The Slide Effect Is Kinda Like an Ab Roller, Pilates Reformer and Resistance Bands All in One

I know, that sounds like a lot, right? But it's true, and it all comes in one tiny little package! Let me back up for a second: My editor asked me to check out the Slide Effect home workout system (totally As Seen on TV-style), created by pro-figure-skater-turned-coach Brandon Larcom. The thing looks totally bizarre and pretty intimidating at first -- but I gave it a try with the enclosed 15-minute DVD (the company claims that's all the time you need in a day), and it's really pretty cool, to be honest. I guess I was a little surprised, you know, because these things can be gimmicky?

The Slide Effect, which costs $149, is essentially a small padded platform you kneel on, with elastic bands of adjustable length attached to either side. To each elastic band you hook a handles on wheels; the idea is that you slide/roll your hands out on the floor in front of you (Remember the Ab Roller?), and the elastic bands help pull you back up.

You can also stand on the platform, still holding onto those handles, and transition into bicep curls and other arm moves, with the elastic bands now pulling downward. It's definitely a little awkward doing curls with these weird wheeled handles, but it's nice how you can easily adjust the resistance at any time as well.

My favorite part is that The Slide Effect also comes with bands that slip around your feet, and can be swapped in for the handles. This way, the device becomes kind of like your own little Pilates Reformer -- yes, it's a stretch (no pun intended), but bear with me -- providing resistance as you do leg moves like Frog and Leg Circles. Look at the picture below -- see what I'm saying?!

One concern: The wheels seemed to dig into my old hardwood floor a bit, and I doubt they'd work too well on carpet. But if you've got a hard surface that can take a bit of wheeling around on -- and you're looking for a "home gym" that condenses to about the size of a baseball base -- this is a cool contraption to try.

What's the wackiest home gym equipment you've ever tried? Tweet us at @amandaemac and @SELFmagazine!

RELATED LINKS:

Image Credit: Courtesy Photos

View the original article here