Try Body LX 360, a Cool New Way to Do Resistance Training at Home

If you ever work out with resistance bands (like with our 10-Minute Tone-Up) you know that they are great for strength training anywhere -- no giant machines or heavy hand weights required. Purists may say that resistance bands are fine they way they are -- why mess with something that works and make it more complicated (and way more expensive)? But if you're an adventurous home exerciser who's always looking for the next new thing, the Body LX 360 puts a cool twist on resistance training that you'll want to try for yourself.

Like many infomercial-style fitness systems, the Body LX 360 promises to help you "work smarter, not harder," by isolating specific muscle groups and helping you tone trouble spots faster. And while the package may look pretty elaborate (it comes with SEVEN DVDs!), the idea behind the whole system is pretty simple: It consists of a fold-out "board" with a cushioned seating/standing area, and various notches around the steel frame for attaching different color resistance bands. Three different colors offer varying levels of resistance, and three attachment options (hand grips, a waist belt, and an ankle strap) let you work different parts of your body.

The included DVDs focus on areas including legs, arms, shoulders, abs, and hips/butt, and you can customize the moves by adjusting the resistance level as you go.

Some of the moves I tried with the Body LX 360 felt totally weird and awkward, and some I really loved. It's cool that it folds up and is extremely portable, and that there are so many workout options available for it. The Body LX 360 is one of those devices that, when you look at it, you think "I could have made this myself for a lot less than $250" -- but then again, you know you never really would have, right?

Will you try the Body LX 360 system? Tweet us your thoughts at @amandaemac and @SELFmagazine.

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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!

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