I mentioned in an earlier post that, even though I’ve been enjoying Mari Winsor’s Slimming Pilates, I’m ready for some variety. I spent some time browsing the web and talking to friends and came across two new products that have gotten positive press (see coverage from Times Union and Washington Post). At first glance they sounded pretty similar to me (maybe because they have almost exactly the same name) so I did some research to find the differences and thought I would share that information with you all. SPRI is selling a new product for gyms and personal trainers called the Step360 PRO. But there is still ANOTHER Step 360 from Step360.com which is As Seen On TV product just like Mari Winsor, and like Mari Winsor, it is produced by the same fitness company, Gaiam.

Let’s take a closer look at both Step 360’s. Here are photos from the websites:

Step360 PRO from SPRI	Step 360 As Seen On TV

UPDATE: The Step 360 facebook page wrote this in response to a fan question about the two units:

“Hi Susan they are indeed different sizes: The Step360 platform is 20.5″ across and approximately 25″ at the base of the air chambers. The Step360 PRO platform is 23″ across and approximately 27″ at the base. Hope this helps!”

October 28, 2010, source: Step360 Facebook page

There are plenty of important details to help the two Step 360’s beyond visual appearance.

Step360 PRO

While both products are “balance training devices”, the Step360 PRO is slightly larger, colored slightly differently, and includes two 18 minute train-the-trainer DVD’s. The Step 360 Pro is obviously aimed at fitness professionals and gyms which is clear from the information found at SPRI.com. The pro package runs $150.

Step360 As Seen On TV

Jessie Pavelka, Step 360 spokesman

The Step 360 sold at step360.com is a bit of a different animal. The Step 360 platform here looks quite similar to the Step360 PRO, but if you’re like me (attracted to handsome, physically fit men with killer smiles and tight… um, I think I’ll stop there) then one important difference between Step 360 and Step360 Pro is the presence of celebrity trainer Jessie Pavelka. The Step 360 package also includes 1 hour and 40 minutes of exercise programs to workout at home without a trainer, a resistance cord and printed material with meal plans, a workout calendar, etc. and some other goodies.

Recommendation

Which one to get?

If Jessie Pavelka (right) doesn’t sway you immediately toward the Step 360, then the 1 hour and 40 minute exercise program definitely should. First, workout equipment isn’t going to do you any good unless you know how to use it and second, a workout program isn’t going to keep your interest without some variety. While both systems come with instructions, only the Step 360 also includes enough supplementary material to keep your workout exciting over the duration (After all, it’s only 9 months until swimsuit season rears its ugly head again). There is, however, one thing that might tip the scales towards the Step360 PRO.  It is likely (still to be confirmed) a little larger and possibly more sturdy that the Step360 so it might be better suited to males, intense workouts involving heavier weights, and users of either gender who may tip the scales well above 200 pounds.

But overall, I think the Step 360 package with Jessie Pavelka offers the better overall value for workout-at-home types.

Read more:

• Step360 workout at home system
  
• SPRI personal trainer step

Has anyone used either of these Step 360 products yet? Please share your thoughts!

This is the same pilates gym that features celebrity Marisa Tomei on television.

For those who haven’t heard, the package includes over 2 hours of pilates for weight loss exercises plus what Mari calls The Accelerator: a configurable fitness bar that can use attached weights, a resistance cord, handles and a door attachment. It changes to suit the exercise you are doing.

Pilates and weight-loss fans might want to grab this one from WinsorSlim.com while the grabbing is this good! As a bonus, cash-strapped pilates gurus can choose to pay in installments (2 payments of $29.95) instead of all at once. But at this price I think either option is a steal.

Read About >> Mari Winsor Slimming Pilates from WinsorSlim.com

Up to 50% off Jillian Michaels Fitness DVDs & More

Cardio, core training, fat burning, strength and toning – it’s all here. Also has fast workouts, pre-natal, Winsor Pilates and yoga workouts. Whatever your New Years fitness resolution, you’ll find a deal to get you started.

The FIRM WAVE (www.theFIRMWave.com) by The FIRM just dropped by $29.95 ! That’s another 33% off the price that was already 70% off making this the best price on the FIRM Wave system. The Wave Speed Slimming System is one of the most popular full body workout systems today. The WAVE is not a cheap or bare-bones workout system – you get the WAVE rocker – a fun, versatile and well-built unit plus 4 workout DVD’s full of fun exercises, a workout mat and more.

The WAVE debuted at 4 payments of $29.95 then sold for a long time at 3 payments. Right now it’s being sold for only 2 payments. At an estimated value of $350, well, we’ll let you do the math.

Here are more details on everything you get with The FIRM Wave:

• Step, walk and rock for supercharged calorie burning
  
• Flat abs through constant core muscle engagement
• Strength, Toning and Slimming for your entire body
• Over 100 total body sculpting & toning exercises included on ALL-NEW 4 DVD’s!
• 24/7 fat burning through Speed Slimming intervals combining cardio and strength training
• The Wave is double-sided, the breakthrough design allows stepping and rocking exercises
• Stores easily
  
• For a limited time customers receive a free upgrade to EXPRESS SHIPPING
• INCLUDES: the WAVE personal gym, 4 ALL-NEW DVDs, Success Guide and MORE including FREE BONUSES. See the FIRM Wave Website for complete details

This is really an amazing overall value at only 2 payments of $29.95 (over 80% savings)

According to their website The FIRM has been doing women’s fitness for over 25 years, but FIRMies (as FIRM fans call themselves) swear The Wave Speed Slimming system is their favorite FIRM innovation yet. Happily, we’ve found The Wave can be a pretty great deal too. The Wave is not available in stores just online at the official website.

• Step, walk and rock for supercharged calorie burning
  
• Flat abs through constant core muscle engagement
• Strength, Toning and Slimming for your entire body
• Over 100 total body sculpting & toning exercises included on ALL-NEW 4 DVD’s!
• 24/7 fat burning through Speed Slimming intervals combining cardio and strength training
• The Wave is double-sided, the breakthrough design allows stepping and rocking exercises
• Stores easily
  
• For a limited time customers receive a free upgrade to EXPRESS SHIPPING
• INCLUDES: the WAVE personal gym, 4 ALL-NEW DVDs, Success Guide and MORE including FREE BONUSES. See the FIRM Wave Website for complete details

Pretty amazing overall package for 3 payments of $29.95 2 payments of $29.95.