Most people could do more to lose weight, look and feel better, and enjoy better health. Unfortunately, many of them lack the motivation, the means, or simply the time to join a fully-equipped gym and go regularly.

The concept behind the BodyBoss is nothing less than allowing someone to perform nearly all the exercises you’d normally need gym equipment to do, using only one relatively inexpensive piece of gear.

This is obviously a tall order, and different people have different opinions on how well the manufacturer has succeeded.

Good for Allround Workouts

In short, if you’re a dedicated weightlifter who keeps a record of every set you do, you’ll see this as no more than a stopgap solution for when snow, work, or a pandemic makes visiting the gym impossible.

People who just want to get in better shape, on the other hand, may well find it to be an all-in-one solution that provides them with all the exercise opportunities they need.

Let’s see how this works:

Resistance Bands

Instead of weights, this system is based on resistance bands. Each of these elastic cords (of which you get either two or four, we recommend just paying the slightly higher price for the 4-band version) nominally simulates a 30 lbs (14 kg) weight.

This isn’t set in stone, though, as you can shorten these (and hence make them harder to stretch). How hard you have to work also depends on what exercise you’re doing – e.g. curls cause less resistance than overhead lifts.

How you attach these bands to the sturdy base and your body depends on what kind of exercise you’re doing. A barbell bar, dumbbell-like handles, ankle or wrist straps, and a doorjamb attachment are all included, giving you access to dozens of motions.

Video Guidance

You’ll also gain access to an impressive library of workout videos, ranging from those covering the absolute basics to others that will have you pushing your limits.

As with the equally innovative Isokinator, giving these videos at least a cursory look is non-negotiable if you want to get the most out of your BodyBoss.

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll get:

Folded up, everything fits into a reasonably-sized suitcase, though it’s a little heavy at about 17 pounds (8 kg) and awkwardly shaped if you take along the bar. Still better than the average treadmill, but seen as a portable exerciser specifically for travel, you can probably do better.

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a general-purpose workout machine that comes close to replicating a variety of exercises you’ve grown used to, this is a pretty good buy.

The quality is more than decent, it’s easy to use once you get the hang of it, and – in case you’re thinking of purchasing this as a gift – you have a variety of color options to choose from.