My new year's resolution for 2011 was one that is a popular choice for many people - get fitter! In an effort to boost my motivation and get my body into shape I invested in a few bits of kit and exercise DVDs. This Twist Board by Everlast caught my eye as it looked simple and easy to use. It costs RRP £8.99 and is available to buy from Amazon.co.uk for a slightly reduced price of £7.19. There aren't many pieces of exercise equipment that can be bought for less than a tenner, and I figured even if it didn't work for me I wouldn't have lost out too much.

Product description: "Shape and tone. Twist your way to slimmer abs, hips and thighs. Provides vigorous form of aerobic exercise on precision ball-bearing ride while improving balance and coordination. Twist board step by step fitness guide included."

The board itself is a small circular platform with two layered sections. It is available in a black and green or a black and grey colour combination, and I got the black and green version. On my board the top green section rotates a full 360 degrees and this is what gives the twisting action. The top of the board is covered in raised dome shaped bumps which are supposed to give better grip and avoid slipping. I find this very uncomfortable to stand on when I have bare feet or am wearing just socks, and it is much better when used with a pair of shoes or slippers to provide a barrier against the hard plastic base.

The idea of the Twist Board is very simplistic, you just stand on top of it and then use your muscles to rotate the board. This basic action will provide a good stretch and help to gently tone any soft bits! Everlast's information guide states that their Twist Board...
+ Improves balance and coordination
+ Tightens abdominals
+ Slims hips and thighs
+ Strengthens back
+ Develops calves
It also features a non-slip surface, and precision ball bearings for smooth twisting.

The Twist Board is very easy to use and although it is repetitive and a little boring, it is possible to fit in several short sessions throughout the day which will still give a good effect. I have my Twist Board placed in my front room near the doorway, and I will either pull it out and do some twisting in front of the TV for a few minutes at a time, or quickly hop onto the board every time I enter the room and do a quick set of reps before I carry on with what I was intending to do. These few minutes here and there all add to up help work the muscles and short bursts of activity can be slotted into a daily routine without any fuss or planning required. I particularly like exercises that I can do indoors without having to worry about going outside in the cold or bad weather, as this makes it feel more enjoyable and less of a chore.

There was a step by step fitness guide included with this product, and this covered four different exercises that you could do to maximise the use of your Twist Board, including:
+ Oblique Twists. Muscles utilised - obliques.
+ Oblique Ball Twists. (Advanced) Muscles utilised - obliques, biceps, triceps.
+ Resistance Twists. (Advanced) Muscles utilised - obliques.
+ Oblique Twists with Weights. (Advanced) Muscles utilised - obliques, biceps, triceps.
The Resistance Twists and variations on the Oblique Twists are listed as "advanced" level exercises, although I would say this is an exaggeration and they could easily be completed by anyone no matter what their fitness level. The leaflet includes safety instructions and guidelines for using the Twist Board, which is helpful and should be taken into account before starting a new exercise. One point that I paid particular attention to was that the exercises should be done in a SLOW and CONTROLLED manner. It is easy to get carried away with the twirling, but I make sure to steady my body and really control each movement of my body and the board so that the movements are done slowly and give a good stretch without causing damage. I do long, slow movements and really hold my muscles tight to make them work harder, and this seems to be really effective especially by the time I have completed a set.

So far I have mainly stuck to the basic Oblique Twists as the other moves require extra equipment, and it seems that Everlast have taken the opportunity to advertise some of their other products here. Other suggested equipment includes Everlast's medicine ball, door knob rope exerciser(!) and ankle & wrist weights. I sometimes improvise by using different objects that I have around the house so that I don't have to buy more fitness equipment, as once you have the board you can then use a good old tin of beans / soup / whatever you have in your store cupboard instead of wrist weights, and the exercise is just as effective.

With continued use, I have found these exercises to be effective and give good results. I take belly dancing classes in my spare time and one of the key things to performing complex routines is learning to isolate the sections of your body and move different muscles groups independently of one another. The Twist Board came in very handy for practicing this, as it allows me to work my hips and chest levels separately, as well as building up a better sense of balance by using the core muscles. My hips are definitely looking more trim and my stomach looks flatter than before, although there has been only a slight increase in the tone of my muscles and they will need continued exercise in a variety of forms to really firm up. Over the months that I have been using this piece of equipment it has become easier to complete the movements, and so now I can do much longer repetitions or up the number of sets that I am completing so that I still get the benefit of completing the exercise. My goal at the start of the year was to get in shape fast for an event that I was going to in March, and I am pleased to report that although I did not lose any weight, I did in fact lose several inches from around my waist and managed to drop back down a dress size from 12 to my usual 10. The Twist Board definitely played a part in this as it helped to get me moving every day, and along with other longer workouts and watching my diet I did achieve the result that I was looking for. I will continue playing on my Twist Board in addition to other exercises, as I still have a little way to go before I get the toned physique that I am dreaming of.

I think that the Everlast Twist Board is a great little piece of kit to use for a casual, low intensity keep fit routine. Don't expect drastic results, but it is perfect for a quick and gentle workout that can be done in the comfort of your own home.