Ab Lounge Ultra Reviews

• I just love my Ab Lounge!

  
  By AD4LXLFUXEU1M on 2006-05-20
  Okay, I caved and bought one of these, thinking I would be regretting my purchase in no time. Well, how wrong I was. It comes almost fully assembled and I was able to unpack everything and attach the cables, foot pedals, and hand grips in about 10 minutes. I like the mesh material of the seat, as opposed to the earlier versions that were made with a nylon type matierial. The Ab Lounge comes with a nice workout DVD and an instruction book with photos and clear step-by-step instructions for 8 various abdominal exercises depending on your fitness level. I have been using it about 3-4 times a week, about 15 minutes each time, and I actually enjoy doing my abdominal workouts now. It's also pretty comfortable to stretch my back out on this too. And the best thing of all, it folds up very compact (to about 5 inches thick) so I can store it under my bed! Overall, it's just awesome and I am very pleased with my purchase!
  
  **Editing my review to add that the recall was referring to injuries that occurred when opening and closing the chair, not while exercising on it. I read about the recall when I was deciding whether or not to purchase the Ab Lounge. The company has since added some safety features to the new units that have been sold since late 2004 to make it easier and safer to fold up the chair and unfold it. If you have an earlier version, there is a repair kit available to make it compliant. You can read about the recall at the cpsc.gov website, by entering Ab Lounge in the search box.
  
  

• Lazy hubby is finally tricked into doing sit-ups

  
  By A3BN3WSJNI1BIG on 2006-05-23
  My husband can't stand any physical activity. He spends most of his time glued to his computer - no wonder he often complains of back pain (he is only 29). He needed at least to do some sit-ups, since the strenthened abs would take some of the burden off his back. But I could never convince him to crunch (though I didn't try very hard, since I knew how boring the sit-ups are, plus they often result in a tired neck and may even rub some skin off your back).
  
  He was skeptical when I told him I'd ordered "a special chair for watching TV that will allow you to occasionally stretch beyond horizontal position". But as soon as he did his first stretch in this "chair", he liked it. Now he easily agrees to do several sit-ups in it a day (and sometimes even does it without a reminder). This is a lot compared to his previous level of physical activity, and I hope he will develop a habit of doing more - yesterday I talked him into doing 40!
  
  The "chair" is virtually quiet, so it doesn't interfere with TV. My husband appreciates that the "chair" allows him to safely arch his back in the opposite direction from what he usually gets by sitting at the desk. He doesn't like though that he cannot just sit back and relax in this "lounge chair" since his weight (170 pounds) eventually pushes the back of the chair down (my weight - 107 - does let me sit back in this chair). But I'm glad "the chair" constantly "reminds" him to exercise.
  
  There are a few things that some may find disappointing:
  1) In the back of my knees Ab Lounge doesn't feel very comfortable (when I fully extend my legs), so it seems like that bar actually requires some padding;
  2) I think their disks and booklets are a waste (except for assembly and folding instructions). Their exercise instructions are just common sense, no tricks, and their dietary recommendations are mostly wrong.
  3) Be aware that maximum user weight is 250 lbs.
  
  Overall this "lounge chair" is nicely designed and very inviting... to work out.
  
  

• RECALL

  
  By A2JIDQDQZIEZAD on 2006-03-17
  The Ab Lounge is one of the best Ab Lounges that they have marketed, but there is a MAJOR concern for many people. Over 450,000 (If I am not mistaken)have been recalled due to crushing , lacerations, and AMPUTATIONS! To see for yourself go to google and type "Ab Lounge Recall" and click the first link. Fitness Quest--The maker of Ab Lounge has recieved 15 complaints of LACERATIONS, AMPUTATIONS!,AND CRUSHING. Luckily they have now resloved the problem and corrected the issue. I just bought my Ab Lounge and is very Satisfied with it. Also the website i mentioned above has ALL the serial numbers just in case you need to check and see if your model was affected.
  Stay Safe!
  
  

• Beautiful Piece of Engineering

  
  By A1UJ5ZMLHB9CEW on 2007-02-09
  This product is well designed and constructed. I love it. The design allows one to arch his/her back (like doing a "bridge" stretch) while crunching to further isolate the muscle group and provide a more effective work out. And working the obliques is easy as turning slightly to one side, giving a surprisingly effective workout. And it folds up into a compact configuration for easy storage. The dark gray mesh looks much better than the blue fabric used on the standard model.
  
  LOOKING TO LOSE THAT BELLY FAT?: Sorry, that's not what this machine is for. It will strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles UNDERNEATH any fat residing over the area. Walking, in my opinion, is the easiest way to lose belly fat. I've seen people lose an incredible amount of weight in one year just by walking 30-60 minutes a day and taking it easy on the food binging.
  
  WARNING: Careful with lubricants! Two months after I got this, it started to squeak a little. I sprayed all the mechanical joints with WD40 and OOPS, the frame pivot joints use LOCKNUTS (secured internally by a polymer sleeve). Now, one of them won't stay locked any more and will work itself loose if not locked down some other way. I couldn't find a suitable replacement part at the local Home Depot so I jury-rigged it and it stays put now.
  
  After a year of use, averaging about 400 (double-)crunches/week, it shows no signs of wear (I weigh ~175 lbs) and still functions flawlessly. Outstanding!
  
  
  

• IT WORKS GREAT ON ABS

  
  By ATXHMAP3ED09F on 2006-04-04
  IF YOU HAVE MAJOR BELLY FAT IT WILL REDUCE IT I HAVE LOST 3 INCHES ON MY STOMACH IN 3 WEEKS OF USE I HAVE TRIED MANY OTHER AB EQUIPMENT THEY SIMPLY DONT WORK THIS DOES WHAT IT SAYS IT DOES IF USED PROPERLY I COULD FEEL IT THE 1ST DAY
  
  
• Some surprizing disappointments
  By A3PUWU11YBJOM4 on 2006-12-29
  Hi,
  
  I had tried the AB lounge once in a store & really liked how it felt.
  
  I received the "ultra" version from Xmas, and I still like the exercise it gives me but I found a couple of real gotchas:
  - The chair gets narrower towards to top, guess that makes it sleeker looking, but it really hurts my shoulders. Now I'm not narrow but not that wide either at 6'2" with about 180 lbs. Equally so my head hits the top bar. The latter I can avoid by sliding down more, but then I dont's sit quite right.
  - I opted for the "ultra" because it is more foldable, but forget about putting this big thing under a bed, unless your willing to do a lot of screwing, unscrewing & pulling etc.
  - When unpacking this chair, it was hard to get it in its fully open position because the lower half has to be lifted up over its dead point. Very hard to explain, but you will see what I mean if you'd decide to buy one.
  - What was, in some ways, the most disturbing: My 10 year old son decided to give it a try too. Being flexible as he is he showed how he could stretch back really far and then he also went forward real far. That brought the lower part of the chair back over (the abovementioned) dead point and my son became literally jackknifed inside the chair (between the lower & top half). Luckely I was there & remembered how to pull that lower part back & got him out. He was not hurt but very uncomfortable. So if you keep it, do not leave it around when any kids younger than 15 or so would be visiting. The manual's long warning section mentions standard language "not to have children around exercise equipment around etc..", but could have been a lot more specific about the jackknifing risk. I'm quite sure that petite flexible adults could get caught in the same position. There is no way to get out of it without help of a second person.
  
  So, will I keep it? I'm not sure. I need the exercise. I'll contact the company and see what they say.
  
  Thanks
  Bart
  
  
  
• Good
  By A20JASRJ8T6YEB on 2006-02-19
  The Ab Lounge Ultra works well and is easy to store; however, the DVD that came with it is faulty and I have not received the replacement requested over 3 weeks ago.
  
  
• Love it so far!
  By A1MC04RAVMYA7E on 2007-01-05
  Just purchased this chair 3 wks ago and so far so good! I use it almost every morning for 15 minutes while I watch the news.
  
  Needed a chair like this because I'm starting to get a gut and my pants are getting too tight. I hate exercizing and definitely don't have the will/motivation to go to the gym consistently. I bought the ultra version because I needed to be able to hide it away when it isn't being used. Once folded up (4 1/2 inches tall - 29 inches wide - 39 inches long) it fits very nicely under my couch.
  
  It is fairly easy to fold up/unfold but it could be easier which is why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars. There are 2 bungee type straps that need to be unhooked, 2 curved handle bars need to be removed (simple twist knobs), and one stabilizer bar undone (simple twist knob) to fold this unit down. Removing the parts and folding the unit takes less than 2 minutes. Not difficult just wish it was easier.
  
  Overall, I would definitely make this purchase again knowing what I now know.
  
  
• Perfect Ab Builder for women post surgery
  By A2MBD9UL3YDUD6 on 2007-07-13
  I bought this because I had abdominal surgery twice (hysterectomy, too) and completely lost my tone and muscle control in my abdomen. Not only is this machine easy to use, but it is convenient. I am committed to tightening my stomach, so I leave it set up in my LR and hop on it 2-3x a day. It's the only exercise I have ever done that doesn't strain my lower back. Forget the Pilates machine if you have bad knees, which I do. I didn't even watch the DVD... just assembled, hopped on and started it. I have only been using this 2-3x a day, for a few minutes, every other day and I have lost 2 inches off my stomach in just a few weeks. Now that I have watched the DVD, I can see it will help me with side muscles too. The machine was easy to assemble but arrived missing a bolt. No problem, called the company and they shipped it out pronto. LOVE THIS MACHINE! And, this is the best price too.... trust me, I shopped around.
  
  
• Much better than on the floor
  By AKI2Y9IT0EMRR on 2007-02-08
  I enjoy using this ab device. As the advertisement states it gets you off the floor and my back doesn't hurt while doing the workout. After the workout you can reverse jackknife and relax which stretches the muscles.
  
  
• Ab Lounge Ultra
  By A2CIP8JBUTVMZ3 on 2007-05-13
  My boyfriend & I went out and bought one of these, have absolutely loved it! From the first pull we could feel it working. Consistency is key obviously, but we definately have not regretted this purchase.
  
  
• Ab Lounge Ultra Helpful for Scoliosis
  By A5STEKD1X4IGG on 2007-07-15
  I have a slight curvature of the spine due to the uneven development of the muscles on the two sides of my back. Consequently, sit-ups have never been easy for me. In fact, they have been downright painful at times. With the Ab Lounge Ultra I am able to work my abdominal muscles without hurting my back/spine. I don't feel it working on my Abs until about the 13th repetition but I have done as many as 50 reps at a go and I have only had the thing for about three weeks.
  
  Thank you Ab Lounge! I recommend this product to anyone who has a hard time with traditional sit-ups for any reason and who would like to work on developing their Abdominal muscles.
  
  
• Buyer Beware!!
  By ARZKB7ZMI0RNX on 2007-12-15
  Do not purchase this product from Liquidation Wizard! I ordered and paid for mine the 6th of November and have finally received my refund today, the 15th of December, 39 days later. The first unit they sent me was defective. The frame was bent and caused the entire Lounge to wobble back and forth; very unsafe. Liquidation Wizard has no phone number, all communication must be via e-mail. They take a minimum of three business days to reply. They sent another Ab Lounge Ultra, slightly more stable but, still with a bent frame. This caused the seat to 'sit' crooked, which would damage your back. This unit was not level on the floor either. I had to re-pack and send both back through UPS. They weigh 50 lbs. each - not so easy. I eventually made a separate folder on my yahoo e-mail to contain communications with Liquidation Wizard. This folder contains 22 messages! I'm so relieved to finally be finished with this transaction. My best guess is Liquidation Wizard must purchase defective units and then sell them as new. To top it all off, while trying to leave feedback to warn other potential buyers, my feedback was accidentally erased. You only have one chance to leave feedback and a maximum of 400 characters - so good or bad, be sure you get it right the first time!
  
  I want to make it absolutely clear that I am not giving the Ab Lounge products a bad review, I am giving Liquidation Wizard a buyer beware review. I highly recommend purchasing your Ab Lounge directly from Fitness Quest! That is what I plan to do on Monday. I have used the Ab Lounge at a friend's house and it is an excellent way to tone and fun to use. It may cost a bit more money, but you know you are getting the real product the first time and Fitness Quest has excellent customer service. I hope this helps you make your purchasing decision!
  
  Update: (5 star!)
  
  I did purchase the Lounge directly from Fitness Quest. I ordered on the 17th of December, normal shipping, and it arrived on the 20th! I decided on the Ab Lounge 2 rather than the Ultra because of the great price - $104.16 grand total. Purchasing from Fitness Quest means you get a warranty and if needed you may try it for free. It comes with a DVD and a diet plan if your issue is losing weight rather than toning. It is durable, safe, and very steady. It only took 15 minutes to carefully put it together. The directions are very easy to follow. They have upgraded the Ab Lounge 2 by placing wing nuts rather than screws to collapse it. It is very simple to do - it took me 90 seconds - and it folds completely flat. Folded flat the dimensions are 7" by 60" - if you remove the handles (easy as well) you can reduce that to 5" by 60".
  
  I am 5'8" (172.7 centimeters) and it is long enough for me. I have seen some reviews that suggest a significantly taller person would be better off with the XL model. If you have the money to spare I would recommend purchasing the XL because it has a 'quick release' feature that collapses it flat instantly. The Ultra model is slightly faster to collapse; you only have to unscrew one side rather than both and I believe from experience it is slightly longer. Both the Ultra and the XL models have mesh seats; that has not been an issue for me however.
  
  I LOVE this machine and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to tone and build muscle and strength. Also, because the Lounge bends beyond 180 degrees backwards, it really stretches out your back which is heavenly. I had to put it away (in my small apartment - no problem) for Christmas festivities but, it is coming back out in the morning. I can't wait to get back to it! Four reps of 50 a day and I should be back to a size 3 in about a month - I'll be back to give another update. :)
  
  Update : (6 star!)
  
  It's now early summer and I just love my AbLounge!! Just 100 full sit ups a day have dropped me to between a size 5 or 3 depending on the garment. It's clear my hip size will get better and better and my stomach is hard as a rock! Working out is fun and enjoyable ... as the summer wears on I'll get up to the previously promised 200 daily and give another update. :)
  
  And oh yeah, the reviews concerning height : after using the AbLounge for so long I've realised (zed) it is leg length that is the issue rather than total height. My inseam is 33" / 80.5 centimeters; if your inseam is significantly longer I would suggest the XL or Ultra.
  
  
• I am glad I made this choice
  By A3J5ORAXWOQIGP on 2007-07-30
  I love my purchase, it is everything I was looking for, very comfortable to use, easy to move around. I was really worried about putting it together, what a sinch so easy. I am glad I got the Ultra lounger.
  
  The best part is it is so quiet, you cannot hear any squeaks or noise, you can watch TV or listen to music without any noise from the lounger.
  
  Great product.
  
  
• Works well, could use minor improvements
  By AFGCIEG2PP5T4 on 2007-10-29
  Works as advertised. No problems either in delivery, setup or use. Improvements needed: Quick disconnect for the one brace that must be unscrewed before you can fold the lounger for storage (and of course, must be screwed back in before the next use).
  
  As the lounger works only as a platform for sit-ups, there is no resistance, and hence no way to increase the resistance, to doing a sit-up. In general, unless you are woefully out of shape, it is much too easy. It is only a method to do sit-ups that is easier on your back.
  
  For those looking for something harder: Stretch an elastic band (such as a bungee cord) between the back frame (where the hand holds are placed) and the bottom frame (where it sits on the floor). A minor amount of resistance here translates into quite a bit of resistance to doing a sit-up. I have no actual numbers but my wife, for example, can do about 500 sit-ups at one setting yet I can prevent her from doing even one with just the force applied by my little finger holding one of the hand straps. The force is easily adjustable in this manner.
  
  
• Please Don't Waste Your Money
  By A1DQJGOM5H4YVJ on 2007-09-20
  At a sporting goods store last night, I had the pleasure of trying out the latest version of this money making contraption: Ab Lounge Ultra. It didn't exercise my abdominal muscles at all. In fact, it practically folds up by itself when you sit in it . . . doing the sit up for you! It really saddens me to see marketers take advantage of people's desire for health and happiness.
  
  
• Ab Lounge Ultra
  By A1TBQ8PDCMJ0SH on 2006-07-10
  I am very satisfied with my purchase, now I just have to find the time to use the product on a regular basis!
  
  
• Wow that Was Quick
  By A25NU16Z52329R on 2007-12-05
  Ab Lounge Ultra
  I received it really quickly in the mail. I haven't had a chance to unpack it yet, but the box looks like it's in good shape. The price was a great deal - at least 50% off from other sellers and I liked the free shipping.
  
  
• Review of Ab Lounge Ultra Purchase
  By AQ01ZQJLP3YWK on 2007-09-10
  The Ab Lounge Ultra was delivered on time and in good condition. We've only had it for a few days, but it appears to work well. We are happy with it.
  
  
• Ab Lounger Ultra A+
  By AO1HRSFSHXOJ7 on 2007-12-26
  I ordered this Ab Lounger Ultra for my sister for Christmas. The ordering was the easiest online experience ever. It was shipped and received in excellent condition very quickly. The lounger itself is wonderful and all that we expected.
  
  I would order from this vendor again!
  
  
• I love this thing
  By AJTLFA3W8KIJL on 2008-02-26
  I bought the Ab Lounger Ultra at an auction for $21.00 because one handlebar is missing but I would buy it again for the full price. I had a hip replacement a few years ago and have pretty much been a couch potatoe since, it's been very hard for me to get motivated to get active again but this has helped me achive that. It's very comfortble, easy to use, can feel and see results. I just jump on it now several times a day for about 15 minutes each time. If you need a machine to get you started back on the active road this is the one for you..
  
  
• Very pleased!
  By A34V43JI5X0KQ4 on 2008-03-12
  Having had spinal fusion a few years ago it has been very difficult finding ab exercises that I am able to do without hurting myself. When trying to do a traditional crunch, I'm basically like an overturned turtle flailing about. That part of my spine just doesn't bend anymore. The Ab Lounge allows me to use my hips rather than my sine to bend and I still really feel my abs working. I'm able to fully extend my back and get back up. This actually relieves my back pain. Using the handle bars is pretty awkward for me though. That could either be due to my spine or my short stature of 5'2. The overhead straps work very nicely though. It folds up failrly easily and can be stored against a wall or under a bed. I will say you should make sure you have about 6 feet of space to use it properly. Maybe a little more if you have to extend the foot rest.
  
  
• Great way to get started
  By A31WOAKAGNF2LI on 2008-03-28
  I picked this up to aid in getting back in shape, crunches and situps were rough on my back. At first i was skeptical, but became pleasantly pleased as it does work. Don't expect miracles, but after 2 months of use i can definately see some results. My only complaint is that after a while it starts getting TOO easy. I feel its a great way to get started in building/toning stomach muscles, but once you have a good base it over-assists ...if that makes sense!
  
  
• Exactly as described and advertised! Great!
  By A9WU2X6IJY89U on 2007-12-22
  Product was brand new exactly as advertised. Can't ask for more! A few of our friends have tried and they want one too!
  
  
• AB Lounge Review
  By A2MB87SQKGIUCD on 2008-01-07
  This was a replacement chair for one that I had used for a few years. So that speaks to my satisfaction with this product. It's very effective and I have dropped pounts and inches, by using this product. And I have tried everything out there, and this works the best for me. I would highly recommend this product to anyone that is trying to take inches off of their midsection, the safe and effective way. This protects your back and neck and insures proper technique, for the maximum results.
  
  
• A Very Good product,,,,
  By A2SRL8LW1TVFQS on 2008-01-12
  The product was delivered quickly. The assembly was easy. Although I do not use it everyday, I have still noticed a difference in my core strength. I have had back problems for a number of years and thought it might be of some benefit. It is a great benefit. Speaking as a person who had a ruptured disk, take it slow, and you benefit from it. The negative item is the overall length for a tall person. The body length from the hips up could be a few inches longer. Don't think you are going to pound out a few hundred crunches and have AB's like a 6-pack. Take your time and pace yourself. You will enjoy the product and not burn out on it.
  
  
• EXCELLENT ...AS ADVERTIZED!!
  By AQKBMJB74RSXX on 2008-02-06
  I am 64 yrs, and a cancer survivor for 4 ys, some side effects of treatment prevent my walking long for excersize. THIS PRODUCT IS GREAT!! It was a piece of cake to assemble..very few pieces...and IT IS SO EASY TO USE!! My stomach sure knows its had a work out!! The customer service was excellent..I received my lounger in record time!!!I HIGHLY recommend this product for anyone with mobility problems or are just out of shape...IT IS ACTUALLY FUN TO USE..and it is very quiet. A GREAT BUY!!
  
  
• IT WORKS!
  By AU2E33S0KLIRO on 2008-05-27
  The Ab Lounger actually does what it claims to do....it works! It is a reasonably "painless" way to do sit-ups, which we all know is the only way to really work on the "abs!" I hate regular sit-ups, but with the Ab-Lounger, I have it positioned so that I can watch TV and just "crunch" away. In 5 weeks I've lost 2 1/2 Inches on my waistline, and I am beginning to see a flatter ab area...still a ways to go, but I actually know I can get there with the help of the Ab Lounger.
  
  
• Great product, broke after just over a year of consistent use.
  By A2VQUW14TIRYTF on 2008-06-09
  The metal joint connecting the bar that has the foot rests on it to the bottom part of the chair has fractured, rendering the product completely useless. It looks like it was a crappy soldering job done by the manufacturer, I'm surpised it even lasted this long. I've used it almost every day now for about a year and 2 months.
  
  It's a great product, very easy to use and I had only minor problems with it (I did have to take it apart and spray WD-40 on the bolts to get it to stop squeaking, twice). Also, the cloth handles broke after almost the first few weeks of use, but that didn't really matter to me because I grabbed the metal poles just above the handles since it felt like a better workout that way.
  
  I've found out that, to get the best workout out of it, you have to concentrate on using your abdominal muscles every time you do a sit up. For example, it is possible to do an entire sit-up rep by just using your arms and pulling your body down and then back up again but that does nothing for your abs. You really have to force your abs to do all the work when going both down and back up again.
  
  I'm contacting Fitness Quest to see about getting this fixed or replaced. I'm hoping they'll give me some sort of compensation since this is not something that should happen with normal wear and tear, but if not I will just buy another one at full price because it's worth it.
  
  
• easy
  By A2EK5F1F17YS6A on 2008-01-16
  This chair was easy to assemble and easy to use. I'm not sure how great the results are yet because I really haven't used it much (but I'm starting to!!!)
  
  

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