Bodylastics ***MAX TENSION Heavy Duty Exercise Resistance Bands System with User Book & DVD Review

I am a gym loving female living in an an urban area.The gyms in the area are small and overcrowded.My fitness goal is to become and stay firm and jiggle free, what is usually referred to as 'toned'.This requires a higher number of reps per set.If you've ever tried to do 3 sets of 15-20 reps in a slow and controlled manner in small and crowded gym, you probably been subjected to 'the stare'.You've just sat down, and are starting your first set, and one or more 'people in a hurry' form a line in front of you, and proceed to stare you down until you get off or let them work in.I always let people work in of course, and end up spending my limited time waiting for others.

So, I decided to create a home gym.

In my small urban 1 bedroom, I do not have room for the Lifefitness home cable system of my dreams, so I had to look at other forms of resistance exercises. I already have a commercial quality Lifecycle, so my cardio was covered.I couldn't decide between the Bodylastics clip system and the Deluxe Spri Xertubes, so I bought a set of both.This has been working well, and I'm able to move quickly between the two brands depending on what I'm doing at the moment.

The Bodylastics Max set with DVD is a quality set.The DVD is basically a cardio/resistance all in one workout, rather than a tutorial on how to use the bands, so keep that in mind.You are given a one year membership to their exercise demonstration website, which is helpful, but a little dry and basic.I would rather have the DVD go over the exercises in depth, really showing and discussing how to use the bands.If I could go back, I would have ordered the set without the DVD.

I have pretty strong legs, and ordered the Max set with the 23lb black band for that reason.I am currently using the blue band, (19lbs) on one leg, and the red/yellow combo, (18lbs total) on the other leg for laying down hamstring curls, and will graduate to the black band at some point to push myself.

Why separate bands for each leg?Well, with the door anchor set up you will need at least 4-5 feet in front of the door just for a standing or sitting exercise alone.With a laying down exercise, you will need to probably double that depending on your height, and I don't have that kind of room in front of my door.I have a unique solution, that I will not describe, as it involves the specific layout of my home, but it allows me to stretch out completely and involves using separate bands for each leg. The system is very versatile that way, and you may have to come up with your own creative solutions to make it work for you.

The handles are very sturdy and comfortable, as are the ankle straps.I wouldn't have minded a little more padding on the ankle straps, and when you do leg exercises with tougher resistance you will see what I mean.I recommend thicker knee socks for comfort.Yep, they're goofy looking, but hey, you're at home.

I keep the storage bag looped around my stationary bike handle, and you could keep it looped around anything at arm level.This allows you see into it and dig around easily.The ankle straps and handles are kept in the convenient side pocket of the storage bag, making it easy and quick to find them when I'm doing switch-outs.

The door anchor is solid and large, much more substantial that the SPRI door anchor.I use only a 3 hinge door for absolute safety, and it has worked flawlessly.

All in all, I am very satisfied with this product, and would buy it again.I am already seeing results!

Product Description
The original exercise bands workout system! Bodylastics Max Tension Exercise Bands Super System is a complete home exercise system using resistance bands. Everything about this system is heavy duty, from the latex to the welded O-rings. Easy to use, this system is designed to tone and firm your muscles while also helping to build power, strength, and stamina. By simply attaching and detaching the bands on or off the handles and ankle straps, you can create a custom workout with 33 levels of resistance. The included door anchor also increases the versatility so that effective gym exercises can be recreated almost anywhere. Ideal for all ages and fitness levels, this set will help to work your arms, legs, back, chest, shoulders, and stomach. The complete system includes 1 continuous dipped yellow band (5 lbs.), 1 continuous dipped green band (7 lbs.), 1 continuous dipped red band (13 lbs.), 1 continuous dipped blue band (19 lbs.), 1 continuous dipped black band (23 lbs.), 2 extra wide heavy duty foam covered handles, 2 heavy duty ankle straps, 1 door anchor, 1 Bodylastics User Book, a 1 year certificate with login information for the online learning center, 1 circuit training DVD, and a storage/travel bag. GREAT FOR USE WITH P90X. Bodylastics, the original exercise bands system, proudly shaping bodies since 1998!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bodylastics ***MAX TENSION Heavy Duty Exercise Resistance Bands System with User Book & DVD