The Bean - Weight Loss and Body Shaping Aid

In this day and age weight loss and shaping your body seems to be an important issue. Not only for health reasons but feeling better about the way your body looks is great for the self esteem. A few months ago while watching a TV infomercial advertising "The Bean" I decided to buy one and see if they were all that they claimed to be.

When the package arrived in the mail I hurriedly opened the box to view the contents. Inside were, The Bean, a small foot pump for inflation, a Weight Loss and Body Shaping Guide, The Bean Instructional Guide, a workout DVD and an exercise chart. As I wanted to try it out right away I proceeded to hook up the foot pump to inflate The Bean. By the time I got it half way pumped up I abandoned the manual pump and used vacuum cleaner in reverse. I decided I wanted to have a leg left to exercise with and the vacuum was much faster. You just have to be careful not to over inflate as it pumps up much faster and with more force this way.

To be on the safe side I sat down and looked through all of the literature that came with it before doing any exercises. The Weight Loss and Body Shaping Guide proved interesting and educational. It included a weight loss informational test, health and activity test, calorie intake equations, portion control information, calorie chart and a 15 week measurement chart, so that you can chart your progress. All of which got you thinking about the reason you had purchased The Bean and gave you the inspiration to start using it.

The instructional guide that was also in the box pointed out the return policy, warranty information, important safeguards and how to inflate The Bean. It also had a section on using The Bean, everything from getting on and off of it to other options such as using free weights with it. I found the pages on back pain and strengthening to be very helpful.

The workout DVD is great, it makes it much easier to exercise and go through the routines, as if you were in a class. The narrator has two people helping her, one doing the exercise the easy way for beginners and one for the advanced level. She gives verbal instructions for each method all the way through. The DVD goes through six different workouts. You may choose any of workouts at any time, targeting whatever area on your body that you feel you want to work on the most. They are listed separately on a menu, so that you can find the one of choice easily. Here is a list of the six workouts:

1. Ab & Core Workout - this program is perfect for anyone who wants a flatter stomach, stronger core and a trimmer waistline.

2. Total body Workout - this is a fast paced strength training program that works out your abs, legs, chest, arms, shoulders and back.

3. Pilates Workout - whether you are new to Pilates or have been doing it for years, you'll enjoy how this program lifts you up off the floor for a great core workout.

4. Bun and Thigh Workout - tone and tighten your buns and thighs with a series of high intensity lunges, squats and leg lifts.

5. Back Strengthening & Relief - this is a two part program that guides you step by step through a series if stretches and exercises that will give soothing back pain relief while strengthening your back at the same time.

6. Stress Buster Program - this program guides you through a series of Bean stretches that are designed to relax your body and energize you.

Each of the different workouts are great in their own way, my favorite is the Ab & Core Workout, you can definitely feel the difference in just a few sessions of following along. Of course you can do the exercises on your own but it is much more enjoyable doing it with the DVD. The exercise chart that is also included has a list of 30 different exercises and what areas of your body they work on. It is easily taped or mounted on your wall for easy reference.

All in all I have been very pleased with the outcome of using The Bean as an exercise program. I like doing the exercises with the soft cushion of it under me much better than working out on the floor or a mat. Of course it helps if you put yourself on a regular routine of using it and keep at it, as does any exercise routine. If you also read and follow the suggestions in the Weight Loss and Body Shaping Guide I am sure it would help anyone lose weight and get their body looking great in no time!