Horsing around for fitness - the Joba machine

Resembling a motorcycle seat but mimicking the movements of a horse, the "Joba" riding machine from Panasonic is the latest product to combine fitness and fun. Named after the Japanese word for horse-riding, the Joba simulates the movement in the abdominal and dorsal regions that occur when riding a horse. Working these seldom-used muscles helps to increase core body strength, improve posture, metabolism and general fitness - and all you have to do is sit on it. The swaying figure-of-eight motion works the abdomen as riders maintain upper-body balance, while thigh muscles are strengthened from gripping the seat.

Simple and literally effortless to use, the Joba fits in an average-sized living room and is ideal for Japan's increasing population of middle-aged and older people, along with those who don't like to exercise.

The Joba core training machine has long ranked among the most popular home fitness products in Japan, the US and Europe. It made its commercial debut in the United Arab Emirates in January.