Sports

Xbase portable training pod – indoor workouts to go

View 17 Images
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The bottom of the Xbase uses 18 suction cups to secure to the floor
A rep demonstrates Xbase exercises
A rep demonstrates Xbase exercises
A rep demonstrates Xbase exercises
The Xbase includes a carry case
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The Xbase kit
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool
View gallery - 17 images

Looking like a redesigned George Foreman grill with bright-orange tentacles, the Italian-built Xbase training pod is a versatile, portable exercise solution designed to bring fitness to the office, home or hotel room.

All the Xbase really requires is a flat, smooth, clean surface for the 18 suction cups on its base to adhere to. The device suctions to the floor, providing the platform for numerous exercises.

Once the Xbase is secure on the floor, the user grabs hold of the elastic cords and uses them to works the arms, legs and core. According to its Swiss parent company, Adatto GmbH, Xbase can be used for a variety of exercises that you'd usually need to zip around to different corners of the gym for. Specifically, it can be used to strengthen muscles, improve balance and suppleness, stimulate circulation and reduce stress.

The Xbase is a versatile exercise tool

If I'm being honest, I'd be a little worried about those suction cups failing, slingshotting the Xbase right into my face. Adatto seems a little worried about that, too, since it includes a safety suction pad as an extra anchor and writes a pretty thorough disclaimer about how incorrect usage can cause the Xbase to pop free during intensive exercise, leading to injury. It also suggests checking the suction pads regularly during training to make sure they're secure. So yeah, it doesn't seem all that unlikely that this thing could peel off the floor and chisel a big, red notch in your forehead.

The Xbase may seem like the latest fitness scheme destined to show up on late-night infomercials, but it has earned some strong acclaim in the design and fitness communities, winning a Red Dot design award and an ISPO BrandNew Award nomination. It is available now starting around €200 (approx. US$260).

The video and photo gallery give you a better idea of the types of exercises the Xbase is designed for.

Source: Adatto GmbH

View gallery - 17 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
3 comments
John Widner
Seriously? $260 to risk getting hurt doing exercises you can do with a $10 resistance band? I can't believe this won an award.
Joseph Boe
I'm with John Widner on this one. When I got to "suctions to the floor" I stopped. I can see this coming loose - because it isn't properly suctioned down or whatever - at the peak of resistance.
Imagine getting hit in the face or back of the head with that thing. Death? Blindness?
Forget it.
Rain Tree
While I greatly admire ingenuity this device seems like a set up for some spectacular, cartoon style, injuries that would not be funny in real life. What happens when the suction fails, or too many elastic bands and someone gets "launched" in the wrong direction?