Body Flex

The Body Flex program consists of three components: resistance training with the specially designed GymBar, breathing exercises, and a 1600-calorie per day meal plan. The GymBar is a plastic bar with a band attached that may be tightened for greater resistance. Users sit or place their feet on the band and perform curls or other exercises with the bar. The breathing exercises combine deep breaths with isotonic and isometric stretching designed to bring more oxygen into the body and isolate the abdominals.

Body Flex’s Healthy Meal Plan consists of recipes for three “15 minute” meals and two snacks, all totaling 1600 calories. The plan also emphasizes the importance of drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day.

The Body Flex program is targeted at women and older women in particular. Since the exercises may all be performed while sitting down, it may also be useful for those with injuries that keep them fairly sedentary or the very obese. Resistance training is especially important for older women because it helps strengthen the bones and protect them against osteoporosis. Since the meal plan contains no supplements or special ingredients, it may be less intimidating to those just starting their fitness plan for the first time.

1. GymBar resistance training
2. Body Flex deep breathing
3. Healthy Meal Plan totaling 1600 calories per day

1. One week’s worth of recipes including a weekly shopping list
2. Three workout videos or DVDs
3. Includes a nylon carrying bag for the GymBar
4. Includes a tape measure to track inches lost

• Thirty-day satisfaction guarantee
• Website posts testimonials
• Exercise program includes resistance training
• No additional nutritional supplements to buy

• Program does not include aerobic exercise
• No online tools to track progress
• Program does not provide professional guidance or advice by phone or online
• Meal plan offers only one week’s worth of recipes

While Greer Childers is a likeable and refreshing fitness role model for middle-aged women, the Body Flex program does not the sustained aerobic activity necessary for most people to experience weight loss. Some may find that the close guidance and simple recipes offered by the meal plan makes healthy eating a bit easier, but the approach is hardly revolutionary. While resistance training is very beneficial for women as they get older, the GymBar is based on the outdated technology of calisthenics and offers a limited range of exercises. And while deep breathing is never harmful, it does little to raise the heart rate or burn fat.

Those who spend most or all of their day sitting down may find the Body Flex approach helpful, but those capable of more activity may have greater success following a more comprehensive online diet and exercise plan.