This is a fairly compact, noiseless and easy-to-assemble machine and it does its job.
The counter is placed out of the way, between your ankles, so you don't have to stare at it while exercising (unless you exercise while staring at your ankles) which to me is a plus. Also, the counter only accounts for the actual time you spend exercising, so if you go get a drink of water and return, it self-pauses, which is cool.
The machine does occasionally rock slightly from side-to-side during use which I'd imagine could cause injury. Also, the machine doesn't glide easily during strides as it does on a regular elliptical; it occasionally jolts. This can be jarring, especially if you're not used to the unusually short strides on this machine. I recommend using this while you have something to stabilize yourself if this happens (I use it in a doorway)
Not the best machine out there, but it's certainly affordable and easy to use, a great purchase for a small space or for someone who wants to be able to stow away exercise equipment easily. Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer
First one arrived broken, had no problems with return/replacement.
Very easy to assemble and does a good job for a low price. Some people may have a bit of trouble keeping their balance, but I had no difficulty after a few spins on this -- I think trying to maintain balance only enhances the effects of the workout. Small computer does a decent job.
Biggest cons would have to be that 1) the range of motion is definitely smaller than on a "real" elliptical and 2) the resistance setting isn't all that great.
All in all, if you have a small place and don't want to pay $40+/mo for a gym membership, this is a great alternative to running up and down stairs.
I bought this mini-elliptical after reading all the reviews on this and other similar products. I bought this item for three main reasons:
1 - Low price
2 - Small size
3 - Portability
I like the elliptical movement because I have bad ankles, and treadmills and steppers hurt me after a short time working out. I don't have room for a full-size elliptical machine in my house, and this turned out to be the perfect size. Plus, it's small size made it easy to move around the house to be where I wanted to use it. I like to work out while watching TV to keep my mind elsewhere and work out longer, and I can pull this machine (about 25lbs) in front of the TV in the living room to watch TV with family (yes, they laugh at me, but it's worth it), and then pull in front of my bed in the bedroom to watch a chick flick that no one else wants to watch. I even put my elliptical in front of my computer to watch Netflix movies online! It's easy to carry around.
Another great thing is that, because it's small, it is MUCH cheaper than a regular elliptical machine so, even it it only lasts a year or two, I can buy another one and still have not even come close to half the money I would have spent on a regular machine.
Sure, it doesn't have the arm movement, but I find that no handles makes me work my core by staying balanced (really not very difficult, haven't ever fallen in the 2 months I've had it), and I can even carry small weights to really work my arms while I'm doing the cardio workout of the elliptical.
I like the computer that tells you how long you've worked out, how many steps you've taken, and how many calories you've burned. Simple and straightforward. Another great feature: it's incredibly quiet to use!
The best thing about this is that it is easy to stay motivated, because I can watch TV anywhere and still use it, and I don't have to go outside in the hot California sun to work out! It's really a great machine, and a real value for the money. I used Super Saver Shipping to get mine, so I get a great workout several times a week for the price of a couple of months at the gym and without the hassle of driving somewhere just to work out. I love it, and recommend it to anyone that wants to get in shape!
I had mixed feelings about purchasing this because of its size and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get a good cardio on it. Boy was I wrong. When I workout on this my heart rate ranges from 145-160 which is exactly where I want it to be. It's very sturdy but does take a little getting used to as far as balancing on it but you can get a great workout from it. The strides are much smaller than what you find in a gym but that's expected. I think it's a very effective piece of equipment for the price.
Here are the 2 things I wanted to know about this machine before I bought it, but couldn't tell from the product description: will it support my weight, and is it a good stride length for me?
It doesn't say so on Amazon, but the instructions that come with the Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer say that the maximum user weight is 250 pounds. I have to admit I'm very close to that, and it supports me just fine, without falling over, rocking excessively, or making loud noises. As for the stride length, I won't kid you, it's VERY short. Anyone taller than 5'3" is going to feel like they are barely lifting their feet. I'm 5'0", and I still found the stride length a bit short initially, but I got used to it after only a few minutes. And don't worry, the short stride length does NOT prevent you from getting a good workout. You really feel it in your thighs. And while you can't change the stride length, you can adjust the tension, go forwards or backwards, and of course, you control your own speed.
Other reviewers have mentioned that the stride is a bit choppy or jerky, and they're right; but again, this is something you get better at with practice. I found it really helped me to stride smoothly if I had my weight forward over my toes. I was scared to lean too much at first, but the machine did not tip forwards as I feared - it stayed solidly on the floor.
It only took me about 5 minutes to put the elliptical together - and all by myself, too (the instructions say 2 people should do the assembly together, but I didn't need any help). It's also light enough to carry from one room to another if you need/want to.
My last concern was about noise, since I'm in an apartment with flimsy walls and floors. The machine does make a sort of whooshing noise as the pedals turn, but it is not too loud - I'm sure it won't bother my neighbors, and if I wear headphones I can't hear it myself either.
I highly recommend this elliptical trainer to anyone looking for a cheap and easy home workout. People who are short like me (say 5'3" or under) will find it especially suitable!'
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