Kmart's new '90s exercise item sparks major warning: 'Not the safest'

Every January we're inundated with ways to kickstart New Year's resolutions to get fit and active and this year, Kmart's cashing in on the trend. However, personal trainer, Jono Castano, warns Yahoo Lifestyle that a new item isn't "the most effective or safest way to exercise".

The retailer seems to be in a bit of a '90s phase at the moment, and their new $39 10-in-1 Core trainer looks straight out of an old-school infomercial. The item description on the Kmart website reads: "The 10-in-1 Core Trainer is a versatile workout tool designed to help you and your child target your core and build strength.

RELATED:

• Kmart shoppers divided over popular $3.50 camping item: 'These are hopeless'

• $6 Kmart item campers swear by for rainy days: 'Our new go-to'

• Kmart shoppers go wild over new $7 budget buy: 'Double in Adairs'

"With multiple exercise options, it is perfect for fitness enthusiasts of all ages looking to elevate their routine."

In terms of features, it says that it offers "three levels of resistance", "works all the major muscle groups" and is also "body shaping".

Personal trainer reveals at-home exercises that are better than Kmart's core trainer

Jono Castano, a personal trainer and owner of ACERO gym in Sydney, tells Yahoo Lifestyle why he wouldn't recommend using the Kmart item, "While I appreciate the mechanics behind this equipment, I personally don’t think it’s the most effective or safest way to exercise.

"Many of these devices limit your range of motion or force you into unnatural positions, which can lead to poor results or even injuries from my experience in this industry."

Jono adds that there are plenty of bodyweight exercises you can do at home that would offer better results and would also be safer.

"I believe that traditional exercises are more beneficial for example squats, push ups, crunches or even planks. They’re simple, effective, and require minimal equipment. Sometimes, going back to basics is the smartest approach!"

He adds that if you were looking for specific core exercises, three of his favourites are planks, dead bugs, and crunches.

See Jono demonstrate some of these moves below:

Kmart shoppers slam '90s-inspired core trainer

On Instagram, Kmart shared a video showing how to use their core trainer, writing, "New year, new me 💪 sweat it out with our $39 core trainer."

"Two questions - Does it roll under the bed for easy storage and do I get free steak knives with it?" one user wrote, poking fun at the similarities between the core trainer and the countless exercise items you could buy from infomercials.

"Omg my mom had one of these in the 90s," another said.

"Next minute we’ll all be back in fluro lycra and listening to Olivia Newton-John’s 'Let’s Get Physical' on repeat," a third quipped.

Someone else laughed at the leg raises and added, "Selling false hope and future landfill."

"Honestly these are useless.. just do a workout without," one person said.

Some even questioned if the post was "satire", with some asking, "We're back here are we?" Many also wrote that these would end up in landfill before the end of the year.

Another tagged their friend joking, "To help when trying to pack a suitcase."

SHOP:

• Celebrity hairstylist's go-to product that sells for half the price of its competitors

• $2 supermarket trick to create 2024's most-searched recipe: '10/10'

• The lash and brow oil that will save you hundreds at the salon

"For just four easy payments of $9.99 plus postage and handling?" one user added.

"Back injury incoming," someone else said.

Others loved the idea of the core trainer, with one writing, "Oh I like the look of this!"

"Might be helpful for learning push ups," another said.

"Sold out online already, so frustrating," a third wrote.

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter.