Okay, so I caved and bought the Core Max PRO after seeing those '8-minute abs' claims. Spoiler: It’s not magic, but it’s pretty darn close!

The resistance bands are NO JOKE—my arms were shaking after the first session. Love that it folds up because my apartment is basically a shoebox. Storage win!

BUT... it slides on my hardwood floors like it’s trying to escape. Yoga mat fixed that drama. Also, the squeaking? Sounds like a mouse convention during TV time.

Unexpected bonus: Came pre-assembled (bless). As a 240lb guy, it holds up well, though knee pads would’ve been nice for the 'bike mode' moves.

Verdict: Not a miracle worker, but for $100? Worth the ab-burn laughs and awkward living-room grunts.