Latest trend: FLEXI-BAR
Tester: Janine Joseph, 43
FLEXI-BAR is a long bar with weighted ends which you hold and shake - it works by de-stabilising the body so your core muscles have to work to balance you. An instruction booklet and video teach you different positions for different muscles.

Was it hard?
"I had just had my second child, so it was hard because I was exhausted, but I used it for five minutes here and there. I didn´t have the time or energy for more exercise - though I started using FLEXI-BAR three days after the birth. In the beginning it felt like my stomach was following a couple of moments behind me but using the bar made me feel supported again. You can´t lose weight through conditioning exercises alone, but after my first baby I didn´t have the strength for any exercise at all. The bar helped my pelvic floor muscles and got me back to running really quickly. It helped speed everything up. Six weeks later I hardly felt as though I´d been through birth and six months later I´m into all my old clothes and if anything, slightly slimmer."

Best thing: Slipping it into the daily routine.
Worst thing: Getting the technique right.
Has it changed your life? "Yes, my stomach´s flatter now than it was before I was pregnant".
Details: From £69.99, call 01252 877 237 or visit www.flexi-bar.co.uk