The following article was published originally in January 2022. We are sharing it now for your perusal, but take into account that the following information may be outdated.
Recently, the brand 'American Comfort' launched the new generation of the massage and fitness device - SHAPER, which is a popular home fitness device that creates vibration and simulates a state of physical activity, assists in calorie burning, improves heart and lung endurance, accelerates blood flow, and helps relieve fatigue and release tense muscles.
The Shaper recently updated to a new version, SHAPER Y-21, designed and enhanced to improve movement quality and maximize results. It comes with a sleek activation bracelet for convenience during exercise and easy access to function changes during operation.
The new generation of the Shaper offers a new mode of operation that did not exist in previous models and is sought after by trainees - the SWING movement to the sides and presents a new design of the arc handle, registered as a patent, and improves the movement effect.
I imagined myself standing on the Shaper while watching TV, reading a book, or dealing with my mobile phone without effort, at first glance, calories would be burned, and there would be no memory of the snacks I sneaked beside my coffee, but are 5 minutes of standing on the device equivalent to a kilometer of running?
So, I changed into workout clothes, wore the activation bracelet (which comes in the form of a flexible and easy-to-operate watch), tuned to the TV channel I chose to watch, and climbed aboard, pressing ON towards the unknown.
According to the manufacturer
Before I share my experience with the device, here are some manufacturer's notes that are important to know:
The Shaper is powered by two powerful motors and allows three modes of physical activity (walking, jogging, and running), determined by the posture on the device.
The recommended exercise duration ranges from 5-30 minutes, with 5 minutes of activity in running mode simulating a one-kilometer run.
The Shaper has a digital control screen, LED lighting on the sides of the device that enhances the user experience, two handles (magic rope, rubber rope) that are connectable and detachable, assisting in exercise effectiveness, with a 24-volt motor and safe for use.
The Test
With the activation, a default program started for 12 minutes, during which the device's action alternated from a gentle vibration that felt like a pampering massage to such a high intensity that it was difficult to talk or concentrate on the TV.
The intensity of the vibration and the type of movement alternated, and the speed changed. I was surprised by the feeling that without doing anything, my entire body was working. I felt the vibration from the tips of my toes to the tips of my fingers, while during the seemingly static exercise, my back, abdomen, thighs, neck, arms, buttocks, and hips worked well.
With the bracelet, I could switch from automatic activity mode where the device works according to a preset program (one of 6 built-in programs) to manual activity mode where I choose the desired activity and can control the speed, duration, and type of action.
There is a natural choice between walking, light jogging, and fast running.
I am not a sports instructor and I am not qualified to say whether the activity is considered professional and how much it may benefit (or harm). But I could feel the feeling that after the activity, just like after a gym workout.
I attached a demonstration video by a fitness trainer:
The device offers 3 types of movement at levels of physical activity:
Rocking: a light physical activity level that helps relax the leg muscles and enhances blood flow in the legs.
Swinging: a moderate physical activity level that relieves leg and nerve muscles and improves physical fitness.
Rocking + Swinging: a high physical activity level, whole-body exercise, increased energy consumption, and improved blood flow stimulation.
I tried the new model of the Shaper continuously for about 3 weeks, during which I tried to examine the effect of the "workouts" through it on my body. The effect on heart-lung endurance, fitness, muscles, calorie burning, and the aftermath if there are (back/knee pains and the like).
I chose not to delve into professional terms because, as mentioned, I am not authorized to do so, and therefore I will only share my personal experience, assuming that the activity with the Shaper will affect each person slightly differently.
For me, the convenience of "workout in pajamas" without leaving home and while integrating additional activities is correct and sufficient. The presence of the device in my home, in an available and accessible place, and the decision to use it without prior preparation, is a solution to my procrastination and laziness to organize for a gym workout or even a walk outside.
I could work while exercising (using my mobile phone with WhatsApp and email) and when I felt that only a certain part of my body worked if I just stood on it, I could combine additional activities and postures for variety such as using dumbbells, using the magic rope (which comes with the device and can be connected from both sides), sitting on it, or sitting beside it with only my legs on it, lying down while only my hands on the Shaper, and more.
Recommendations, Warnings, and Data:
From the test, I want to convey a number of recommendations, some of which are from the manufacturer, which I found especially important:
The device is designed for a closed space that is not exposed to moisture, rain, or damage that may be caused by proximity to water. Therefore, it is not recommended to place it in the garden, on the apartment balcony, or in the bathroom but in an indoor and dry room for short-term use only when needed.
Since the device is relatively heavy and not easy to move, it is advisable to place it in an area where it will not obstruct movement so that it requires easy dragging before and after use. I found it appropriate to place it under the couch in the living room and when I wanted to use it, I pulled it about half a meter forward/sideways for use in front of the TV.
It is not recommended to use the device in the first hour after eating. The device's vibrations may cause discomfort just like in aerobic exercise after a heavy lunch.
For women: It is not recommended to use during the menstrual cycle.
The device is not intended for people weighing over 100 kilograms.
Dimensions: Length 75 cm, Height 14 cm, Depth 42 cm, Shaper weight approximately 19 kg
Bottom Line:
The range of options for using the Shaper is wide, and the instruction manual specifies exercises and recommendations that everyone can find what suits them.
The use of the Shaper, whether for massage and relaxation, for blood flow, or for heart-lung endurance training, which also helps burn calories, is available, accessible, and convenient. There is no need for early preparation and special arrangements; it is not mandatory to wear comfortable clothes (somewhat depending on the type of selected activity); you can totally use it with work clothes and shoes or, alternatively, barefoot and in pajamas.
While you're just considering whether to exercise today and what to wear to the gym, you can already pull it out from
under the sofa/bed and finish your daily activity.
Price: NIS 1,690 (instead of NIS 2,300). Available at American Comfort stores and on the website https://www.american-comfort.co.il.