Elliptical Cross Trainer

Let me first say that I am NOT an exercise freak. I'm just a couch potato looking for a convenient way to exercise that might be more fun than a treadmill. I decided on an elliptical trainer, but balked at the $300+ pricetags until I found this one. It's compact, stable and easy to assemble (yes, even for a girl like me!) and easy to move. Although the movement is a bit more up-and-down than front-to-back as I expected, it's not a problem. It's probably what makes the machine take up less space and is better for my glutes, anyway. If you're looking for a starter model that won't break the bank, this trainer is for you.

This elliptical was just what I expected - nothing too snazzy, but very workable for a fraction of the price of most other machines.As another reviewer mentioned, the machine gives off some rather intense vibrations when you're using it. This might be a problem if you live in an apartment as I do and are worried about bothering your downstairs neighbors. I welcome suggestions as to how to correct this problem (padding, WD-40, anything). Be sure to tighten everything up regularly - I've already had nuts and bolts flying off during the two times I've used it. Regardless, I find the quality of the machine to be surprisingly acceptable, and it's a real steal for ~$140 shipped. You can set up the handles to be fixed or moveable depending on your preference. We'll see how it holds up - but it's cheaper and more convenient than a gym membership!One more thing: UPS really messed up the delivery of my order, but this has nothing to do with the item, the seller, or Amazon. I'd just like to forewarn you that if you have a 60 lb. package scheduled for delivery by UPS to a Manhattan address, you may be disappointed (and/or find yourself dragging it across the city from their shipping warehouse).When I called to inquire about a 'Delivery Exception' to my package, a service agent in UPS's FL office related to me the woes of the NYC UPS driver - how pressed they are for time, how they have little time to verify the name at a particular address, etc. The bottom line is that my package was correctly addressed and it was a mistake on UPS's end. After some struggle with the agent over the phone (at work), I was given a 2.5 hour window to pick up the package from an address several blocks from the nearest subway station. UPS service personnel at the shipping center kept me waiting an additional 20-30 minutes while they retrieved the package. Not a pleasant way to spend a Friday evening, and not something I would expect from a company that advertisers 'what they can do for you'. Imagine dragging a 60 lb., awkwardly-shaped package across Manhattan streets and subway system? Perhaps you should add another $20 into your shipping equation for the cab fare home.I will be avoiding UPS for any important deliveries from here on out. It's not worth the hassle.

Purchased based on reviews read from Amazon. Price factor was a huge consideration, since I had earlier purchased an expensive treadmill which in itself was a superior machine, but the actual reward from exercise was less than what I had expected. This particular model, while light, and you would suspect tipping, actually surprised me. Assembly is easy and requires little effort. A one person job. There are an option of difficulty levels to choose from, including repositioning of the handle bars as is comfortable in your workout. There is a meter to determine your calories and time but I haven't actually accessed or needed to access as of yet. I purchased this unit to develop stronger muscle tone in my legs and buttocks. The results are immediate and I'm much more pleased with this type of exercise equipment than I ever was with my treadmill. In fact, comparably, I need less workout time on the Elliptical than I needed on the treadmill, with far superior physical result. The only incident which can be noted, but I wouldn't indicate this as a negative factor, just something which should be pointed out, is that it is advisable shoes are worn when in use, because the pedals in their rotation, force a downward thrust onto your toes, which can be uncomfortable if shoeless. The foot pedals are very wide and long, and will accommodate even the largest of size. I really don't have any issues with the Confidence Elliptical Cross Trainer and I am extremely glad I purchased this model. I don't need the fancy mechanisms of more expensive machines, and I'm very satisfied with my workout options. The results, as I have mentioned earlier, are immediate. I would highly recommend this unit for anyone on a budget or not! Oh, one more thing, compact in design and uses very little space. Light enough to be relocated anywhere. Purchased from Amazon, as always, because it is a superior marketing venue with 100% satisfaction guarantee.

I bought this to save money on a gym membership and to be able workout at home comfortably rather than being self-conscious at a gym. I am well within the weight limit for this unit, and I cannot believe I wasted my money on it.Positive: Got it home and set up pretty easy, was small enough that I could slide it into my coat closet as long as I put the handles in their stationary spot.NEGATIVe: It was broken right out of the box. One of the little foot protectors was so badly cracked that it broke after a few uses. I took the other one off figuring I didn't need either. Also, it was super noisy!! The flywheel kept rubbing against the housing, which created this terribly grating sound, finally adjusted it with some padding between the two pieces. After a month of owning and only using every other day, suddenly the pedals started to jump, creating a horrible jolting through my enitre body. At first it was only when I was going fast, but then it got worse and worse. Out of frustration (and since my return period had lapsed) I removed the housing around the chain and discovered that the chain was not secure and would slip causing the pedals to jolt.Fed up, I put the machine outside to be picked up with the morning's garbage.

Very nice machines for the price you are paying, the only downside i find is that the foot pedals are way too hard.