StaminaInmotion Compact Strider Foot Exercise Machine - Under Desk Elliptical - Standing or Seated Elliptical Fitness Equipment

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 price2 - Small size3 - PortabilityI 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!

Like so many before me, I bought a piece of fitness equipment and I hardly use it. Sigh.That's part of the reason I didn't want to invest too much in my first in-home fitness equipment, so I'm glad I bought this for under $100.I've had it for many months, and I've got nothing against this machine. It works the way it's described, and when I do use it I really like it so I wouldn't sell it - I expect I'll use it again in the future.It really is just like an elliptical trainer minus the handles or console. The stride isn't as large as a gym's machine, so I don't think a very tall person would like this as much as I do (I'm 5'5").I've mostly used it standing up, and you can get yourself a bit dizzy if you're not used to it so I recommend you place it within arm's reach of a wall. Or you can plan to use it while holding on to something if you prefer. I like to touch the wall when getting on/off but I can use it easily without support otherwise.The seated style of using it - which is what I was most interested in since I sit at my home office desk all day - didn't work out for me. I can't lift my legs high enough when it's under my desk so for a while I kept it beside my desk so I could swivel in my chair towards it and use it unobstructed. After a couple of weeks I had to move it though. There's just not enough room in my office for a large machine on the floor next to my chair all day.If you're using it while seated be sure to familiarize yourself with the machine - read the manual - so you understand it has to face one way for standing and the opposite way for seated use. If you hope to fit it under a desk, you'll probably need a writing desk without any drawers or a keyhole desk with plenty of legroom. In other words, you need height to move your legs properly. If you just sit in a chair and use it (facing the right way) it'll be fine.It offers resistance control, but of course, this is hard to adjust since it's on the machine and I'm standing 5+ feet above it. So I found a setting that makes it challenging but not too much, and I just leave it there.I pay attention to the display to track time or number of strides. Again, it's far away and in the wrong lighting I can't really see it. But you can always just use a clock in the room or a watch to track your time using it.It's heavy for me so I wouldn't want to move it around on a daily basis. It's better if you find a good place to use to it regularly. But if you lift it by the T-bar handle support, it's not hard to move, especially if you're someone stronger than me.This is a sturdy quality machine for way less than a regular elliptical trainer would cost. And it takes up way less room too. I'd recommend this to someone buying their first piece of home fitness equipment, someone who has very little space or someone older or disabled who would use a seated machine anyway (like a recumbent bike) because you can save lots of space and money buying this instead. I think it would also make a fine addition to a home gym that already has a treadmill and weight bench and you want cardio variety but don't have room for another large machine. As another reviewer said, the lack of handles or console forces you to pay attention to your workout and engage your core.I don't know if a major gym rat would be impressed. I think it's better for the low-mid range fitness enthusiast, not the marathoners and weekend warriors. But I'm in the low group these days, so what do I know? ;)If/when I buy a new desk or rearrange my office I'll try it again as a seated trainer - moving your legs on this thing while seated has got to be better than sitting still, right? In the meantime, I'll try to get re-inspired to use it as a standing machine more often.