ACTIV5 Handson Review : Isometric Exercise Device aimed at active individuals
At the age of 26 I turned around my life, I got into fitness, lost around 50lbs of fat and starting working out almost everyday. Since then I keep an eye out for fitness gadgets and anything that can make my fitness journey even better and more rewarding.
A few weeks ago I got bombarded by ads for this thing called an Activ5. Its an interesting device with very few reviews on the Internet. Its an isometric training device that aims to complement your traditional training routine. Isometric training means without movement of the muscle.
When I bought it, the device listed a retail price of $149.99 but showed a discounted price of $109.90. The website lists the following features of the device:
Get everything you need to start building real strength in a few minutes a day:
– 1 Activ5 fitness device
– 1 rugged phone stand
– Free download code for the Activ5 app
– With more than 100 exercises and games
Whether you’re looking to build strength, or recover from an injury, this is the ideal way to get started. It’s easy to use while you watch TV, or take it with you wherever you like.is
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First Impressions
The device is small and nifty and comes with an orange mobile stand. The stand is just a gimmick to be honest and doesn’t do anything to add value to the product in my opinion.
The device has pressure sensors which you push in order to get a workout. The device is complemented by an app which tells you what exercises to do and gamifies the exercises.
It has a LED sensor and just one button which acts as an on off switch and pairing button. Nothing fancy in the interface on the device.
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The Application
I think this is where the device loses the plot and I dont see this as a good app. the gamification just does not work for me. The interface is clunky, exercise descriptions are hard to understand and miniscule and the results are haphazard and not consistent for me.
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Take the above Triceps exercise for example, The application first shows you what to do and then tests your “max strength”. That is followed by a game that forces you to apply different degrees of strength.I really didnt get any heart rate bump with the exercise. Personally for me, I get a heart rate pump from planks, wall sits and other isometric exercises. This one just doesn’t do anything for me. The exercises are also hard to understand, the app makes no attempt to explain form and the exercise to you.
Verdict
This could possibly be a great physiotherapy device, to me it looks like the company has given up on fixing the app which looks like its prehistoric and hard to use. As an active person I just was not excited to use the app and didnt want to open it again. I am going to use the generous 30 day return policy and return the device.Did you try the device and the app? What were your impressions?