“As others have noted, the unit quickly develops a very audible squeaking or grinding noise, making it unusuable for standing/striding during teleconference meetings (my primary use).I was very optimistic about fixing this when the manufacturer offered to send replacement parts, but they were sent with text instructions that referred to a nonexistent diagram. I sent 3 followup requests to get this diagram, the company did not respond at all.Ultimately, I was unable to install the replacement parts and chose to return the unit. This item gets a 1-star rating for poor customer service.”
“First of all, let's make this straight: I go to the gym, I use the 10K machine, so let's avoid to make comparisons that cannot be made.I've got this because due to my work, sometimes I don't have time to go spend an hour or 2 at the gym, so I head home, and use this while watching tv or cooking (yes, it takes a bit of coordination but it works).The biggest problems with this machine are 2: the first is the stride length...which is terribly small (I am 6 feet tall); not comparing it with the expensive machine, but the difference in stride length is noticeable, and will take you a bit to get used to.The second is that it has no handles, like the big brother, so you gotta either balance yourself (like you would do on a step machine, which I hate), or you have to have something where you can balance yourself (a wall, a chair, the back of the sofa....your choice).Other than that; this machine is really great. the workout is pretty good, if you do not mind the fact that you cannot change the incline angle (so technically you work the whole 4 muscles group all the times, and cannot personalize which group work more, unless you get creative and make some sort of base that is inclined, and then put the machine on it). I use it about 30 min, close to the hardest setting (it has a wheel that allows you to regulate how much resistance you want; even at max thou is not super hard, but do it for an hour or so and you will feel it).So far the machine works fine, it gives me a good sweat when I cannot go to the gym, and I feel like I did much more exercise with this one (because of the shorter stride, and the fact that you gotta balance yourself), so don't pass on it just because it looks cheap.The materials are quite good; it is heavy when you lift it, and even if the pedals top are made of plastic, the rest of he machine is either aluminum or iron; definitely does not feel cheap.It has a very simple counter on top, which is brilliant: gives you number of strides, distance (in miles), time and calories; of course all is approximated and not taking in consideration your BMI, so you have a rough estimate of the calories; but you can calculate the more realistic value using your BMI and the distance. It is smart enough to stop the timer when you stop exercising, so if you need to stop for whatever reason, you can go back and continue, and still do the amount of minutes that you planned to.Now, if you are planning to loose 50 pounds buying this machine....forget it and get a good subscription to a real gym. This is a useful tool to integrate your workout, or to have a moderate activity at home, when you don't feel like you wanna go and run under the rain, but it is not a replacement for a machine that cost 40-50 times more than this. mainly because of the physical constraints of the machine, that cannot change inclination or resistance at the same level of the big brother.Buy it if you need something to keep you active and cannot go out, or if you need a break from the gym sometimes; it is well worth the money.”
“Love this thing...tried other 'bicycle" type compact units but this one is way better imo. Try it using it with your arms, it's great that way too! I use it sitting both lower and higher up; it definitely is exercising many leg muscles that weren't getting any workout from other 'bicycle" type units. Sifting position will work different muscles from ankle to hip. Allows you to get "creative" with your workout! Now sitting watching a movie can be a mini workout too! For fibromyalgia leg problems, it's a blessing. It's sturdy, doesn't move around like other ones I've tried (which is so annoying and frustrating). It's well made! Just wish it had a little handle on top to move it around with because it is kind of heavy but it really has to be for stability...so I still think it's a 5-star product!”
“The picture fails to show the footplate that goes under this making it bigger than pictured, but overall the picture is accurate.I do not have problems looking at the display as other reviews have stated - maybe because I use this sitting down or because I'm short. It's just not difficult for me to see the display.It takes a little time to learn to balance on this if you plan on using it standing up and if you do, you will DEFINITELY get a better work out than sitting down. The strides are definitely short and took some getting used to.I work LONG hours at the computer each day and have this next to my desk. I have a swivel chair on wheels, so I just move it behind the elliptical when I want to sit and pedal and get off it and stand and pedal when I want a more aggressive work out. Both don't disrupt my work, but actually give me a nice oxygen boost to the brain. The elliptical is quiet as can be. I hear more noise from my chair squeaking when I'm using it sitting down.My husband has used it and enjoyed it. My kids love it (only let them use under close adult supervision since they can misbalance and fall) and I have a feeling my dad will love it when he comes to visit, since he can watch tv and use this.You work up and pretty good sweat and get a good cardio workout the faster you go even when sitting and you can increase the tension, which is a very nice plus.Much prefer this to my gazelle and since I love multitasking, this was a great investment for me. Have had it for a week. Used it 2-4 hours each day and no problems thus far.For a more intense workout, I wear a weighted vest, put weights in my hands, and put on those waistband and thigh wraps.”
“I absolutely love this thing. It fits under my desk at work. I only use it while standing, but I could use it sitting down at the desk without knocking my knees. (I'm 5'7" and I'm not sure how tall my desk is, but it seems pretty standard). I have had it for 3 full weeks and I bet I get 10,000 steps on it every day. It has a star knocked off only because the step counter doesn't seem accurate. I think it records half the steps I'm taking. Also, every now and then it makes a clunking sound. It happened the second week and I was so upset that it was already breaking, but it just stopped doing it one day. Now it works fine. I have no idea what that was about, but it may come back or not. Not sure... But regardless, I think this thing is great. The stride isn't huge, but I am definitely getting exercise and it's probably not too far off from what a normal step for me is. It's what you put in- I wear a fit bit and I can see that I am easily working in the cardio or peak range if I'm working. I try not to go that far since I use it at work. I would suggest doing this near a desk or chair in case you lose your balance. Using this while standing is a little awkward at first, but it doesn't take long to get used to. Inevitably, you will get distracted and need to balance on something, so make sure there is something close by for you to catch yourself on. I definitely recommend buying this if you need to get some activity and have very little space. I just love it.”
“i AM ASSUMING THAT THE MACHINE WILL OPERATE WELL FOR A LONG TIME BUT ...The advertising said nothing about some assembly required. While I did not find assembly difficult,it should have been advertised upfront. If I had not been home, my wife -the equipment user would have had to wait as assembly is not her thing.Second, as I read throught manual, it suggests that this machine is best utilized with an equipment mat underneath, Why was I not told about this upfront? Now 1) I have to find one and get it whenever, however and it means that the price just went up. The extra may not be much but this is deceptive advertising as to effective price and deceptive as to what is or is not needed/suggested to get best results.”
“Been pleased with this so far.Assembly was minor and easy.Carried to work and put it under my desk. Like many others I am tied to that desk for hours and hours. This let's me bump my heart rate while still paying the bills.It does not replace walking or a real elliptical, but allows for exercise when I otherwise must be sedentary.”
“Overall I'm pretty pleased with this little elliptical. I bought this because now that winter is here, I have a hard time motivating myself to go to the gym since it is so cold outside. I figured I would be more consistent working out if I had something I could just do in my apartment. So far, so good.The strides are smaller than a normal elliptical at the gym, which may take a little getting used to. Also for people that are not accustomed to riding elliptical, this machine may feel a bit strange and I can see how the motion may feel a little jerky.As for the machine itself, I'm pleasantly surprised with how smooth and quiet the motion is given its size and price. It has a modest foot print, so I don't mind having this thing in my 400 sq foot studio apartment. I haven't tried it sitting down so I cannot comment on that. Full disclosure I'm about 5'2. I'm not sure how this machine would feel particularly the stride length if you are a lot taller, since the strides do even feel a little short to me. I bought some wrist weights and do various exercises with my arms while doing the elliptical. I'm pretty shameless in my apartment and never would be doing jumping jack arm motions at the gym on a regular elliptical so in this sense I am actually able to achieve a better arm workout at home. As for the legs and overall workout, I don't thing it quite compares to a regular elliptical. If I had to guess, I would estimate a normal elliptical burns about 100 calories/10 minutes and I think this little trainer probably gets me in the 70-80 calories/10 minutes range.I am satisfied enough with this little machine that I do plan on cancelling my gym membership. I hope this machine holds up, but even if it breaks, replacing it is cheaper than paying another month at the gym.Set up was very straight forward. Just follow the directions and you'll be ready to go in about 10-15 minutes.Summary:Pros: small, quiet, relatively cheap, easy set up, small foot print, huge convenience factor.Cons: slight learning curve for those not accustomed to elliptical motion, small stride length.Will update once I've used this for several months and let you know if it holds up.”
