The Bean Deluxe

I Bought one and it leaked on the seam in a week. I couldn't see the hole but it deflated and it only took a few days afterwards to have it leak during use and hole enlarged. Used several repair strips but it won't hold on the seam. Great Idea bad product material at least when it comes to holding air. At least they aren't making boats or we would all be bailing to save our lives. Sorry but I had to add that.

The Bean slides all over the floor/mat/carpet; it also tips over; basically, it felt very unstable. The instructions on the video are not clear enough; nor are the visuals repeated long enough to learn. Finally, I felt nothing in my workout--just rocking along with no feeling in the abs, legs, etc. I work out in a gym, so I'm used to a great session and knowing I have worked out; I wanted to try this for at-home exercising to supplement. Instead, I gave it away and use workout videos. Save your money.

What caught my eye on the box of the Bean Deluxe was, "No back pain." I have bulging lumbar discs and at times have had excruciating back pain. The Bean featured in the above photo is not the newer bean which is the Bean Deluxe. The Bean Deluxe is wider and the same height on both ends. What is confusing is that they just include the old DVD from the original Bean. You have to refer to the instruction book for the right way to do the side leg lifts which are on the flip side of the newer Bean. After two days I notice a relief of pressure on my lower back. The one back stretch that really seems to stretch out my lower back is the squat prayer stretch also just lying prone over it when it is flipped seems to help my back. If you use it for nothing else, it is nice as a back relaxer, but I do recommend doing the workouts as they are good and do not harm the lower back. I have read many reviews saying the seams do not hold up. I can not say that but it is too early. Maybe the or... Read more

You can buy the Multi Flex Core Home Gym for anywhere between $29.95 to $59.95 (plus shipping and handling of approximately $12.00). It does exactly the same thing as The Bean, but with many advantages. First is the price, as I've already mentioned. Secondly, it's made of metal and plastic, thereby getting past the most mentioned problem of The Bean (losing air, total deflation because of rips or holes), and last of all, you can grasp the sides with your hands to remain steady or not slip off (another problem people have with The Bean).

The Bean Deluxe arrived with a hole & the included the patch kit worked fine. I also topped the air via large spout & it held the air without a problem. I purchased my Bean Deluxe the end of February used it 5-10 times a week & by May it totally lost it's shape. The Bean Deluxe is definitely easier on the back & neck; however the product needs to be updated as I will not spend $50+ every 3 months to add to a landfill. I will research other products.

I purchased this equipment months ago after being sucked in and conned by their infomercial. The phone representative even convinced me to by the additional equipment that attaches to the bean to help with resistance exercises. Honestly, I worked out with this equipment once the first day I received it, and have not yet tried working out with the bean again, nor have I ever tried the resistance devices. Don't get me wrong though, my workout with the bean was actually pretty good. It does workout your abs really well, without feeling any strain on your neck or back! So, I don't agree with the other reviewers that you can't get a decent workout from this equipment--because you certainly can! But, the downside of this device is that: 1) It takes at least 10 minutes for you to inflate manually with this cheap plastic, accordian-like pump that you have to step on repeatedly to inflate your bean. I guess that's part of your warm-up, because I'm telling you it really takes a long time t... Read more