Let me start this off with my conclusion--the Valeo Ab Wheel is fantastic and a great value for the paltry amount of money you will spend on it.
I've been eating well and exercising (light weights, a couple sets of pull-ups/chin-ups and resistance cables) five to ten minutes a day--along with 1-1.5 hours of cardio once or twice a week--but wanted a little more strength and definition in my core. I started doing sit-ups once or twice a day--50-100 at a time--which felt pretty good but I was worried about not working all of my abs equally. I was also curious as to other methods because my back or shoulders seem to click when I do full sit-ups. Additionally, it was hard to anchor myself unless I put my feet under the bottom edge of the couch, which involved putting shoes on due to the sharp wooden frame. All in all, it was a bit of a production just to do some sit-ups.
I found the Valeo Ab Wheel on Amazon and ordered it based on the other reviews, and the fact that it seemed such a simple solution compared to my sit-up/crunches ritual. It is a pleasure to use, but make SURE that you read the instructions on proper use so that you do not hurt your back. Keep it STRAIGHT through the whole repetition. I recommend using the Ab Wheel on carpet for the added friction--it helps you control how far you extend yourself and prevent self-injury--but it will operate smoothly on a solid floor. I keep the wheel right next to my bed so that one of the first things I do when I get up (other than kill the alarm) is to do a set. I start my coffee, have a banana, and then do another set when I come back into the bedroom to get my clothes before showering. If I'm feeling particularly adventurous that day, I'll do a third set of 15 in the evening before dinner.
The first time I used it, I was able to do two sets of 15 a couple minutes apart, but my abs were SORE afterwards--the awesome kind of sore that lets you know you've had a good workout. Before I used it the first time I was pretty sure I'd be able to do a good number because I've practiced martial arts--which is all about core strength--for 15 years. DO NOT be discouraged if at first you can only do a couple at a time! I could only do two or three proper pull-ups or chin-ups on a chin-up bar when I started a year ago. I added one or two more reps to each set every couple weeks. Now I am up doing two to three sets of 14-20 pull-ups or chin-ups every few days, just from casual consistency. You can do the same with the Valeo Ab Wheel.
After using the ab wheel for a little over a month, I now comfortably do 2-3 sets of 15 every day (giving the muscles a day to rest and heal if they start to get sore). This ab wheel is well-constructed and sturdy for someone who is 5'6 and 145lbs like me, and it does give your back and arms (triceps and forearms) a little bit of a workout, too!
In six weeks of ownership and regular use, I have seen results in terms of better abdominal definition. My girlfriend compliments me constantly, putting her hands on my chest just to touch--which is pretty awesome considering she is also in great shape. In her words I now "have abs that are sculpted like on a greek statue". To be honest, I haven't worked that hard at being in good shape, I've simply been consistent and made it a lifestyle change. Eating well--a good amount of protein and healthy fats from nuts, eggs, fish, chicken, and oils (walnut and grapeseed oils taste great and have Omega-3s to keep your brain in good order!) along with salads, coarse grains, a variety of fruit and green vegetables, a limited amount of red meat, sweets, and bread/baked products, and lots of water, tea, and coffee (black or with a small amount of soy creamer) along with decent sleep--is probably two thirds of it.
I've found that the process of simply learning about how healthy all of these things are for your mind and body--and how bad trans fats and junk/fast/frozen-prepared food is for it--goes a long way in causing your body and mind to literally CRAVE the things that are most healthy for you. I see ice cream, steak, chips, or cake at a party and sure, I'll have a little, but you know you're in a good place when you are at home and actually crave carrots/broccoli and low fat hummus, walnuts, and an apple! Eating these things feels GOOD because you know how good they are for you--it seems to be about conditioning your mind and body to desire these things through the education of both.
The last bit of it has been working out in the privacy of my own apartment about 5-10 minutes every day and at the dojo for an hour or so a couple times a week, then going for walks for photography, grocery runs, or just to get out and enjoy the good weather. I was bicycling 13 miles on a flat urban trail near my place 2-3 times a week (which took me about 50 minutes total) but I haven't done that since last summer. I'll start up again now that the weather is good, but it hasn't been part of my routine for months. I have lost about 25lbs in one year (more than that if you count conversion of fat to muscle) and I've gone from being in OK shape with a few extra pounds to being super-proud of how I look. I'm not ripped, just really toned and with a healthy and sustainable amount of muscle in the right places--"like a perfect male model for sketching", according to the artistic girlfriend.
Now I regularly get compliments from friends, clients, and strangers--something I am totally unused to. I've never thought of myself as hot or especially attractive, but apparently I've been seeing myself incorrectly for some time now. These days, I dress nicer and I am not afraid to wear more flattering clothes. I am so much more confident in myself, personally, professionally, and physically. It has really helped me become more outgoing and willing to try new things and meet new people simply for the sake of meeting new people.
I'm not going to claim that the Ab Wheel is responsible for all of this--I've only had it a little over a month. However, in my short time with it, it has proven to be yet another useful, effective, and affordable tool in becoming who I want to be. It has become and will continue to be a regular part of my workout. I wanted to share my experience with all of you and hopefully my story will help(along with the Valeo Ab Wheel) inspire you to become the healthy and happy person I know you can be. There is no reason why you should not buy this product, save for already owning one. You owe it to yourself and the value you will get out of this--directly and indirectly--immeasurably exceeds the $15 you'll pay for it.
Matt
| Brand | Valeo |
|---|---|
| Color | Blue |
| Material | Plastic |
| Style | Modern |
| Product Dimensions | 8.5"L x 3.5"W x 7.5"H |
| Manufacturer | Valeo |
| UPC | 736097241308 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00736097241308 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 8.82 x 7.32 x 3.39 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.68 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8.5 x 3.5 x 7.5 inches |
| Brand Name | Valeo |
| Warranty Description | Manufacturer Defect |
| Model Name | VF2413BL |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Part Number | VF2413BL |
| Included Components | Ab Wheel |
