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

WOW. Where to begin? First things first: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PRODUCT. You need to know, right up front, that I'm unapologetic in my enthusiasm for the Stamina InMotion E-1000 Elliptical. I know my review is also pretty long, but you have GOT to hear about this!!I stumbled upon this item after an ad for a similar product (the "cubii" brand under-desk elliptical) came across my Facebook feed. I work in an office environment. I am sitting in meetings and at my desk for around 40 hours a week at the office (and that's not even including the sitting I'm doing during after-work tv watching or computer time at home, commuting time in my car, etc.).About a year ago, I heard an NPR interview with Dr. James Levine, who has done extensive research on the negative effects of sustained sitting and lowered levels of physical movement; he has written books on the topic (also available on Amazon). I read one of his books and I started trying to get more of what he calls "NEAT" ("non-exercise activity thermogenesis" -- i.e., deliberately trying to burn more calories each day just by consciously & intentionally moving more, but not necessarily by adding in "vigorous exercise minutes") into my daily routine. I also investigated the possibility of getting a "standing desk," which my work, unfortunately, would not provide for me absent a "medical reason," but which they were happy to let me purchase on my own dime. I priced them and, as a government employee, standing desks (especially mechanical "fancy" ones) were too rich for my blood. When the ad for the "cubii" elliptical caught my attention, I thought that an under-the-desk, constantly accessible mechanism for easily adding movement into one's daily routine -- while multitasking! -- might be just the ticket to help me improve my health with Dr. Levine's "NEAT" formula. Unfortunately, with the cubii's $349 price tag (BEFORE shipping!), it just wasn't in my budget. I was frustrated at the cost, and thought there surely had to be some similar alternative out there? Well, one Amazon search and some consumer reviews later, the Stamina InMotion E1000 Elliptical seemed to be the machine that was destined for my needs. At an $80 price point (with Amazon prime free shipping!), I realized I could, theoretically, buy FOUR of Stamina's under-desk ellipticals and still not spend as much as the cubbi's asking price! (OK -- I get the appeal: cubii is the newest hottest thing -- they reviewed it on NPR, for heaven's sake! -- and it's pretty cool if you're a gadget/tech/gear head (which I'm not), and you want your elliptical to be able to talk to your fitbit and connect to apps on your phone which, for example, will sound an alarm when you haven't put in enough miles that day, etc. -- BUT: if all you want is a simple way to add movement and burn extra calories while you're sitting at your desk -- the sitting at which, by the way, is something you'd ALREADY BE DOING ANYWAY -- then "low-tech" (and low-cost, relatively speaking) is the very reasonable and affordable way to go, says I). I was very excited by the positive feedback from customers that the Stamina InMotion E-1000 had gotten, and the weight-loss stories I had read on the Amazon reviews by those who have used it were very inspiring -- so I couldn't wait to try it out. I had a hard time waiting even the two days I get with Amazon prime shipping!My Stamina In-Motion E1000 elliptical arrived two weeks ago today. Note: this product arrives in a box but is "un-assembled." Now, the kind folks at Amazon will -- for a fee of $189!! -- assemble it for you, if you wish. However, it's really basic assembly and even I could do it with no trouble. My advice: Don't spend your money on the assembly charge, unless you've got Oprah's money and you don't mind wasting it. Once the machine was assembled, it was a simple matter of skimming the instruction booklet (a quick read), setting the elliptical in front of my couch, and giving it a (literal!) whirl. It took me less than half an hour to get used to the motion such that it became second nature and didn't distract me while I tried to do other things that required more concentration than just sitting and watching t.v. does (e.g., it took a little bit of coordination, at first, to keep the Stamina InMotion elliptical "in motion" while I attempted to write, read, or play sudoku). Once I got used to the motion, though, it ceased to be a problem and I now can do it without thinking, while attending to any other tasks -- even at work.I read a review here on Amazon where the reviewer suggested aiming for 20-30 miles per day to help with calorie burn ("NEAT," if you will) over the course of an entire day. Although it sounded like a lot of miles to me at first, I found that this was a very easy goal to meet, and on my very first day, I was able to surpass it and go 50 total miles without really having to work too hard at it -- I did all of it while sitting on my couch in my living room, doing leisure activities, watching t.v., writing emails, reading, etc. I did break up the time into small 10-15 mile sessions, with some leg stretches in between sessions to keep from getting too tired or tight in my muscles, and to avoid any potential "overuse" issues. If you use this equipment and go at only a VERY VERY slow 5 mph, it will take you a great deal of time to get in 20-30 miles per day, but I believe the speed you personally will be able to maintain on the Stamina InMotion E1000 will very much depend on your own personal current fitness level and/or on whether you're recovering from an injury or from surgery, or if you have any other health issues like chronic joint pain, inflamation, arthritis, etc.-- even asthma might affect that and limit it -- and you probably ought to talk to a doctor or other health-care professional about it if you've got any misgivings or concerns about your fitness level or personal ability to use this machine. I don't know. Just be aware that your own personal number of total miles you're able to achieve daily will absolutely depend on your current personal situation.The really great thing about this type of machine, in my opinion, is that it is easily adaptable to all levels of fitness and physique types. Even if you're severely overweight and cannot walk around the block or make it up a flight of stairs without oxygen, this machine is so low-impact (and remember: you're sitting down while using it), I truly believe that if you're able to move your legs -- even in a limited range of motion -- you should be able to use this machine to some degree and receive some level of positive benefit from it. You can raise or lower the resistance level; you can prop up the front end of the machine to change the angle and work different muscles more intensely; you can add ankle weights; you can use just one leg (think of a spinning class where you're instructed at one point to use just one leg to do all the work and the other one is just kind of hanging there, as dead weight, and "going along for the ride" -- it's like that, only in this case you can take the non-working leg completely off the machine and work just one leg, then the other -- then go the reverse direction on one leg, then the other, turn up the resistance, etc.). The possibilities for "shaking up" your routine are probably only limited by your ingenuity and imagination (while taking safety into account, obviously!). Of course - you don't have to do anything fancy or unique, either -- you can just do plain old round-and-round motion the whole time -- and it just stands to reason that it will still benefit you just from getting some movement in, right? My point was -- you can be as boring or as unique as you want with this exercise equipment. It seems that flexible!I googled some youtube videos and saw reviews/tutorials of the Stamina InMotion E1000 that were done by a pair of physical therapists. They own several of these machines and use them daily for several hours in all their PT clinics. They enthusiastically recommend this product, as they attest that it wears well over the long-term, with little to no external noise and very little maintenance needed, for a long period of time (e.g., several years). Since I've had mine for only 2 weeks, I can't testify to its longevity, but I will accept their word that having several patients use it for several hours per day, it still required very little maintenance and was very durable over a period of years. They also point out that it can be adapted (they show some modifications) to different fitness levels, but they also discuss how this is a perfect product for those recovering from surgery or injury, or -- for example -- ALSO ideal for elderly people who may be home-bound and not able to get much other exercise due to balance issues, recovering from illness or injury or the like -- but who are still capable of sitting on a chair or couch and pedalling the Stamina InMotion elliptical while watching t.v., or doing other light (seated) activity.*OK, people -- *DISCLAIMER:* I am not, nor do I claim to be, a physician or a physical therapist or any other "health professional," so my suggestions/observations/opinions, such as they are, are only that -- just suggestions/observations/opinions. I'm not personally "recommending" you use this product, nor am I making any sort of promise, express or implied, or any claim that to do so would treat any disease, condition, injury, or illness you (or your child/parent/spouse/hamster) might happen to have. You use the product at your own risk, no warranties. (Ridiculous that I should need to say this AT ALL -- these seem like "common sense" things to me, but the lawyer in me thinks I probably better write the disclaimer language here, just to be safe. . . . so -- now that we've gotten that out of the way. . . let's keep going).In short, the Stamina InMotion E-1000 elliptical is amazing. It is easy to use, easy to set up, easy to clean and maintain, and it slides under a desk or table to stay out of the way (Obviously, use your best judgment when using it around or leaving it accessible to young (crawling) infants or young/small animals that might get injured from the moving parts). It is quiet/low-noise -- I can talk on the phone while using it and nobody has once asked, "What's that sound?" It doesn't require me to turn up the volume on the radio in my office or my tv at home while using it. It does not bother people out in the hallway if passing my office, nor has it affected/bothered anyone in the offices next to mine -- they are not even aware that I'm using it while I'm working, unless they walk in to my office and physically observe me doing so. In that sense, the Stamina InMotion E1000 is perfect for use in an office environment where noise might be an issue and sensitivity to potential sensory impact on others around you is of concern.In using this product, with a personal goal of pedaling about 50 miles each day (some days more, some days less), I was able to put 330 miles in during the first week alone! This was easily done each day within about 3 to 4 hours max (I'm not going breakneck speed, either -- but have figured out that I average between 15 and 18 MPH -- on about a medium resistance level). I don't know how many calories I'm burning (I don't think the counter is very accurate in that regard on ANY "health equipment," so I just ignore that). HOWEVER -- if I am constantly moving my lower body for several hours, and I'm getting in 3 to 4 hours per day of additional NEAT movement (i.e., this is not "high-impact" or highly aerobic activity -- I notice that I usually break a very light sweat after about 20 minutes at the 15-18 MPH rate, and I am able to do all my 50 miles per day in my regular office/professional attire, without feeling like I'm going home drenched in sweat or looking like I just took a steam bath), then I figure I MUST be burning some decent calories over the course of each day. I'd love to know exactly how many, but I just don't. Sorry.Before my Stamina InMotion elliptical arrived, I took my hip and waist measurements, and weighed myself. In less than two weeks -- having used the machine every day now for 13 days, at an average of roughly 45 miles per day over that time, I have already lost TWO INCHES off my waist and ONE INCH off my hips, and have dropped two lbs! My clothes (especially my pants/skirts) are fitting better already, and I notice I have more stamina in general and am not exhausted at the end of the day like I used to be when finished with work and sitting at a desk for 8-10 hours a day! I am also requiring less sleep overall -- waking up earlier and not nearly as tired as I was before I started using the product. I was so pleased with this little beauty, in fact, that I ordered another one as a gift for my 24-year-old daughter, who also works a desk job -- and she is thrilled. She will text me at the end of the day with an excited "53 miles today, mom! Woo-hoo!" or the like. She loves to play video games in her "down time," and she says she can get in her 50 miles/day in the evening in front of the tv, and hasn't even bothered to take hers to work yet, since she's easily doing several hours each evening while doing something she already does anyway. . . man, multitasking is awesome!I was getting so addicted to using this machine for several hours a day that I seriously started to worry I would go through withdrawals and get cranky over a weekend if I didn't have it to "work out my frustrations" and get a few hours of movement in. Although the Stamina InMotion E1000 IS portable, it is nevertheless about 30 pounds and it doesn't "fold down" or become more compact, so it is a bit bulky and -- though I'm no shrinking violet and have plenty of upper body strength, this still would not be something I could easily move back and forth from my car to my 8th floor office (although I would do that if it were my only option). (NOTE: This issue -- size/weight/portability -- is also something users should be aware of and take into account when thinking how easily an elderly person might be able to use the product or move it around their space, for example). Well -- my husband also works a desk job all day long, and works from his home office between 3 and 5 days a week. He needs more exercise, too - don't we all? -- so I then ordered ANOTHER Stamina InMotion E1000 for our home so no matter where I am and no matter what my day brings I can "get in my miles."In just 2 short weeks' time, this product has become such an integral part of my day that I can't imagine not using it every single day I'm able! I'm very excited to see what the future brings in terms of my physical health -- it has already started improving my muscle tone and stamina, as well as my mood and mental health, so I can't help but think that's just going to improve as time goes on!One caveat: although the machine is meant to fit under a "typical" desk, I am 5'9" tall so I have had to modify my office set-up slightly to keep my knees from hitting the underside of my desk (I think the desk is low and my chair was fairly high, though). One of the modifications I've had to make was to move my wheeled desk chair away from my desk (because the moment I tried to use the elliptical while sitting in my regular desk chair, I "pushed" the pedals and my chair shot back away from the machine! Whoops!!). Now I just use a stationary high-backed chair, with a cushion propped behind my low back for support and comfort, set back slightly from the edge of the desk to keep my knees from hitting underneath it. I've relocated my mouse and my keyboard, and now I write on the desk surface to my right instead of in front of me, while I'm using the machine. Easy-peasy, and worth it (in my opinion) for the benefits. My husband, an engineer, has also suggested ways to raise my desk height up safely -- so I will be exploring some of those in the future, but for now, this setup works just fine and I'm able to type, read, write, etc., just fine while using the elliptical.I love this machine. I think you will, too! Let me know!!P.S. All opinions and assertions herein are my own and I have received no consideration, incentive, or compensation by Stamina InMotion or affiliated companies for writing this review.

4/19/17: Up front, I must say that I've only had this device for three days. That said, I've been very satisfied thus far. I will be sure to provide an update down the line for its longevity and function. I've commented elsewhere, but I will provide all the details of my experience thus far here.Background:I'm a 42 year old 6' 3" male, weighing over 300 lbs. I am Diabetic, and have nerve pain in my feet (neuropathy), suffer from planar fasciitis pain due to a high arc in my feet, and extreme tightness in my calf and leg muscles. I bought this device for two purposes: 1) As a segue to exercise (I haven't had a good workout regiment in decades). 2) Increase circulation in my legs and hopefully improve the tension and stress in my feet.Positives:This thing is super easy to use. You simply sit and pedal (or "stride" as the proper term would be), and adjust the tension to your liking. If you stride slowly, you can go for a very long period without much impact to your breathing. A faster pace will allow you to feel more of the exercise after about 5 minutes, and gain a nice heat. Crank up the tension and speed and you will certainly break a sweat! However, I'm at work, so I'm not looking to be huffing and puffing in my cubicle to the fear of those around me, so I maintain and low-to-mid tension and only a moderate pace.Negatives:My height (6' 3") and under desk clearance (28") do not allow me to use this directly below my computer. I have to put it off to the side of my U-shaped desk and consciously use it as a separate operation. I can still get some work done via use of my mouse, but typing on the keyboard is not convenient. That said, I cannot hold the device accountable for this setback however, because in bringing it to work, several other people have tried it out, and those shorter than I (mostly the ladies here) are able to use it perfectly fine without their knees getting close to the underside of the desk (we all have the exact same desks).Unknowns (further observation and research required):The foot pedals may be too large and at an odd angle. They allow for my size 13 feet to rest on them very nicely, with room to spare. However, I notice that while striding my feet tend to slide forward on the pedals, and soon my toes are pressing against the front lip of the pedal. In turn, this cause me to start "tapping" my toes on the forward stride and creates a rhythmic sound that I don't want chattering through the office. I don't know if my posture is correct or not, but I want to use this and not have to adjust my chair. After all, it took me some time to get the chair adjusted to my exact desired sitting position, and I sit in this thing for upwards of 8+ hours a day, so I'm not changing that now. What I've tried so far is to bring in two dish towels and rolled them up and placed them at the front of the pedal for a duel purpose padding and sound absorber. Since my feet are large enough to reach them, my toes rest on the towels and they keep my feet from sliding forward.The angle of a persons legs and position in a chair suggested in the owners manual seems uncomfortable and incorrect in my opinion. In order to not strain my feet from pointing forward like a ballerina, I sit more forward and above the device than the instructions suggest. I will continue to monitor and adjust my position as best I can.The readouts on the digital display may be way off. I want to track my progress via the number of steps that I'm doing, as that is a more universal measurement that all people of the exercise world understand. Therefore, tracking the # of strides doesn't help me (unless I can figure out a proper conversion method). The time spent on the device doesn't matter to me because I am not trying for time as much as distance. The calorie count does not seem (thus far) to be accurate for me, and in their defense the company states that it is a guesstimated number. Finally the distance count would be the best indication of steps for me, as a simple 2000 steps = 1 mile conversion is applicable. HOWEVER, when using my phone's step tracker (keeping it on my leg to sense the movement) and comparing it to the readout of the dial, there seems to be a HUGE difference in distance traveled. After striding continuously for 1000 steps on my phone, the phone tracked the distance as 0.43 miles. The device said I went 3.3 miles. I know that there are different conversions for various devices, and perhaps I don't have my phone set to the proper type of equipment I'm using, but that is a big difference. I should also say that my phone is finicky with it's tracking. Since I'm sitting down and not moving my arms, if I hold the phone, or move it from my leg at all, it stops counting steps, or skips forward after long pause, but for less steps than I feel I just took - hence why this is also under "unknown". Further research and study is needed.Another possible issue will be the position of the wheels that roll on the plate. Mine are slightly off center from each other, with one riding closer to the edge of the baseplate than the other - and the base plate does not have much give when loosened and retightened to even them up. Others have reported that they continued to slip to the side on their machine, so I will monitor the development of this issue as well on mine.Thank you if you've read this far into my ramblings. I am very excited about this machine and I truly do hope that it helps me in more ways than one! I will update my findings down the line here after about a month in.