What's the best way to use it for a beginner? I want to use it both for my lower and upper back but am being careful now. I had a back injury a few months ago. Please advise! It's only too bad, it doesn't come with any instructions..
819151
If you can, have some one with you to help spot you and move you. Place the foam roller under your body and slowly move over it. You could even start in a seated position with the roller under your bum and thighs to get used to the sensation. Go slow and listen to your body!
677903
I Love this machine. Does it work? It depends if you use it consistently. I feel great when I use it. I typically do squats, ab twists and air boxing to get a total body workout. Last week I actually was on with my weights. I do not regret getting this machine but give it your best and I believe it will be good to your body :)
2028884
Mary, this is a basic good exercises for stretching. Basically it teach you the correct way to do the exercises. If you have been doing it for a long time, it will teach you to correct them. They have straddles exercises but if you goal is do the splits, this is not a video for this. You will need to get an advance one or much better one specially for splits. They are good ones in youtube for free. I hope it help you. I still like the video cause it corrects my exercises.
359195
We bought the dyna disc to use with exercises we got from the physical therapist. don't blow the disc up too full. it should still be fairly level across the top, not bulging. there are some you tube videos with exercise instructions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtdzOsMXXzk hope this helps
2037454
This is a back stretching device,,,the first time i used it, It was a little painful, but after three or four days it got better. It took years to mess up our backs,,it takes time to get them correct. All spines are different. :-) good luck.
1365343
It is painful at first when it is your first time. You may have to try a small area in your back first and then slowly get used to it over time. Not knowing how overweight one is it is hard to say if it is safe! Anyone can injure easily if it is not done properly. This may not be helpful for most people.
604378
My mother and I both have one. We use them for back pain all the time. I would recommend heat and ice rotation every 20 mins. I major back issue and that seems to help me the best. You can make the ice packs that don't freeze solid with 2/3 cup of water to 1/3 cup of rubbing alcohol in two zip lock bags one in side the other. Good Luck
1907341
Hi Aug. I have to say that I really like my massager (MCS-510H). My principal problem is mid-back, however---it does just what I need there. For lower back it will do the same thing---that is, sort of roll around the area---not just up & down. But that area is more boney and the massage just doesn't go deep enough to do a really good job. That said, I don't think any of the chair-style massagers will do better. One thing I really do appreciate is its ability to concentrate on one area (low, for instance)---and then you can also "spot" massage by pressing up or down buttons to put it right where you need it. All in all, I think its damn good for the price. Tom
1677853
I used it for my back... believe I have torn muscles etc, from heavy lifting. I did notice a big difference with it and shall continue to use it. Barbara
1568339
I've use my inversion machine at least 3-5 times per week and I've own it for approx. 1 year, I've never felt endangered. Getting the right settings for your size is important, now I must say you need to read the instruction and be sure your within the weight limit of the device. My wife has back problems and she hangs at about a 40 deg angle and it really helps her with her back issues.
756549
It's worth the cost if you actually use it everyday and commit to stretching. I made progress then became less committed and started back again. I have a friend that uses it daily and he is extremely flexible. He was already more flexible than me, but he pushes himself and actually does use it.
986047
I agree with previous comment - this is GREAT, but for the neck , not low back. I've also had lumbar back issues and use a back extension device called True Back Sport (got it years ago and not sure it's still available) - also for free so even better, I do McKenzie exercise for lumbar spine - which is lying on stomach on the floor, relaxing hips, pelvis and legs into floor then pushing upper body up with arms so back extends and holding for a while (I do a count of ten), then relax back down and repeat (5 to 10 times). This (plus some weight training, core body strengthening) has kept my lower back happy for years : ) I agree with previous comment - this is GREAT, but for the neck , not low back. I've also had lumbar back issues and use a back extension device called True Back Sport (got it years ago and not sure it's still available) - also for free so even better, I do McKenzie exercise for lumbar spine - which is lying on stomach on the floor, relaxing hips, pelvis and legs into floor then pushing upper body up with arms so back extends and holding for a while (I do a count of ten), then relax back down and repeat (5 to 10 times). This (plus some weight training, core body strengthening) has kept my... » Read More I agree with previous comment - this is GREAT, but for the neck , not low back. I've also had lumbar back issues and use a back extension device called True Back Sport (got it years ago and not sure it's still available) - also for free so even better, I do McKenzie exercise for lumbar spine - which is lying on stomach on the floor, relaxing hips, pelvis and legs into floor then pushing upper body up with arms so back extends and holding for a while (I do a count of ten), then relax back down and repeat (5 to 10 times). This (plus some weight training, core body strengthening) has kept my lower back happy for years : ) « Show Less
383794
You can use it for upper and lower body exercises as well as the stomach. There is a video and a large poster with directions and pictures of how to use the chair for each of the different exercises. I was in a wheel chair when I bought it because I had broken my leg and my ankle. After a year of inactivity, I needed to start to exercise again. It worked extremely well for me. I still use it for strengthening exercises.
625482
I use the back magic twice a day. I use the first level (there are 3 levels). I use it not only to stretch my lower back but also to stretch my thoracic (middle to upper back) due to stress or long sitting at work. Use a pillow for your head when you are using it in level's higher than 1 one or when you're doing the thoracic stretch. Roll off the product when you're done.
1472317
Hi Yousef - it's helpful for lower back pain. I used to have pain from driving. My physical therapist showed me I was driving way too far away from the steering wheel. Your hands should be at the 4:00 and 8:00 o'clock positions, believe it or not. A few sessions with a physical therapist and a personal trainer to strengthen muscles which will get your posture where it should be would work way better than this TENS unit. That's my advice.
480148
Sorry If I led any readers a stray with my last comment. The Body Works has been a good investment for me. After I learned how to use it with the help of my Pilates class, (that's where I got the idea to buy one) and a return email from Weider, I wasn't using it correctly. Price, assembly and using it has been a really good thing for me. People may give up because they don't want to work that hard at gaining strength, endurance, and building muscle. The chart printed on the box shows all the positions it can be used for...... If you can afford the time, money and have the room to set up the "total gym", that's one thing. Try putting the total gym back in the same box, pay the return postage, and then waiting to have the charges reversed from the account you purchased it on. Like most mail or internet orders, they can suck you in and give you one big headache. I am a 74 year young woman and my body is getting younger every day. My Body Works was and is a good health investment. Thank you!
673024
I had the same concern when I first got it. The first 5 times that I used it I made sure my wife was handy. Now that I've had it for several months I have the confidence to use it when I am alone. Just make sure that you have it "balanced" correctly (setting it for your ht/wt) so that you can easily pull yourself back up when inverted.