Before I began running I was your typical faddy exerciser and was a sucker for the newest equipment that promised to tone, sculp and shape me fit. The Pineapple Twist Board was one such fad that I decided to visit. Toning and sculpting promised just for twisting, how bad could it be??

The twist board is a simple idea - 2 plastic discs held together on a pivoting middle with ball bearings to help with a smooth twist, all the user has to do is stand on the two feet areas on the pink top disc and twist their body to make the disc move. The top disc has two marked feet areas with reflexology magnest which are designed to "increase circulation as the massage points release tension from your feet and provide traction". Right. I didn't notice a difference with the magnets, or feel less tense. They actually annoyed me a little bit because they dug into my feet. The board also promises to tone abs and slim hips and thighs. Okay...

Included in the box is a basic instruction booklet to give you tips on body positioning and the most effective way to use the board. To be honest, as long as your upper half remains facing forward and your lower half from the hips down twists, you should see results.

I persevered for two weeks and used to do this exercise for 20 minutes each night if I could or 5 minutes if I was pushed for time. It works best on a wooden or hard floor surface so that the movements are smooth and you can balance easier. I didn't get the usual aches associated with doing a new exercise for the first time and stood quite happily watching TV whilst I used it. Once I'd done, I simply popped it under the bed and because of it's small and flat size/shape I could have easily stored it in the wardrobe or in one of the many storage boxes I seem to have.

Priced at £10, I paid £8.50 after my Debenhams staff discount had been applied. I should point out that I probably only bought it because of the discount I got on it! You can buy identical products in different colours from different suppliers for less than half of the price of this one - even places like Poundstretcher and Home Bargains stock them.

So I hear you ask, did it work?

To be blunt - no. I imagine after a few months of doing this daily you might notice a marginal loss of centimetre's or even an inch but there are far more effective ways to tone up - you should try running, I wish I'd done it years ago! This is ideal for people who are perhaps restricted with exercies they can do but isn't something I would bother with if you are seriously looking to tone up and trim down.