The Portable Spin Gym by Forbes Riley

I don’t see how she can honestly say that she invented this, it has been a childhood homemade toy for generations. She was just smart enough to try and make it into an exercise machine. Anybody with a brain will know that a wooden disk between a piece of twine tied at the ends will do the same thing and it doesn’t cost hardly anything to make. I know, my Dad made them for us when we were children!

I watched PitchMen and Forbes never SAID she invented the actual SpinGym, she licensed the product from a German inventor and yes, it is based on an ancient Chinese toy — but she did create some amazing DVD workouts — I know, I was her make-up artist…

and its like saying Billy Blanks shouldn’t market TaeBo because he didn’t invent martial arts or Mari Winsor didn’t invent pilates — but she sells that… by the way, I have one of these little things and it rocks — yeah for you if you dad can make you one — I love mine and it is like a toy – but boy, it works your arms –!!

The spin gym is a piece of crap! Save your bucks!

I love this product and would have purchased it but,truthfully I was not happy with Forbes when she appeared on pitchmen she was hassling over the price,let’s be real here it is a good product but,it is still a piece of string and 3 metal pieces and the day I pay $29.95(and I’m sure that doesn’t include s&h lol) it will be a cold day in you know what!And while I did get the impression that she truly loves this product I also got the impression that she is more than a little greedy.She was willing to sell it on pitchmen for $20,and she was told that it wouldn’t even go for that much!

It is worth no more than $10…..$29.99, give me a break. I saw the episode where she had a meltdown, it kind of made her look a little greedy.

I worked with Forbes Riley doing her make-up — anything BUT greedy – she shot 6 workouts that really show you how to get the best out of the product and she’s put dozens of women and a few men through the program — great results — so please – she is one of the nicer people I have ever worked with — she remembers the names of the crew, brings treats to everyone and just pursuing her dream –
on another note — just want to mention Billy Mays, who I have also had the pleasure of knowing — he will be missed — I just hate when people write about other people they don’t even know — reality shows look for conflict — there is so much they didn’t show – but I guess they don’t get ratings if they show the good stuff – shame!

All of your sycophantic adoration does not change the fact that the product is an overpriced piece of crap.

I don’t think that £29.95 (UK price) is that bad if you get the results you want and I have found it very beneficial as I suffer quite a lot from RSI in my arm and shoulder working on a computer all day and I can just take the SpinGym from my purse and spend 5 minutes at my desk and it really helps to strenthen my upper back and shoulder muscles. I have other exercise machines at home but this little gem can be taken anywhere. 5* from me.

Just got my SpinGym — at my desk at work and it rocks — you have just got to try this little thing to believe it–
you feel it working and I was pretty skeptical — does look like much, but it packs a punch – ha!
Anway, those naysayers who bicker about price — please – how much are a pack of cigarettes or a drink – now those are financial ripoff — My SpinGym – worth every penny!
Angie

sour puss!! bet you’re a big fat….

L@@ks like Angie and Janice are the same person (uses identical phrasing & both put — between the words)… Forbes is that you?

8

Just saw the pitchmen show.

I must say the spin gym is a little bit of a stretch at $29.99 for something that is not a NEW invention. I would like to see actual people using this device …followed over-time so we can all see the progress. I cannot see myself purchase this device without first seeing proof that it works. Sorry…..

I really wish she had taken the advice of the people who know, the marketers who do marketing for a living! At ten bucks I’d have bought one for each of my three daughters. At thirty bucks – no , sorry it’s just too much the proportion is all wrong. You know what, at ten bucks it would have sold millions. Nobody minds taking a chance for that price. I think she is a fiery woman but her emotions got the best of any potential business initiative. Forbes – Get a grip girl and go with your statement that you’d rather have a little of a big pie….etc.

Met Forbes on the beach in St. Petersburg a few days ago. She walked up to me and asked me to try the Spin Gym. I had previously seen the Pitch Men episode and was curious about the product which she was so passionate about. I will second or third that she seems to be a very nice person. I sat next to my husband watching the sun set while doing the spin gym. I loved it!!! I felt it all over: arms, back, lats and I must admitt my arms were sore the next day.

BTW, Forbes has a rockin body and arms to die for. She looks great for a woman of any age not to mention her 49 years!

Sorry, but this little gadget is no more than the old plastic coat button and a piece of string that my grandma made for me 30 some years ago. I figure i could make it myself cheaper than dirt cheap and sell it for $1.00. Holler at me if you want one. But if Forbes has a patent on it, I guess I’ll have to put my own SPIN on it lol.

Anybody who thinks they are going to get fit using this are delusional. Maybe Ok for somebody in their 80s with arthritis.

If you don’t understand fitness by the time you are 30, you are never going to.

Hi Antwon – I’m a real live person in the uk and saw Forbes Riley with the Spin Gym on Ideal World (UK) back in July. It also had a 30 day money back guarantee so I thought I would give it a try – what does it matter if she didn’t ‘invent it’!!! No=one else seems to have suggested its use as a simple workout and it has made a ,lot of difference for me – as mentioned in an earlier posting (july 28) I suffer from RSI and have found this little gem invaluable as I can keep it on my desk and do 5 minute work-outs/stretching between working. Even after 2 mins you feel the muscles are working. I also took it to the gym ( we have one on campus) and showed the guys there and they were quite impressed at quickly they could feel a workout in their muscles – so don’t be sceptical – give it a try – do they offer money back where you are? if not try ideal world as they do. If you are in the states you are lucky as it costs £29.99 here which is approximately $18 I believe but I still think that £30 is very reasonable for something that can be taken anywhere and used whenever you want a quick workout – although at hoem I extend the workout with some music and use it for my abs too (a female thing) by the way – I don’t work for either Ideal World or Forbes Riley. Proofs in the using Antwon. Good luck
s

Hi inaisle8 – I live in the uk so have nothing to do with FR, and often put a – between my words. Don’t be so sceptical – try it – you might just be surprised!!! xxx

I agree, lots of things on the market on revamps on a old idea, If someone finds another use that works then why not!!! And a money back offer if you dont find its right for you, what have you got to lose? Im sure its not for everyone, if your looking for a real hard work out them its more likey not going to be right for you….but my Mum ordered one and she very happy with it, she feels it working her arms and really likes it! Im going to order one and try it….i think i may not find its right for me , as i do work out alot….but I will give it a go, and get my money back if Im not happy.

The problem with the product is that is does not allow full range of motion of any of the arm muscles. You dont see products of this type in the gym for a reason. It’s not functional, doesn’t train your arms properly and only burns the muscles because a small section of the muscle is being unhealthily overloaded. I’m surprised a woman regarded so highly in the tv shopping world would put her name to such a ridiculous product. It does not respect or embrace ANY type of training philosophy. General public beware.

Have just watched spin gym on Ideal World Tv, have also seen it on Qvc at some point last year. Does anyone really believe this thing actually works? The cords break very often, ( even admitted by Forbes herself) and Forbes demonstations were dishonest to the point of ridiculous! The guy with muscles was flexing his pecs with a movement that does not actually work your pecs! Same thing with the inner thighs demonstration and lower back.What a load of rubbish, you’d be better off using a pair of soup cans as weights and save your money.

That was not even funny or whitty. So no "lol" for you!

I challenge anyone to use the spin gym, without stopping, for 30 minutes. I bet you cant do it. Forbes is not telling you to stop going to the gym or stop using other exercise equipment, shes not stupid. She is selling the only exercise tool that you can really take anywhere except past airport security. (dont try that, it could easily double as a weapon if needed) I keep MY SPIN GYM in my desk at work and use it alot. I think for a small amount of time it work very effectively and is a simple task to do. I love MY SPIN GYM!

To play with the original version of Spin Gym was a great fun when I was child. I made it from a button and a strong string, colours and length by my choice. However it never made me sweat despite of hours of "exercising". Obviously because even an 8 year old kid has more needs to keep in shape. Go and do your shopping in person instead of ordering goods on internet. Take a half an hour walk in the nearest park or just get on the top of your partner once in a while. Any of my suggestion will make more difference.

Have you seen results yet??and if so how long before you started seeing results??thanxx

At least you get this devise at a much better price than other suckers? In the USA it’s $29 elsewhere she sells the same item for $59 which means you’re paying for the item twice, once for the device and again for shipping – now that is what you call ‘ripping off your customers’ Either that or the postal rates in uncle sam are being used to finance your space programmes?

Response to Melissa’s June 28, 2009, comment:

Hey Melissa, if you say “anyone with a brain…,” you are just jealous that you didn’t have the brain and foresight to turn such a small thing into an exercise machine. You are a green-eyed monster!

I plan to purchase this item and see what it does for me!

HSN SpinGym® Upper Body Shaper Reviews….
these speak for themselves SpinGym really does work and I love it.

Fun and easy to use / jdjewel ,

04/18/2010
I got mine to work the first time I tried it.I bought one for my friend and she had a little trouble winding it but not using it. I took it to work and everyone loved it. I think the music in the videos could be a little better, more up beat. I can definately feel it but can't see the results. Hope to see them soon!

gets you in shape with the arms / dlm00460 ,
CA

04/17/2010
this is one of the best slim gyms to work you out and I have bought 2 and gave one to a friend and we are seeing great results. going to send a pic of myself in 3 or 4 months. lost weight and this is a workout for the extra skin.is shaping all over. buy,it works in 5 mins or less

LOVE IT!!!!! / HAZZY ,
DE

04/15/2010
I have bad knees and other health issues. So jumping around the floor is not an option for me. In just a few weeks I see my shirts fitting looser. I am getting a great upper body work out and loving it. The spinGym is so much fun it does not feel like an effort. I use mine almost everyday.

try it / shopaholicjr ,
TN

04/15/2010
This is a very good product once you learn to spin it, makes U hold in your abs and U can feel the burn in your arms.

LOVE IT ! / saltylong ,
MA

04/13/2010
I love this spin gym, it is so easy to use(it did take a few days to figure out how to wind it tight, but the video was extremely helpful in teaching this). I take it outside with me while the kids are playing and I do it before going to bed, it is great. I feel like I stand taller now.
Great product. Thanks Forbes !

I am the one who created this product and turned it into a workout device back in 1984. I called it the "Powerdisc." I sold 5000 units to the Sharper Image. 5000 units to Venture stores. We had roughly 50 thousand of them produced overseas. We sold 25,000 units to Garden Ridge Pottery. My then partner took over the project made some modifications and improvements and called it the "PowerPull." The concept has been around for many decades. My parents played with a button on thread when they were kids. As for as an excercise device it's virtually useless as for as building muscles, it's ok for a general tone. I got with doctors and chiropractors and produced an exercise manual that illustrated the muscle groups it truly worked. It will little to nothing for you pecks. The product I see here is so tiny with such a silly range of motion, it renders it ineffective for just about any move. My "Powerdisc" used a larger disc with longer cords giving a somewhat useful range of motion, but still to make any representation that it will sculpt a body is ludicrous

I have no idea about the credibility of Forbes Riley—can't say one way or the other. However, I can say something about myself—one evening I couldn't sleep and put HSN on—saw the blurb about the SpinGym, and recognized it as the button and string contraption I played with as a girl. However, in my half asleep state, I found myself dialing HSN and 1, 2, 3 I had ordered the SlimGym. I've used it but am not sure if it is doing anything or not—I am sure I'm out $29.00. I really can't see myself using it in my doctor's waiting room—-hmmmmm. Guess there is a sucker born every minute.

I have no idea about the credibility of Forbes Riley—can't say one way or the other. However, I can say something about myself—one evening I couldn't sleep and put HSN on—saw the blurb about the SpinGym, and recognized it as the button and string contraption I played with as a girl. However, in my half asleep state, I found myself dialing HSN and 1, 2, 3 I had ordered the SlimGym. I've used it but am not sure if it is doing anything or not—I am sure I'm out $29.00. I really can't see myself using it in my doctor's waiting room—-hmmmmm. Guess there is a sucker born every minute.

Love my spin gym. i use it everyday for 10 minutes. My arms are firming up nicely.

Thank you Forbes for coming up with this great product.

I plan on buying this product and i am a little skeptical but is willing to spend the $30 to try. For those who think this product doesn't work or is too expensive…are you for real? Sure $30 to spend on a few pieces of metal and string is steep but obviously they are in it to make money. Forbes never said she'll do it at cost, after all it is a for-profit company. Do you think some tread mills are really worth $1000 they too have marked up a huge %. $30 to try is not unreasonable at all. How many stupid things have you wasted your money on that's totally not worth it, gambling, drinks, diet pills, other more expensive exercising machine that's just sitting there collecting dust. Some company charges $100 for a pair of yoga pants, do you think that's worth it but people still buy it. The "worth" depends on how important and how badly you want something. I want to have better upper body definitions therefore $30 is worth it. As for the not working part, you'd be stupid or naive to believe this product alone will keep you fit. Any exercising programs or equipment will always have the fine print that you must do other exercise and/or eat well. Even with a $2000 bowflex machine you still need to put in sweat and eat well. If you're half assing it then you'll get half ass results. I'm not for or against it obviously every product works for some and not for others but people need to look at the whole picture.

Well, it is not just the product itself she is selling for that price, it is the workout DVDs too.

i am 66 & bought the spingym from idealworld for under £20 everything was included all the training videos etc.
I find it to be superb & use it all the time, I think most of the moaners on here want something for nothing.
its cheaper than going to the gym & also byeing gym equiptment
it works for me.
alan, united kingdom.

Its even prescribed by Doctors for shoulder rehab — check this out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56akxGfynkQ

Another triumph of marketing over common sense.
Forbes Riley is being inducted into the US national fitness hall of fame…for what?
Because she co-hosted some fitness/health product infomercials and helped shift a lot of product $$$.

And unfortunately that's what this product is about, making a quick buck, the thing is pure nonsense from a fitness point of view, it wouldn't matter if it cost 0.99 pence with free delivery it would still be over priced.
The guy demonstrating the thing made many claims for it that were simply not true but it was quite plain to see that this was through sheer ignorance on his part, as he was suggesting this was great for ridding ones self of "bingo wings". As this contraption will neither spot reduce(physiologically impossible) or burn sufficient calories to define the upper arms how was this supposed to happen?
If he was suggesting this would be attained by toning the biceps muscles, then he would have been equally as incorrect, it doesn't matter how toned your biceps are if there covered by a thick layer of fat, and this device with it's very limited ROM is going to do little to promote muscle tone anyway.
The pity is that the correct application of resistance exercise is the most effective way to tone, strength, lose fat and improve posture amongst a whole host of other benefits…it's just this isn't the Gizmo to help you do it.

I have no doubts this thing will sell in the thousands thought

Why do you think this?

Kelly, this product give 20 lb of resistance, you work up a sweat after 2 minutes of use. Gave one to my 18 year old son the other day and he couldn't believe how good it was. Trying buying one before you critique it………..

I have been using this SpinGym for almost 6 months and I love it. Didn't expect to, but it remarkable. I cant go to the gym anymore so I sit at home, sometime on my couch, sometime at the kitchen table. 5 minutes and I feel it and my arms look so much better. Just needed to leave a note for the people who created this. Thank you.

hey i've been using the spingym……. not every day……. for the past month and have lost 6 inches from chest to thighs. I use it for 3 mintues using my big toes…..believe it…..after 3 minutes your legs are burning…….you can see your muscles moving…….holy crap this ancient tool is amazing………who would have thought!!!! i have gone down from a 1X to a regular XL in the past 2 weeks……dam……..can't stop me now…….and have lost 10 lbs…..woo hoo!!!!! tell Forbes to try the toes…….my suggestion though…….. lol

lolll this product is a joke. I bet you ITS FORBES that posts positive comments on this thread HA! I say SPINscam instead of spingym

I love my spin gym i use it twice a day and my arms are firming up too, the only thing is I want to know where I can get more cords from

29.99 is she nuts you can get shake weight or T-core for that hell you can get 30 days with the tower 200 or 30 days of P90x for less not a chance hell you could be a few restiant bands and out do spin gym anyday

If you want to see what this product is really all about –
what this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agSGaa87CaE

hsn is the only place Ive seen it, and it 24.95 free shippong, not qvc.

It has sold millions.

but how can i get it to spin help

I like the SpinGym but afraid Im going to knock my teeth out with it. Has anyone been hurt using it?