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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 57 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
99 of 101 found the following review helpful:
Stairway to Heaven(ly cheeks) Feb 20, 2009
By Autumn N. Empire
This stepper is a great little machine. It was very easy to assemble - I didn't even look at the directions. The battery for the monitor was included, so I was good to go right out of the box. Included are the stepper, the monitor, 2 "light" resistance bands, 2 "medium" resistance bands (light and medium are pretty subjective terms), attachable handles, and attachable... um... foot thingies. Additionally, I was elated to find it comes with a workout DVD. I must have missed that on the product description. So, some bad news: it squeaks. I have gone over the length and breadth of it with a can of 3-in-1 oil, and it still squawks intermittently. It's diminished over a few workouts, so I hope it will stop eventually. In the meantime, I keep lube-ing it up before a workout. The resistance bands, while adjustable, are still a bit too long for my 5'3". I also think they are a little weak, but that might be because I can't get enough resistance based on the length. Regarding the monitor: I think that one needs to know things like heart rate, age, and resting pulse before it's possible to accurately calculate one's expended calories. So while the monitor is nifty and a nice guide, I don't trust it. When I tried the DVD, I was dismayed that it's only a 10 minute workout. I was just getting into it and it was time for the cool down. However, I found the instructor only merely annoying and very supportive. If you are just starting out on a fitness program (and weigh under the max. recommended weight of 220 LBS.) this could be great for you; otherwise, I would watch it once for some basic ideas (like plie, squats and stretches), then go to it with the tunes cranked. I have not yet tried the resistance bands workout which follows the 10 min. cardio, but I like the bands and use them for crunches, etc. They add more than strength training: they add stability. Keeping the cords taut might help some people with balance issues feel more secure. I have not had any trouble with the stepper sliding around, but it's not a bad idea to place it on a yoga mat, just in case. In retrospect, it might sound like I don't really like the machine. I do! This little guy slides under the couch or bed, and the bands are easily detachable for other forms of exercise. I get a great workout while watching a movie or the news. I live in a small place on a tiny island, where winters are long and bitterly cold. This stepper is a small and inexpensive alternative to a giant elliptical trainer, and I wish I had bought it sooner... especially since it kind of validates all the TV-on-DVD I watch lately. My brain might be rotting, but my bottom is gonna be fabulous! UPDATE: The squeaking has subsided, and I continue to use this machine regularly. I purchased a heart rate monitor, and was surprised to see that the calorimeter on the machine was pretty close to the one on my wrist, which is calibrated to my weight, age, etc. One thing I did notice is that I HAVE to add upper arm stuff (weights or the bands) to get my heart rate up into a cardio zone. Remember that you can't adjust the difficulty on the machine, and it gets easy after while. It's a good idea then to keep going along with something in your hands to really get your heart pumping. The bands are great now that I've tied some knots in them. I still love this thing. It was a great purchase.
20 of 20 found the following review helpful:
 Great Product Mar 09, 2009
By luminousarah
I have had this stepper for a few weeks now and I have been happy with the quality. It is very sturdy and well built. It does tend to squeak when I begin using it but will quiet down once it is warmed up. I find the workouts challenging but fun because I use it in front of the television. I recommend this for anyone wanting a good workout without any fuss.
49 of 56 found the following review helpful:
 Piece of Junk!!! Aug 13, 2009
By Megan
So far, in the month and a half I have owned this stepper the metal chain has snapped twice. The previous stepper I owned lasted two years. If you have any intention of using a stepper on a regular basis, do not buy this one.
-Stephen
My husband reviewed this stepper a few weeks ago after we'd had problems with the chain breaking multiple times. After getting a third replacement chain, we were able to use the stepper two whole times before a piece of the welded metal under the pedal that holds the chain snapped off completely, rendering the machine totally useless. As this piece isn't a replaceable "part," the company won't do anything for us. This product was a complete waste of money, not to mention time spent trying to get it to hold together long enough to use it!
-Megan
15 of 15 found the following review helpful:
First purchase of this kind... Mar 27, 2009
By teransmi
...but overall satisfied. Comes with a dvd with a 20 minute workout and a strength training portion. I haven't yet done the latter, but the former is a good full body workout. I occasionally have heard squeaking also, but find that is when I am not squarely on the step. I would recommend as a good product for the price.
11 of 11 found the following review helpful:
Good for a quick workout in front of the TV Apr 27, 2009
By Miss Campbell
"Creative Professional"
I got this product because I have very limited time to make it to the gym. I notice that I use this product very frequently because it sits in my bedroom, and every time I pass it I can jump on really quick, climb 400 steps, and watch a few minutes of TV. Each time I use it, the resistance seems very hard and the movement is rought, but after a few steps it lightens up and becomes very smooth. I have not had any problems with this machine falling apart. The only problem I have is that I'm extremely short, and the angle of the feet tilt forwards at times. This makes it hard to balance at times. I have found that taking off my shoes and balancing my feet halfway on the back of the pedals helps tremendously, and I feel that for my height, I am able to get a better grip and move the pedals more efficiently.
See all 57 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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