Simple but effective

( Lebert / June 2, 2005 )

Lebert Equalizer: Twin free-standing supports, made of 28-inch-tall steel tubes with foam handle grips in the middle, allow a variety of exercises.

Likes: Surprisingly effective -- even for hard-core athletes. My initial skepticism over the bare-bones devices disappeared with an opportunity to do real dips, push-ups, one-legged squats, knee-raises, and weird but hard supine pull-ups. A laminated chart offers several more body-weight exercises, stretches, even an upright row (using one support as the weight). Easy, 20-minute assembly consists of screwing in eight Allen bolts; wrench included.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $99. (888) 556-7464; www.lebertequalizer.com.