SpinGym Review: Does SpinGym Work or Is It a Scam?

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SpinGym: You can’t polish a turd…but you can roll it in glitter

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse than the Ab Circle Pro, along comes the SpinGym infomercial (and the Home Shopping Network and QVC UK) exercise gadget to prove me wrong!

The advertisement has all the tell-tale indicators of another typical hokey exercise gimmick which may lead you to think you’ll go from fat and frumpy to sleek fit freak (or dud to stud) in no time.

Because the advertising is so wrought with misinformation, I have decided to write a point-by-point review of the product’s marketing claims.

Before I go on, let me preface my comments by saying I really didn’t want to write a SpinGym review.

But after seeing the company’s website sales copy and YouTube videos, I felt it my sworn duty to both consumers and the integrity of my profession to take a stand against what I consider to be SpinGym’s misleading marketing campaign.

Impression of Spingym marketing materials

Upon review of all the promotional information on the website, in my professional opinion, I believe the SpinGym is just another typical exercise gimmick.

I predict the SpinGym will be yet another “here today, gone tomorrow” gadget which, in time, will ultimately find itself in a dusty grave in the closet or attic.

However, on a positive note, one redeeming quality might be cutting up the product for scraps.

The metal wheel can be used as a door stop, the little hand loops can double as earrings, and the nylon string could be used to tie your bumper back on after a low-speed accident.

Key points

Hyped marketing

The SpinGym marketing, similar to the Ab Wave, Wonder Core Smart, and Liproxenol, is over-hyped, promises quick weight loss results, and has little to nil scientific merit

Confusing babble

Product literature uses invented techno-jargon to confuse consumers

Inaccurate claims

Company claims it works certain muscles which, upon review of equipment demonstrations, does not appear to be the case at all

Beware the guru

Self-proclaimed SpinGym “creator” and frontwoman Forbes Riley (see Forbes’ comments at end of this post) is an actress and hired pitchwoman for a number of other infomercial products (however, I have seen no formal verification of her training in exercise physiology and biomechanics)

Testimonials

Emotive testimonials are used to stir consumer emotion, but testimonials are not proof of efficacy and do not constitute rigorous scientific testing

Wait, who is Forbes Riley anyway?

The SpinGym is fronted by perky self-proclaimed creator and presenter Forbes Riley. 

When I first saw the name Forbes Riley, I had to ask myself, “who the heck is Forbes Riley anyway?”

Her previous (now defunct) Wikipedia profile stated she was a TV actress who has made a few extra bucks backing infomercial products.

While I certainly can’t deny she’s a delightful and lovely pitchwoman, I found nothing attesting to her formal credentials as an exercise expert.

Now look, I’m sure Forbes Riley is a nice person and I don’t want to begrudge her for making a living, but I think she should take a stand and protect what’s left of her reputation by not lending her name to this kind of pseudo-scientific nonsense.

Claim 1

Techno-jargon: “Gyrotronic” Resistance Training?

The promotional materials appear to use made-up techno-jargon which has no basis in reality.

The announcer states: “This unique combination of precision engineered weight and high performance nylon wound together gives you proven gyrotronic resistance training like nothing else….our modern award-winning German design takes the physics of Gyrotronic Resistance Training to a whole new level. “

I take particular issue with the phrase gyrotronic resistance training. 

In my view, this is complete rubbish and only confers a deceptive scientific-sounding stamp of approval.

In over two decades in the exercise industry, I have never heard of any such thing. 

I did a Google search of these terms and nothing comes up. Why?  Maybe because it’s marketing jargon to make the product sound more impressive than it is? 

Good luck finding the terms “gyrotronic resistance training” in any exercise physiology text book.

Award winning German design?  “…takes the physics of Gyrotonic Resistance Training to a whole new level?”  Please enlighten me.  What award-winning design are we talking about?

SpinGym’s marketing materials claim this is a rehashed version of a children’s button on a string toy.

And what is the specific name of this award to which you refer? 

The onus is on SpinGym to be honest and forthcoming with its customers.

Claim 2

SpinGym for a chest workout?

The SpinGym infomercial host, Forbes Riley, says (and I quote), “ For your chest, it’s the best. You’ll feel the burn through your entire upper body.”

However, as she’s saying this, the infomercial shows a buff guy with pillowy pecs pulling on the strings and activating his back, shoulders, and neck – which makes me question if the SpinGym execs even understand what muscles their own product actually works.

Unfortunately, most consumers are not biomechanists or personal trainers and are left to take the infomercial’s word for it.

Claim 3

“With up to 20 lbs of resistance with each pull, you’ll feel the SpinGym® effect instantly and you only need 5 minutes a day to see a noticeable improvement.”

Five minutes a day? 

As much as we’d all like to believe you can get the body of your dreams in 5 minutes a day, don’t hold your breath.  In all my years of working with clients and patients, the only people who ever got long-lasting results were people who regularly put in serious time doing their exercise routines, were consistent about it, made healthy dietary choices, and overhauled their lifestyle habits independent of structured exercise.

Ah, but I note they sell DVD workout videos with it. 

So wait, if the SpinGym did what it was supposed to in 5 minutes per day, then why do you need to give customers these DVDs?  

I think this is because if customers get results from doing the add-on DVDs then they may potentially ascribe the benefits to 5 minutes on the SpinGym.   

Look at most infomercial gimmicks and gadgets and you’ll see the fine print which says something along the lines of “use in conjunction with a sensible diet and regular exercise.”

Claim 4

For athletes–SpinGym is a powerful warm-up for explosive sports like tennis, baseball and volleyball–and great to carry in your bag before a night of bowling or a round of golf.

I believe this claim is really making a stretch, like a drowning man grabbing for any passing driftwood that will keep him afloat.

The metabolic pathways and biomechanical movement patterns of these sports are markedly different than those provided by the SpinGym.

If you watch the SpinGym video you will see that the movements they demonstrate are anything but explosive in nature. 

This gives me the impression that the manufacturers really don’t know much about exercise physiology or basic biomechanics.

Given the company’s vast knowledge of so-called “Gyrotonic Resistance Training,” not to mention the accolades of an unnamed award for product design, I’d have expected they’d know better.

Claim 5

SpinGym® cardio and kickboxing classes are starting in gyms worldwide

I have not seen any spin gym cardio and/or kickboxing classes anywhere, and I’m confident I have a reasonably good pulse on what’s happening in the global fitness industry.  

Can any other exercise professionals out there enlighten me here? 

Note: Since I originally wrote this , not one fitness professional has mentioned to me their use of the SpinGym with either their personal training clients or group classes

Claim 6

“…we provide a 30 day money back guarantee AND a lifetime waranty*…. Don’t be fooled by SpinGym’s size, you will feel the results in less than 30 seconds!”

This string of words is wrong on a number of fronts. 

First, I believe the 30 day money-back guarantee, while I’m happy they offer it, is a classic cop-out for these types of products. 

Many people lead busy lives (hence the reason they purchased a product touting quick and easy “results”), but whether they get around to packing it up, carting it over to the post office, and standing in line for a half-hour to mail it back is an entirely different story. 

At $29, it could cost more in lost time, wages, and productivity than it’s worth going through the trouble of returning it.

Second, a lifetime warranty makes the assumption the company will be around for the lifetime of the product. 

While it’s remotely possible the company could be around in 30 years, looking at many infomercial products of yesteryear, most pack up shop when the product runs its expected lifecycle and sales dwindle (now on HSN clearance as of Jan 2013).

Third, “feel the results in less than 30 seconds?” 

This claim appears to pander to the typical “pleasure seeker, pain avoider” mentality.  

When people think of exercise, it conjures up images of the drill sergeant, caricature-like trainers on the Biggest Loser barking in the faces of contestants grimacing in pain as they futilely attempt a push-up or sit-up. 

The obvious implication in this claim is that exercise is tough, if not damn near impossible, so buy our product and you can get the body of your dreams in 30 seconds instead of 30 months.

SpinGym Testimonials

No exercise gadget infomercial is complete without enthusiastic or weepy-eyed testimonials attesting to how the product has transformed their lives from a frumpy toll-booth attendant to cat-walk supermodel.

Consumers need to understand that an infomercial is explicitly designed to do one thing, and one thing only:  sell product.

Testimonials allow companies to get away with murder because ultimately, no matter how over-the-top and sensationalised the testimonial is, the company can always go back to the “they said it, we didn’t.”

A main limitation of infomercial testimonials is that, from a science-based perspective, personal experience does not separate cause and effect from coincidence.

In other words, if the person was using the SpinGym at the same time they were walking six days per week and living on nothing but quinoa and alfalfa sprouts, there is no way to conclusively ascertain whether they lost 10 kilos (22 lbs) as a result of the SpinGym or regular real exercise and healthy eating habits.

In one testimonial, a lady says, “I just had surgery and I need to work out my right arm. ”  

To which I respond, even if you’ve had surgery, you still need to work out your entire body, as it is one big connected kinematic chain.  If you only work out your right arm, then you’ll end up looking like a human fiddler crab.

In short, when you see an infomercial, always disregard all testimonials and look closely at what they’re telling you.

How much does it cost to buy SpinGym?

The SpinGym sells for $29.99 USD or $49.99 USD to ship to international locations.  

It is also available in the UK on Amazon under the moniker JML Forbes Riley SpinGym Silver for £24.99, or on QVC UK for £28.86.

While still a relatively cheap price (which makes it an attractive offer), let’s not forget the SpinGym is comprised of a block of metal, two loops, and some string.

I can’t imagine that costs much to make one. 

So at a price of $30 per unit, that’s an absolute killing for the marketers provided they sell a few hundred thousand units.  

I’m guessing this might explain how they’re able to offer “free” shipping. 

Even more laughable is the additional $20 charge to ship to international locations, but then right next to it is the phrase “free shipping.”  You do the math.

Closing thoughts

It’s obvious I wasn’t very nice to this product.

However, I feel it is important to point out that the marketing is, in my view, misleading to consumers because the claims are not substantiated by any independent peer-reviewed research.

My views expressed herein are my own and are not influenced by any ulterior motives or industry payouts. 

My opinion is a qualified opinion based on university qualifications in exercise science, nutrition, and business, as well as my 25+ years experience in this industry.

In closing, I believe the SpinGym, much like the Ab Circle Pro or Liproxenol, is just another over-hyped gimmick which over promises but, without reducing calorie intake and increasing your overall daily activity, will unlikely deliver any substantial or lasting health benefits.

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