Question

We are thinking the about buying the Foldaway 39 Exercise Gym machine and using the elastic band system, but we're worried it might be a tad bit light with only 45 lbs of resistance for leg exercises.

Would this gym be classified under your "miracle exercise gadget" section I read about on your website? Can't seem to find any reviews.

Answer

It looks like I'm finally getting through to some people, finally! You are 100% right about the Foldaway 39 Exercise Gym (sounds like a "hack" Chinese to English translator came up with that name) being classified as a miracle exercise gadget.

The first tip-off to this gyms "pedigree" is in the name. How did they determine that it can do 39 exercises specifically? Why not 38 or 40? What are these exercises exactly?

The second alarm that should sound in your head is the word foldaway. While it's true that many compact gyms will fold or are able to be stuffed under a bed, putting the word "foldaway" in the title appeals to people who are not serious enough about their fitness to dedicate a small portion of a room to it. If a gym is small or folds away as a functional benefit of its' design (like the TRX Gym for example) great, but if the gym is specifically designed to fold with no regard to function that's a problem.

The third and final clue that this gym should be on your avoid list is the fact that it's sold at Hammacher Schlemmer, and Skymall. If you buy your exercise equipment in a gadget catalog or on an airplane at 30,000 feet you need to get your head examined!

Foldaway 39 Exercise Gym Rating: