Mini Elliptical with Handlebar

Rating

Given what this elliptical is -- a lightweight, small machine not intended to replace a full-scale elliptical -- it's really great. I was surprised, frankly, at the fact that I broke a sweat and got a decent workout. I ordered it figuring that I'd be lucky if it felt like a workout at all. I was happily mistaken. It makes it easy to get in a little exercise inside while watching TV (or whatever), and it's light enough to pick it up and move it, so it doesn't become a fixture. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who wants an option/alternative to a full-blown workout. It's far better than just sitting on the couch! The only downside is that it seems a little shaky. It's fine, and I'm not worried I'll fall over -- but it's noticeable.

Rating

Seems to get heart rate up, but kind of awkward as far as the movement of the peddles. Such a limited movement because they only go up and down so far - seems like it ought to be a lenthier stride. Also, the calorie counter, or better yet, the distance reader, can't possibly be right. I don't know what term o f measurement it uses, but if it's the same as my treadmill and uses mileage as a counter, it's definitely off. Plus side of this machine is that it's definitely compact. Also, it's not so incredibly heavy that if I have to move it, it's manageable. I had to put the machine on a small area rug as there really doesn't seem to be any way to level the machine at the base and it seemed to make an awful amount of noise from the rocking or wobbling at the base. This got better after repeatedly tightening screws and placing machine on a small low pile area rug. It's not as fun as I thought it would be. I would rather jog on a treadmill or use a rowing machine. I wish it had some kind of arm exercisers, but I guess you've got to spend another 100 bucks or so for an elliptical with that feature.

Rating

Works perfect for me, I have had some knee issues and this machine has helped quite a bit , much better then the stretching my doc recommended. My husband laughed at me for ordering this off the internet but even he thinks that it is a well put together machine. I use mine every day and have had no problems besides the distance calculator doesn't reset and be sure to know that the stride is very short but once you get used to that it seems to be a quality machine. I'm really happy with it and my husband uses it sometimes too.

Rating

After 5 months of ownership, the machine was squeaky and creaky and mildly unstable. It did seem to get my heart rate up. And then the retaining ring on the pedal fractured. Its a 50 cent part, but of an unusual size that i can't get a replacement for. And i had less than 200 uses. The retaining ring and pedal were burning hot when they broke, as was the pedal and retaining ring on the intact side, so i suspect heating-cooling cycles probably fractured the metallic retaining ring. You could draw your own conclusions about whether this might happen to you.

Rating

This mini elliptical is great for working out in small spaces. It was easy to set up and seems sturdy so far.