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19 of 19 found the following review helpful:
 Don't Stand On This Sep 09, 2010
By Trend
"jewelry nut"
This contraption is made of non durable materials. The plastic will not support body weight in an upright positon...not for long and maybe, not safely. I purchased for my relative to use in a seated postion.
It is very effective for the muscles on the front of the leg and the calf muscles (tib anterior, gastroc, and soleus). When using seated with back straight, your core muscles are engaged, especially transverse abdominus. If using seated and in a recumbent positon, your quads will get a workout...sort of. The thighs are not able to achieve normal, full range contractions. Muscles operate on an all or none response, so they will contract, but the machine itself puts limits on the muscle's range. It is more effective to strap a 1 lb weight around the ankle and flex and extend the knee. For the hip, only the lateral hip will get a gentle workout. That's only because one of the quad muscles attaches on the lateral hipbone. Whether using seated or standing(oh no!) your hips are in constant flexion, so after using, it's good ideal to extend arms overhead and do a standing, full body stretch...if possible. If not, lie down and do the full body stretch. The arm bands are quite effective for developing tone in the shoulder compartment muscles. You probably won't develop new muscle fibers, but will tone the ones you already have.
I'm a clinical massage therapist. There are more effective ways to exercise. Walking, free weights and stretches are more effective than using this machine, but for persons with limited mobility this can be helpful. The body appreciates movement and responds positively. Some movement is better than no movement. In post surgery, this can be helpful in preventing blood clots in people than cannot walk very much, yet. The calf muscles serve to help pump venous and lymph flow. When unable to walk, the blood can move sluggishly and has a greater potential to clot.
I would not recommend for anyone with good mobility. I wouldn't even recommend to persons who have decent mobility accompanied by pain. Pain free mobility can be gradually increased by walking, using low weight resistance, and stretches. Just don't overdue. Keep it gradual.
For older or younger people with severely limited mobility and people recovering from surgery or extended bedrest, this machine can be a helpful stepping stone to increasing strength and mobility, but for goodness sakes, if you want to use this thing while standing...invest in a more durable product.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
 versatile compact exerciser Feb 07, 2010
By Linda White
This is a convenient little exercise machine. The pedals are plastic and one of the teeth on the back of the pedals was broken when I received my unit. I called the company and they sent a replacement pedal very quickly with no questions asked. I wish the pedals were made of aluminum to hold up to adjusting the tension tubes. Other than that, it is a well designed piece of equipment.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 This is why not to buy cheap Nov 23, 2010
By Ken
This product was seemingly my answer to getting a little cardio work in my tiny apartment. It was a waste. It feels very unstable, the foot pedals feel like they're going to crack at any moment, (and actually started to do so -- and I do not weight anywhere near the maximum amount)and the work itself did not feel natural - it was impossible to get a good flow or pace going... I even put my rolled up yoga mat beneath the pedals to give it more bounce (and to keep my feet from slamming into my hardwood floors) but that helped only marginally. In the long run it made the idea of working out seem more like work than it already does.... the opposite of what I was looking for. I spent about $20 more for another product that I love and don't dread hopping on.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Great for people with limited mobility Dec 25, 2010
By Shopping Mom
First of all, this exercise equipment is not meant for any type of significant workout as you are limited to what you can do sitting down. So if you are expecting to get a full cardiovascular workout forget it. But it's great for someone with limited mobility who is not able to walk or stand for any length of time. I bought this for my mother who is disabled and needed something to strengthen her legs and arms. It was easy enough for her to use that I can see she'll use it regularly and any kind of "workout" at this point is better than nothing. I think this should be marketed more toward those with limited mobility as there's very few options for people who cannot stand.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Poor recommendation Aug 06, 2010
By V. Glynn
Bought device 1 week ago. Plastic footplates broke within 1 week of use. When device becomes available with metal footplates, will recommend device; however, do not recommend device at present.
See all 13 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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