Gaiam Restore Strong Core & Back Care Massage Kit Green, Small

I really love both 10 minute workouts on the DVD. The bonus workout to download not so much but I might do that one once in awhile, too. The instructor in the DVD is very professional, dressed accordingly, and let's you know it's OK to wobble as you build up your core strength. Sometimes DVD workout instructors come off a tad repulsive with a "see what I can do and you can't" attitude that makes me not want to workout. The music is good, too; it's in the background with just the right beat to keep you going. The workouts go fast and make me feel energized afterward as though I was on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Just 20 minutes doesn't seem like much, but I really notice that my stomach muscles want to pull in and my back and posture feel better. I can tell core strength and balance has improved. I want to point out that we bought the kit because my husband is recovering from back surgery and his doctor recommended Pilates to build up his core strength. He can do these exercises right along with me and he is noticing improvement, too. Both routines are easy to follow and you do each exercise to the point of what is comfortable not to the point of strain or exertion. We are both very happy with it. Also, the peanut shape ball is very comfortable to work with. It comes with a air pump but we don't have to use that very often. We bought 2 kits so we can workout together. I really do recommended this kit to anyone who wants to improve their core strength and balance.

This thing is precisely what it claims to be. It's just such a comfortable product to just lay with and connect with my back and core. If you suffer from lower back pain, I would say that this is a pure necessity to have around. It can be inflated to your comfort. For some, that might not mean all the way. For me, I like to have it quite firm. What I do with this is lay with it under my back on the floor and put my feet on top of the Gaiam balance ball I have and just roll on it and hold it in any sore spots. After I address the lower back issues, there's a natural segue into working with my core. The groove is perfect to hit every area desired. It just makes my whole day feel inspiring after I use it, so I truly can't recommend it enough. I say buy this product and give it a chance. Go beyond thinking of it as another mundane workout tool. It is a healing facilitator! Use it to find creative ways to connect the individualities of your body, and I think you will be very pleased with this!

I just love this little thing. It really targets back and ab muscles effectively. I have exercise balls of various shapes and sizes which give me good ab and back workouts, but this little peanut is deceptively challenging. I really like the DVD which comes with the kit too. The exercises are challenging and the video features some really nice balance moves as well. The instructor is good and gives encouragement without being loud or obnoxious. There are no other participants in the video (which I appreciate). The only problem I had with this product was the pump: it leaked air out as the ball inflated, and this made it impossible to fully inflate. The good thing is that the sturdy metal pin which comes with the kit could be used with another pump I own, so it wasn't a problem. (The ball needs a pump that uses one of those tiny little pins, like that which is needed to inflate basketballs, footballs, etc.) But since the pump issue may have been a defect of my kit alone, I don't want to ding the product as a whole (because I love it so much).

Purchased this item without really assessing the size. I knew it was going to be a smaller product because of the picture of a woman using it on the box, but it was alot smaller than anticipated. I was mostly buying this to intensify core workouts, but it is a little uncomfortable for me to use the way it is recommended. It could be because of my height as I am just under 5'3. The Pro's - it is well constructed, easy to set up, does not take up a lot of space and comes with an instructional dvd. The Con's - I find the medium sized standard balls to be a much better work out and suited for way more. In summary, my friend who is not as physically toned as I am really enjoys it and feels like it helps keep her stable during certain routines. (I gave it to her since she enjoyed it more then I.) Just like every piece of equipment, every one enjoys different things. Since the price is so reasonable, if you think you may like it, give it a shot. You can always package it back up & regift it if you do not care for it. ^_^ Giving this a 4 out of 5 only because it wasn't what I was looking for. My friend gives it a 5 out of 5.

Product design is not just an art, it is meant to be a service to society. If the product doesn't serve a need, it is GARBAGE. The facility of any product is not just the fuction it is designed for, but all the parts of the process involving setup, use, storage, etc., should all matter. How do you even inflate this product? They say on the piece of paper they call a manual that any pump used to inflate a cycle tire will work - A BIG FAT LIE. Doesn't do that. Also if you had to go and design a completely obscure hole and valve mechanism then at least include just the tip adapter that goes with most inflation devices. SUCH POOR DESIGN from getting it set up. If you can't set it up, how do you even use it. It's just a piece of rubber that pollutes the earth that much more.

Bought for use in Pilates class after seeing others use it but was too stiff and didn’t quite work.

Excellent for working lower core muscles well…allows for strengthening and defining while avoiding injury.

I need targeted core strength! I did one ten minute workout for three days in a row, and hurt so bad on day four i almost cried when i sneezed! Love it, short sweet and simple. I am a 3rd degree black belt in TKD 27 years old and think that this is wonderful. Targets VERY specific muscles in the core, very quickly. Use every day for two to three weeks and you'll definately see a flatter belly!!