Brookstone OSIM iGallop Core and Abs Exerciser

I was using my iGallop within 15 minutes of its arrival on my doorstep. It is VERY sturdy, but I can move it around without help. On low speed it is quiet enough to watch television while using it. While I expected to feel the workout in my abs, I didn't expect to also feel a workout in my legs. But I did. I bought the iGallop to strengthen core muscles during summers when I can't ride horses. The low speed (trot) feels very much like a fast walk. The higher speeds don't necessarily feel like a canter or a gallop but have more of a lateral movement - perhaps like a racking horse? I used it for a week straight in anticipation of a bareback trail ride with a group of friends, and I feel it absolutely made a difference in my ability to enjoy that ride. Using it is effective and fun, and I recommend the iGallop.

I ride a lot, but have had a very harsh winter, so mostly got it as something to do while watching tv when too cold to go to barn. I would agree w/others, decent walk. The trot and gallop are more like a gaited horse. I like the mixed mode that switches between all three speeds. Not really a "work out", tho, by lifting legs, can do several pilates poses which makes you shake pretty quickly. Just sitting on it is fun, but would not call it a work out at all.

The iGallop is a lot like riding a real horse. For an exercise machine, it is a nice approximation. My parents had the iGallop and it wasn't for them. We all ride/rode horses. I thought it was a lot of fun. It is similar to different speeds of walking with a horse and works the torso the same way. I would say it is less of a workout on the legs than real riding, though. But if you ride a lot and were using it in the winter, or to stretch out before real riding, it is better exercise than a treadmill or something inline because it oscillates like a real horse.

This iem arrive broken, sender communicated once, then push the resolution to her shipper who was quite unhelpful and rude, and now I'm still waiting for UPS to pay the claim. All in all I'm not very satisfied.

I used the machine for 45 minutes straight and did not feel any soreness the next day as if I had done any type of core exercise. Sorry, but I sent it back.

This is a compact, tidy device. It comes in one piece with no assembly! That is a plus. After 15 minutes I am ready to get off. It does feel like it helps a bit with core muscles. I don't think there is much other exercise benefit. I feel like I am accomplishing something if I am watching TV or just sitting and talking. Ideally there would be even more vigorous settings.

I was a little hesitant to purchase this machine but I'm glad I took the plunge. The iGallop is very quiet and gives quite a good workout. After a 15 minute ride, you can really feel which muscles it worked. I put my machine in front of the TV so the 15 minutes really fly by. The motor seems like it will last quite a while. I weigh 240 lbs. and it doesn't seem to strain at all.

Positive comments: Good construction. Really does work your abs if exercise is performed as directed. A novelty and conversation piece. Kids love it. Negative comments: Takes up valuable space in your home. Has never become a part of our daily exercise routine, has become a machine that is only used occasionally. (Buy a Nordic Trac, set of Power Block dumbbells, and do bicycle crunches ... that's all the equipment you need!)