Move forward with your back (Bodi -Tek Back Magic)

Member Name: Gary25

Product:	Bodi -Tek Back Magic
Date:	18/09/08 (515 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, compact and portable.

Disadvantages: Can be uncomfortable to begin with, no pain, no gain!

I firstly would like to point out that the title is not spelt incorrectly and that this review does not refer to a well known box of chocolates nor does it dabble in the occult.

The heady claim is that it is a product to relieve back pain due to tight muscles, the loss of lumber curve and spinal alignment. I am not a medical practitioner so I can only comment on how it is helping me. If you have a recognised back or neck condition including any spondylosis, osteoporosis, severe arthritis, spondylolisthesis, spinal lesions/tumours, and acute fractures, consult your doctor before use.

So, what it is supposed to do? Well, it was designed to make life more enjoyable through better back health. You use it to stretch muscles and relieve back pain due to tight muscles, excessive flexion and poor spinal alignment.

I have a sit-down job and, try as I might, I usually end up in the wrong posture position. As I'm now getting older, I'm starting to feel the odd twinge in my back getting out of a car, standing up or getting out of bed.

What does it consist of? Open up the box, and you think "Is this it?" It is made up of only two elements, both dark grey in colour and made of a thick plastic material. When assembled, it measures only 15 inches by 10 inches, with a variable height. Part one is the base, which is flat and consists of a rectangular piece with one set of grooves at one end, the narrower end, and three sets at the other wider end (this determines the curve of the arch).

The second piece is the support arch, which is flat when you take it out of the box. It is wider at one end and throughout its length, in the middle, is a hole shaped like a letterbox. Its purpose is described later.

How do you put it together? Place the base on the floor with the wide ends nearest to you and up against your knees. Slide the wide end of the support arch into the single slot on the wide end of the base. Gently bend the cradle arch (quite easily as it is surprisingly pliable), and slot into the furthest away set of slots (level 1). Voila, it's assembled. If you use the nearer slots, level 2 or 3 respectively, you increase the curve. The photo shows level 1 which should be used when you first start off. Place a cushion or pillow behind to rest your head.

What next? The narrow end should always be positioned towards your head with the wide end towards the base of your spine. Sit with your back to the arch and slowly lie back onto the support arch with your knees bent. The wide end needs to be close to the base of your spine so that the arch supports the lumber region of your back. That 'letter box' hole I referred to earlier is where you try to cradle your spine and provide extra comfort.

You can vary the routine by raising your arms above your shoulders and by also stretching out your legs. Always use level 1 initially. When you start off, use for just one minute, twice a day. Even with this minimum amount of use, you will feel discomfort as your body adjusts which I can attest to. Build up to a five minute session morning and night, before progressing to level 2 or 3 if you feel ready for it. The instructions state level 3 should only be considered by capable high flexibility, yoga, pilates, gymnastics and athletic persons (so that's me out!).

Due to its small size and easy assembly it is completely portable and you can take it anywhere. I have noticed a real loosening in my back and I am standing taller after only a few weeks use. Individual results may vary where some users experience immediate relief and noticeable benefits while others may take several weeks.

The instruction manual is very easy to follow, containing step by step assembly instructions with illustrations showing the correct positions to follow as you exercise. You can also do a thoracic stretch by sliding the Back magic towards your head. That stretch isolates and targets many postural muscles.

I purchased mine off QVC for just under £19 plus P&P, and as they have a no quibble, money back 30 day guarantee, you can try it, and return it if it doesn't work for you.

I hope you find this review helpful, and may be it can help you.

Summary: Use to help allieviate back pain.