The T-Bow Exercise System

T-Bow DVD Review - Body Toning (45 Minutes)

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:52:27 +0000

This is the second workout on the T-Bow dvd, and it starts with the same warmup as the Power Workout, before going on to show the same exercises that were used in the Strength/Toning section of the workout.

This is a bit disconcerting if you were expecting something different! But as far as toning workouts go, its about as good as they get, so heres a quick rundown of whats in it:

Back & Legs

Power bands attached, standing exercises to work and strengthen your back and shoulders, and squats with the bands to shape and tone buns and thighs. Theres plenty of time to follow along, instructions are clear (even with the mix of English and German!), and there are just enough reps to challenge the muscles without boring you to death.

Chest/Upper Back/Arms

Its time to get down on the floor and do Pressups on the curved side of the T-Bow. Yes, youll hate them. No, you cant miss them out! There is no better exercise to tighten the chest muscles and avoid sagging, and that applies to Man-Boobs as well. There is no actual muscle in the breasts, but pressups will keep them looking perky!

This exercise also tones those troublesome muscles at the back of the upper arm and sculpts lovely shoulders, as well as working all your core muscles. Keep your knees on the floor unless you are a regular exerciser trying to start with full pressups where just your toes are on the floor is a recipe for disaster if you are a new exerciser. Youll put yourself off exercise for life and probably hurt your back.

Next we have an exercise with windmill arms, which works your upper back the bit between the shoulderblades. Its a good one; we do a similar one in Pilates class, but dont add the bands unless you are experienced.

Waist & Side of Hips

This involves lying on your side over the T-Bow and will work your outer thighs as well. Sandra and the gang make it look easy, but you will feel as if your leg is about to drop off! Dont worry thats normal. Just make sure you keep your back straight and dont twist, and if your muscles get too tired, rest. This is concentrated work for muscles that are possibly very out of shape take your time and you will get great results. Just not by tomorrow!

Abs & Glutes

Otherwise known as Tums & Bums exercises. You lie with your back on the T-Bow for these (told you it was versatile) and do crunches and oblique curls to trim your waist. Harder than they make it look! Again, dont add the bands until you are stronger and can maintain good posture, or youll just make your neck ache.
A butt exercise follows I know it as Shoulder Bridge, and its very effective for toning a shapely rear.

Lower Back and Core

These are exercises found in most Pilates classes; Sandra teaches them well. The last one, where you support your weight on one arm is immensely challenging; watch you dont land in a heap!

This section finishes with the Stretch and Relaxation from the Power Workout, to give a good 45 minute toning and sculpting exercise session thatll burn lots of calories. Id recommend doing this one if you havent got time for the full Power Workout, as it will give you many of the benefits.

To go to the T-Bow reviews page please click the link.

All the best,

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer)

T-Bow DVD Review - Cardio Balance (38 Minutes)

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:43:46 +0000

This is the next workout on the DVD; I moved on to it hopefully, only to findGuess What? Yup, its exactly the same Cardio section as the Power Workout! Same warmup; by now youll be getting to know it off by heart. I found I could shout out all the instructions as well including the bits in German.

I know Im being facetious. Still, its an excellent cardio workout that will burn calories and work your legs and core as well. So here goes for a quick run-through:-

T-Bow curve down Time to rock! Side-to-side rocking which works all thigh and lower leg muscles. Workout speeds up, slows down long enough to catch your breath, then speeds up again. Interval training youll burn calories by the bucket-load!

T-Bow curve up Step moves to a fast beat, with high impact jumps. Easy to follow and very effective, but dont do the jumping unless you know you can.

T-Bow curve down More Balance-n-Rock, this time backwards and forwards. Really challenges balance and works the thighs.

Then we get the rest of the floor cardio workout from the Power section, finishing with the Stretch & Relaxation.

To go to the T-Bow workout review page please click the link.

All the best,

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer)

T-Bow DVD Review - Power Workout

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:41:30 +0000

As the title suggests, this is powerful stuff! A full body Cardio, Toning, Core and Stretching workout that lasts an hour and ten minutes and is as good as any gym class Ive ever been to. If this one doesnt make you sweat and puff, youre already dead!

A word of caution if you are totally out of condition, have back, neck or joint problems, or have lots of weight to lose, take this workout steady and use your common sense. Do Not do the high-impact jumping and hopping, just stick to the steady sidestep movements. Working out on the T-Bow is great fun and very effective, but its also very intense if youve never used one before. Rest if you need to, but dont stop moving just march gently on the floor until you get your breath back.

Introduction

Sandra and her team show the basic T-Bow moves, how to get on and off safely and how to attach the bands. A nice, non-scary intro with lots of teaching points I liked it. Sandra gives instructions in English, then in German sometimes half-and-half (which can be a bit distracting unless youre fluent in both!), but its clear enough what she means.

Power Workout (Curve-side up)

This starts with a the warmup section, with the T-Bow used as a step. If youve never done Step moves, youre learning them now, and if you are used to Step, youll feel right at home with these moves Basic, Knee Lifts, Front Kick, Side Taps and so on. This is all well-taught and well-balanced, with good warmup for major muscle groups. Miss out the jumps and bunny hops unless youre ready for them.

Every section ends with a reminder to drink water, which I think is great.

Next Sandra turns the T-Bow over and the fun really begins the guy behind her looks petrified at this point! This section goes through side-to-side rocking, adding arm moves to increase intensity. Then harder intervals are added rocking as fast as you can for a minute before slowing down then repeating. Interval training is the most effective way to burn lots of calories in my opinion, and youll really feel the burn in this section!

Bear in mind that Sandra is very, very fit and makes it all look easy youll find just staying on the T-Bow challenging at first, so dont think its you that is no good. Practice, and itll soon feel like second nature.

Sandra turns the T-Bow over again and does faster Step, which includes high impact moves (no modifications given). This is nice and simple to follow, with high intensity cardio intervals anyone will be sweating by this point, and its a great way to learn Step moves.

Next, the T-Bow goes curve-down again and we get to a fun bit where you rock forward and back, punch the air and then push your front leg as fast as you can. The man looks like his leg is about to fall off! I would personally stretch the quads (front of leg) between these moves, as theyll be killing by now. This stuffll sculpt beautiful legs if you can bear it!

Balance, Stabilisation & Fun

Just what it says on the tin! Sitting in the T-Bow to rock, lying in it, squatting on it and rocking I laughed so much at Bob trying this that I fell over! I cant describe all the contortions in this section, but its great and challenges your every body part. Again, approach with common sense if youre not ready for some of the moves, just watch, and enjoy the expression on the poor guys face in the DVD. Priceless! (Look out for your fingers in this section its easy to squash them between the T-Bow and the floor. Ouch!)

Strength Training Back & Legs

Now we get to the muscle-toning section; Sandra explains which muscles the exercises are for, which is a nice touch. The bands are attached to the T-Bow curve-up, and she explains all the moves carefully and clearly. Shes lapsing into German quite a lot by now! (Thats not a criticism, by the way. Its just, the more involved she gets, the more she speaks German first and English next. I think its cute). This section is all done standing up, with one exercise moving seamlessly to the next with the minimum of fuss.

Chest, Upper Back & Arms

Perk up those pecs and banish those batwings! Floor exercises on the T-Bow, with the emphasis on good posture this is unbeatable stuff from a Pilates instructors point of view. I loved it! Looks easy, but it isnt itll challenge deep muscles youd forgotten about. Do what you can and rest when your form has gone; quality of reps is far better than quantity.

Waist & Sides

Heres the exercises that will sculpt a beautiful, trim waist and flat tummy. The sidelying ones will trim your butt as well.

Abs & Butt

Really isolate your tummy muscles with these exercises. Ab crunches, oblique twists, and Shoulder Bridge for a pert butt. Im in Core Stability heaven watching these!

Lower Back & Core

Wonderful stability and back-strengthening exercises. Some are incredibly challenging and should not be attempted until you have been exercising for a month, or you will likely pull a muscle. If an exercise hurts immoderately, Dont Do It!

Stretch and Relax

Whew! By the time you get to this, youll be a sizzling heap on the floor. But youll feel good. We finish off with a full-body stretching section. Dont skip it and wander off to make a cup of tea cooling down and stretching really matters, and means you will get the absolute best out of your workout. Stretching lengthens and relaxes tight muscles, creating a wonderful feeling of well-being that will last the rest of the day.

Get up from the floor carefully Im not keen on Sandras method, to be honest it will make some people dizzy (especially if their blood pressure is naturally low).

Nice finish a big smile from Sandra, and a relieved look from the man. I felt like giving them all a round of applause!

I apologise for this review rivalling War and Peace, but I couldnt do it justice with any fewer words. Put simply, I think the Power Workout is absolutely amazing. If you were to do just that workout 2 or 3 times a week, your results in 4 6 weeks would be gobsmacking.

My only minor grumbles regarding the Power Workout would be that it will be a bit challenging for new exercisers, and there arent any easier options given. But apart from that, it gets top marks from me, and I enjoyed the presentation, although Id have one version all in English and another all in German. And the guy deserved a medal!

To go to the TBow Review page please click the link.

All the best,

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer)

The T-Bow Workout DVD Review

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:40:35 +0000

I was really excited to receive this DVD; I think the Fed-Ex delivery driver thought I was crazy when I did a delighted wardance on the front drive and waved it around my head. Accompanied by Maximus the Mountain Dog barking hysterically.

This DVD comes with the T-Bow package, and its absolutely packed with different workouts (3 hrs 30 minutes worth), so its just as good as getting lots of separate DVDs that you have to keep changing.

I was impressed to see there are six yes, six workouts on this DVD, ranging from a full-body Power Workout at 70 minutes to a Wake-up Workout at 15 minutes for when time is short. In between is Body Toning (45 mins), The Back Workout (40 mins), Cardio Balance (38 mins) and Stretch & Relax (15 mins).

Now dont tell me theres not something there to suit everyone. Remember all exercise counts. If you only have time to do the 15 minute workout, dont fret just get on and do it!

So, in the midst of a working day, I abandoned everything and sat down to watch the T-Bow DVD. And I have to say, I was pretty impressed, to say the least. Too often, these DVDs involve a skinny instructor doing a Triple Sulko at the speed of light while Im ten moves behind, on the wrong leg and off the beat!

Not to use too many superlatives, the T-Bow DVD is Really, Really Good. Both from a Personal Trainers point of view and from a left-handed, hopelessly-uncoordinated exercisers point of view. Not too fast, well taught, and intensive enough to give anyone a great workout.

Theres so much great stuff on this DVD that Ive decided to do a detailed review on each workout separately, to give you an idea of what goes on in each section and what it can do for you.

By the way, keep an eye on the guy behind Sandra (the Instructor and inventor of the T-Bow). The poor bloke looks very uncomfortable and absolutely terrified!

Click on the links below for the reviews:-

The T-Bow Power Workout (70 mins)
Sandra and her team show the basic T-Bow moves, how to get on and off safely and how to attach the bands. A nice, non-scary intro with lots of teaching points I liked it. Sandra gives instructions in English...

The T-Bow Body Toning Workout (45 mins)
Id recommend doing this one if you havent got time for the full Power Workout, as it will give you many of the benefits...

The T-Bow Cardio Balance Workout (38 mins)
This is the third workout on the T-Bow dvd.its an excellent cardio workout that will burn calories and work your legs and core as well...

I didnt think there was any point in doing separate reviews for the rest of the workouts, which comprise The Back Workout (40 minutes), Wake-up Fitness (16 mins) and Stretch and Relaxation (15 mins). All composed of bits taken from the Power Workout; nothing is different. Means you can mix and match, I suppose, depending on how much time youve got, but theres no advice on how often to do each workout, or what order to do them in.

I have to say that these subsequent workouts were an anti-climax; the Power Workout was so good, that I expected the others to be just as good and different as well, instead of just being the first workout regurgitated.

So there you have it. Power Workout absolutely Fan-flippin-Tastic, the rest a disappointment. But with that taken into account, Id still recommend the T-Bow DVD to anyone it will help you lose weight, tone up and strengthen your core, and its so varied that you wont get bored with your exercise. Its good stuff!

To go to the T-Bow review page please click the link.

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer)

The T-Bow Workout - Cardio - Balance - Strength - Fun!

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:39:35 +0000

To finish off the session, I did a quick run through with my class on the different ways to exercise using the T-Bow.

Just balancing on the unstable side is challenging enough - as you can see by the wobblings of some of my class. That's 100 extra pressups for them next week! It looks like it should be simple to perform, but just you try it - your core has to work hard just to keep you there. We then move to a Monkey Squat - a real challenge if you're not used to it.

Rocking comes next; side-to-side and then forwards and backwards. Great fun and a fantastic Cardio fat-burner I can promise you.

Once you turn the T-Bow over onto the rocking side, you need to put on sneakers - some of my class didn't, and you can see by their faces that they wished they had; bit hard on the feet!

Ohh by the way, my wife never shot me in the end! (Although she was severely tempted).

Don't wait any longer - remember; The T-Bow rocks!

To discover more about The T-Bow Workout please click the link.

All the best,

Robert E Bartram
(Pilates Instructor)

The T-Bow Workout - Pilates Strength Training

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:38:33 +0000

One of the reasons why I love the T-Bow so much is that in one workout I can do Cardio, Strength and Stretching exercises without having to use another piece of equipment. The T-Bow and an exercise band(s) is all I need.

The video shows a simple shoulder press exercise - all it takes to get started is to sit on the T-Bow and just pick up the bands. No shuffling off to find another piece of equipment and wasting time. You just sit down and you're ready to go. The number of strength training exercises you can do sometimes astonishes even me and includes Chest Press, Bicep Curls, Squats, Tricep Extensions, Lat Raise, Bent-over Row and plenty more.

There's no wasted time when working out with the T-Bow. You can go from one exercise to the next in seconds, enabling you to get a very effective workout in a very short time. And for busy people like you and me, that's of utmost importance.

Don't wait any longer - Get TheT-Bow now!

To discover more about The T-Bow Workout please click the link.

All the best,

Robert E Bartram
(Pilates Instructor)

The T-Bow Exercise System - Preparing For Pilates Class

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:37:22 +0000

This video shows us setting up the studio for a Pilates class that includes the T-Bow. We love using the T-Bow in class as it adds variety and challenges our clients a little more and in different ways than a pure matwork class.

This video also answers one of the questions I get frequently asked "Are you really a Pilates Instructor and do you actually have 18 T-Bows, or are you just making it all up"!

Yes, I'm a real Pilates Instructor (Level 3). I have the certificate that cost me lots of money and buckets of blood, sweat and tears to prove it! And although only 16 T-Bows are shown in the video, I really do have another two at home. When watching the video, notice how easily you can use a normal $2 flexiband with the T-Bow - so if you've lost or never had the T-Bands it's not a problem.

We (Carol & Bob) think the T-Bow is so good that we purchased 18 of them for our classes, so you can be assured that we wouldn't recommend the T-Bow to you if it wasn't the single best piece of home exercise equipment we think you can buy.

Don't wait any longer - remember; The T-Bow rocks!

To discover more about The T-Bow Workout please click the link.

All the best,

Robert E Bartram
(Pilates Instructor)

The T-Bow Workout - As A Step

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:36:22 +0000

This video shows the T-Bow being used as a traditional step. Carol demonstrates forward step which exercises the front and backs of the legs and side step which targets the inside and outside of the thighs. This type of exercise can easily burn 200 calories in half an hour.

If you are a lot overweight or not very fit, just choose some slower music and avoid any of the high impact moves. Once your fitness level increases speed up. Nothing could be simpler and with some motivating music it's great fun.

Any exercise you do in a regular Step Class can easily be done on the T-Bow and we haven't even turned it over yet.

To discover more about The T-Bow Workout please click the link.

All the best,

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer)

The T-Bow Exercise - Introduction

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:35:05 +0000

This video will show you the T-Bow Exercise System in use by a real person (well almost real; he's my long suffering husband). It shows how you can use the T-Bow as a basic step when turned curved side up giving it a stable base.

Bob then turns the T-Bow over so that the curved side is down. In this position the T-Bow is unstable and we have to engage our core and stabilizing muscles just to stay on it (therefore working harder). You can rock from side to side and get a great cardio workout or do any standing exercises like squats.

To discover more about The T-Bow Exercise please click the link.
All the best,

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer)

The T-Bow Exercise Videos

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:31:19 +0000

The T-Bow is a great piece of home exercise equipment. One of the complaints I frequently get from my clients is that they just don't trust infomercials! I wonder why? Could it be that they aren't always as honest as you'd like? Maybe you've bought one of the latest exercise gadgets from them in the past only to find it was a pile of old rubbish and now gathers dust in a corner of your garage.

I love the T-Bow and I know it works, so I decided to create my own series of videos showing you a real person (me or Bob) working out on it. Not some skinny, toned and obviously super fit model who isn't carrying an ounce of excess fat. Maybe then you'll believe in your T-Bow purchase and get the very best from it.

You can find the T-Bow Reviews page here.

1. Introduction To The T-Bow Exercise System
In this first video you'll hear me explain what the T-Bow is, what you can do with it and why it's such a great piece of Home Exercise Equipment. The ugly model with the neanderthal arms is my husband Bob. I couldn't afford anyone else prepared to demonstrate the TBow!

2. The T-Bow As A Traditional Step
This video shows Carol using the T-Bow as a traditional step. You can do forward step, side step - in fact anything you normally do in a regular step class.

3. The T-Bow Preparing For A Pilates Class
Here we show the T-Bow being set up for a Pilates class.

4. The T-Bow Workout - Real Live Pilates Class In Progress
Watch the T-Bow being used in a real Pilates class with real clients.

5. The T-Bow Workout - Strength Training
The T-Bow is so versatile it enables you to do your strength training in the same workout.

6. The T-Bow Class Workout - Cardio - Balance - Fun Class
To finish off the session, I did a quick run through with my class on the different ways to exercise using the T-Bow.

All the best,

Carol J Bartram

(Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer)

How often should I use the T-Bow? I am new to exercise and want to lose weight and tone up

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:30:17 +0000

Assuming that you have no physical problems, I suggest that you start with 20 30 minutes 3 times a week (not counting warmup and cooldown times).

You should have a day off between workouts perhaps go for a walk or swim instead and have at least 1 (preferably 2) rest days a week. This doesnt mean stay in bed! Just do normal daily activities to give your system a chance to recover.

If you do too much too soon, you may put yourself off exercising due to sore muscles or worse still, pull a muscle, which will require resting and interfere with your exercise schedule.

Always take 5 minutes to warm up prior to exercise and to cool down afterwards, and dont forget to stretch all major muscle groups after your workout. Oh, and have water close to hand, and take a few swallows regularly to stay hydrated.

Finally, dont beat yourself up if you miss a workout! As Homer Simpson says, punish yourself once and move on. ?

To go to the T-Bow Exercise page please click the link.

I like to run on the treadmill, but it makes my shins ache. Would the T-Bow give me as good a workout, without the pain?

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:29:15 +0000

Answer.You have probably got Shin Splints, caused by too much high impact exercise or poor running technique. Doing some of your workouts on the T-Bow would be a good idea, as rocking on it counts as low impact, and your technique has to be correct, otherwise you will lose your balance!

In my opinion, 20 minutes on the T-Bow will burn as many calories as jogging, and also has the added bonus of challenging your core muscles. And you can also do upper body exercises on the T-Bow, which you cant on a treadmill either do arm exercises with handweights while you rock (not recommended while running on the treadmill!) or turn the T-Bow over and attach the flexibands that are included with it for toning exercises for arms, chest, back and shoulders. You can also use the bands for added resistance during squats and lunges for great leg and butt toning.

And at under $200, the T-Bow is a lot cheaper than a treadmill and far more versatile. And it fits away easily into a closet as well!

To go to the T-Bow Review page please click the link.

All the best,

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer)

I want to use the T-Bow to lose some weight, but am I too heavy for it at 180 lbs?

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:28:06 +0000

Answer. Not at all. The T-Bow is tested at over double your weight (660 lbs) your best friend could come along as well and balance on the other side!

The T-Bow is perfect for weight loss. If you are over 40, or havent exercised for a long time, you would be wise to get a quick health checkup from your doctor. Then start your exercise sessions carefully if you dont feel safe on the rocking side, then use the Step side until you are a little more experienced. Stepping for 10 15 minutes 3 times a week would be an ideal way to start your new fitness plan.

The T-Bow comes complete with an easy-to-follow DVD that has several good workouts on it, no matter what your level of fitness. The workouts combine cardio training with muscle toning and abdominal work to give you a great all-round whole-body-sculpting experience!

If you combine your exercise with a sensible amount of calorie-counting in your eating habits, you will soon start to lose weight, and youll look and feel great.

To go to the T-Bow Reviews page please click the link.

All the best,

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer)

The T-Bow Workout - Frequently Asked Questions

Carol J Bartram — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:26:06 +0000

Before purchasing any home exercise equipment, if you're anything like me, you'll have a lot of unanswered questions. You want to make sure you're not going to waste your money (maybe again) on a useless piece of junk. I know in the past I've made a purchase and am so excited I can't wait until it gets delivered so that I can try it.

I hang around for days pestering the postman, and when it finally arrives I rip the packaging off - only to find it doesn't do what I want it to. Oh, the disappointment!
So the idea behind this Question & Answer section is to hopefully reassure you that the T-Bow is a quality piece of home exercise equipment - so that when yours arrives you will still be excited about using it even after you've unpacked it :)

If there are any questions you have that aren't answered here, please feel free to Email me at carol@free-pilates-exercises.com and I'll do my best to answer them for you.

Please click on the links below for the full answer to the questions.

I want to use the T-Bow to lose some weight, but am I too heavy for it at 180 lbs?
No you're not. You're nowhere near the maximum weight the T-Bow will take.

I like to run on the treadmill, but it makes my shins ache. Would the T-Bow give me as good a workout, without the pain?

It's possible you've got shin splints. Because the T-Bow is almost completely impact free you can get a great workout and lose the pain.

How often should I use the T-Bow? I am new to exercise and want to lose weight and tone up
Great question - Click the link for the answer it's probably not a long as you think :)

To go to the T-Bow Review please follow the link.

All the best,

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer)

The T-Bow or TBow

Carol J Bartram — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:23:05 +0000

Well I bet you've never heard of a T-Bow or Tbow. Am I right? Thought I was! Actually, neither had I until a few months ago. We were at a Fitness exhibition in London when I saw this - Thing. Looked like a small humpback bridge in bright orange with a blue exercise mat fixed to the convex side.

Gaps in the sides meant you could pick it up and carry it like a briefcase. I lifted one - not heavy; I could easily carry 2 and I'm not exactly built like Charles Atlas.

I laid it down and turned it over, curved-side down. Hmm. Footgrips. By now I was intrigued. I'm always interested in portable, versatile pieces of exercise equipment that I can load into my dogeared, faithful old car and take to torture - I mean train - clients with. (My beloved old Heap of Tin is named Milo. I kid you not; Bob's car is called Donkey!! )

All the time that I was sniffing around this T-Bow like an overgrown Labrador, the attendant was watching me with a grin. No attempt at hard-sell (which I hate), just letting me have a good nosey. When I looked up, she caught my eye and gestured at the T-Bow. "Want a go?" was all she needed to say. I wagged my tail.

She showed me how to put my feet on the footgrips and swing the T-Bow from side to side so that it rocked. It was great! And in less than a minute I was really feeling the burn and beginning to pant a bit. I could rock forward and back by turning through a right angle, balance and do squats. Wow!

Then she turned it over, curved side up, put resistance bands through the gaps in the sides and showed me seated exercises, standing exercises, lying-on-your-back exercises, lying-on-your-front exercises, sidelying exercises. My jaw dropped lower and lower. I wouldn't have been surprised if she'd shown me a standing-on-your-head exercise. I was hooked! What an amazingly versatile piece of kit this was!

Now, I have gone through all the variables of home exercise equipment. I have had a huge multigym in my back bedroom. I have had exercise bikes, walking machines, crosstrainers. I have tripped over dumbbells and banged my shins on mini-trampolines. They all look hideous and are a nightmare to dust. And if you cover them with sheets, it looks like the Addams Family moved in!

And then there are these gadgets that can be put up and taken down and stored in a cupboard after you've exercised. Well, for one thing you can never be bothered to haul them out and build them, and if you do, you're too worn out to exercise!

This T-Bow thing can be stacked, rested up against the wall or even shoved under your bed. Just take it out, lay it down and you're ready to rock! Never before have I come across a single piece of kit on which you can do your whole workout - warmup, cardio, toning and stretching - with no other accessory than a flexiband. And in such a small amount of space!

Reader, I bought them.

Two to start with. One for me, one for him. Child settled for an ipod instead (I think I got done there!) I took them along to show my Personal Training clients - as in "Look, look, I've got a new toy!" The first two clients bought the first two T-Bows. Not exactly the Cunning Plan!

And that's the story so far. The Cunning Plan is to build up a stock of 15 Tbows and introduce them into our Pilates classes - nobody else that we know of has toys like these, teehee. Trouble is, everybody who sees them wants to buy one and we haven't been able to keep 15 yet!

Dont' be fooled by it's simplicity. This is a fantastic Cardio, Fat Burning, Toning, Strengthening and most of all fun piece of home exercise equipment. If I could keep only one piece of workout equipment it would be the T-Bow.

The T-Bow complete set includes:-

The T-Bow
Two exercise bands
A DVD with six workouts (3.5hrs)
Exercise Poster
Full Instructions

To buy this T-Bow Complete Set please click the link.

Carol J Bartram
(Pilates Instructor)