. However, I don’t really see any benefit of doing so. I doubt that it will deliver different results.
The movement that you do is pretty simple: bring both feet close together to the middle of the machine. Then, spread your legs so your feet go to the side on top of the pads until the end of the rail. Bring them both back to the middle and back to the side, over and over again. Keep up a rapid pace to get some sort of cardiovascular stimulation going. That’s it. This basically what you can do with this machine.
Does the Leg Magic Work?
The Leg Magic has some good reviews online and it seems that people are generally happy with it. My own impressions weren’t as positive.
At I’m 6′ tall, I found that the Leg Magic is too small for me. When I moved my feet to the sides, I hardly got enough of an extension to feel anything in my inner thighs. In addition, the impact my feet got whenever they reaches the end of the rail was unpleasant.
However, there is no doubt that the Leg Magic does work the inner thighs. But this is all that it really does. I didn’t feel anything in any other body part so I can’t see this product as a way to tone the entire lower body. I don’t think it would have had a real effect on me. In addition, I didn’t really feel any cardio stimulation even if I went fast on the Leg Magic. It certainly doesn’t beat running or walking.
On the good side, this is certainly a machine which is easy to store as it does fold nicely. It doesn’t take up much space even if you leave it open and you can certainly use it while watching your favorite TV program.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Has good customer reviews. I didn’t like it and my friend didn’t either, but other people found it good.
- Easy to fold and store.
- Lightweight.
- Works the inner thighs.
Cons:
- Doesn’t really work the entire lower body.
- May not be right for too tall or too short people.
- Doesn’t really give you a solid cardio workout
In Conclusion
I doubt that this product can be a solution to lower body fat or produce impressive results. It may be good for some toning, especially if you’re not used to training your lower body. However, it is simply not hard enough to be that effective.
As the Leg Magic does cost nearly $100, it is not an easy purchase to make so you can take some time and think about it. You can find cheaper home fitness equipment which may provide you with more workout options. Make sure that you do use it regularly if you buy it.. Don’t let it just collect dust.
Dear Jonathan,
I read your comments with regard the Leg Magic and was very amused. I have been using the Leg Magic for 2 years and it is the best piece of exercise equipment (particularly for Girls) to firm up inner and outer thighs, buttocks, pelvic area (etc!!) that I have ever used. I was especially amused by the way you were using it!! The best results can be achieved by placing your feet in the middle of the footpads and move slowly, quite slowly even stopping half way, 20-30 of these are sufficient, then place your feet on the footpads with your toes pointing in an outward direction as far as you can, repeat 20-30. Then face your toes inward as far as you can and repeat 20-30, if you are doing this correctly you will most certainly feet the muscles that you are working on. Never slam your feet to the outer or inner edge and certainly don’t use this piece of equipment as a cardio workout. I would be very interested to hear your comments after you try using it this way. I left my Leg Magic with a friend when we left to sail the globe and although still sailing I am looking for another Leg Magic as it will store easily on the boat. If you know of a supplier in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia or close by I would be very grateful.
Where can I buy it? I’m living in Malaysia and I don’t see there’s any exercise equipment shop here is selling the Leg Magic machine. Actually, I’ve been looking for it since 1 yr ago…