Archive for 'Exercise & Fitness'

Escalator on steroids
I do not own one of these but I so would if I could justify the living space it would take up and the cost. I use it at the local gym every night and it has so much calorie burning power. The downside is you can't just mentally turn off during the workout, you have to know your steps and pace or toes get squashed...

These stairmaster machines are super tall also, would require more than an 8' ceiling because you'd hit your head no doubt. LOVE LOVE LOVE this machine!

Great machine but very expensive
I can't conceive of spending this much money on a cardio machine for home use, but I use this product at the gym and love it. In addition to manual settings, it has several pre-programmed regimens. For each regimen, you can choose an amount of time and a difficulty level from 1 to 20. The interface is user-friendly and flexible, and has all the displays one would expect - calories, distance (in miles and floors), steps per minute, etc.

If you're considering purchasing this machine for your individual use or for your family, my recommendation would be to join a gym that has it, as it is really too expensive to justify a purchase for an individual. I go to 24-Hour and all their locations have these.

Great product!
Would recomend this elliptical trainer to anyone who needs a great home machine. My husband set it up in a few hours using the white lubricant as suggested. We have been using the Schwinn Elliptical for 3 months now with no problems. We are both getting great workouts!

Best elliptical trainer for the money
Solid construction. Easy to program and use and VERY QUIET! This is an excellent investment for exercise equipment.

Great Machine
After quite a bit of research, and looking for something solid AND compact, we purchased the Schwinn 431. My husband and I are in our early 50s and needed something we would DO. My husband and 12 yo son put it together in approx 2 hours. The first week, it would squeak within the first couple of minutes. My husband took one of the arms off, added more lithium grease and that took care of it! LOVE this machine. After thinking I'd die after about 2 minutes, my endurance built up quickly. Our son jumped on and said "Wow, that 30 minutes just flew by!" Whatever. Anyway, we all love it and USE it!

First time Amazon buyer
I purchased the Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer after researching on-line and I am very happy with my Amazon experience. The Elliptical came on Christmas Eve and I have used every day since. The price was the most competitive I could find and the free shipping made my decision that much easier. I was able to put the Elliptical together myself and for me that is a small miracle so I credit Schwinn for very precise directions. I can't believe how quiet the Elliptical is and the workout is the best. I highly recommend this product and Amazon as well.

431 Elliptical
Good product.
The only thing that we don't like is the requirement for it to be plugged in. We normally don't use the fan, so it would've been nice to just have the computer be powered internally - through a generator/charger and battery and not be restricted with a power cord.

Schwinn460 Variable Stride it's great
Strong structure, great workout, excellent touch panel.
Instructions for assembly are great, too easy.

We Love It!
My wife and I decided it was time to start a low-impact exercise program, and had tried a Precor elliptical machine a friend owns. The Precor is a very nice unit; also very expensive and takes up a lot of space we didn't have to spare. We wanted something that would be convenient, fun, and compact enough to fit in our town home. I had previously owned a Schwinn Air-Dyne, and had no hesitation in selecting another Schwinn product. We've been using the 460 for 2 weeks, and we agree with all of the positive comments you will read here. I am 6'4", 220 lbs, and wear a size 13 shoe (the foot pads on the 460 measure approx. 13 1/2" long x 6" wide). When in use, it is extremely quiet but not "silent." The only sound I hear comes from the rollers as they travel along the track. I am an "over-builder" myself, and I am very happy with the solid build of this unit. Every piece of metal has the heft and strength of an industrial machine. With regard to lateral stability, the unit will wobble slightly if I lean way-out from center during a workout, but it never comes close to tipping over. As others mention, the touch screen display becomes somewhat obscured (due to my height), but I can still read all the data. We highly recommend the Schwinn 460.

GREAT!
This is my first Elliptical. I didn't know what to expect. I am impressed. Everything from start to finish was pleasant. It gives me a great workout. I can't do alot because of a back injury and out of shape. I think it is helping. I just do a little at a time. I am glad that I got it. Thanks.

Best value for the money
I was recommended this machine by a co-worker. I did my reserch, and for my use, a great value for the workout I'm looking for. The 460 is pretty easy to put together, but some parts are heavy and it would be easier with help of another person. I'm still learning the capabilities of the machine. But so far it is easy to use.

Makes Irritating noise
Unit works well, but is makes a very irritating noise. Sounds and feels like fly wheel inside base is rubbing at one point as it goes around.

Assembly was a bit awkward, best if use your own tools. The tools provided are very cheap and difficult to use. Note that the base where irritating noise comes from is pre-assembled, so not much you can do about it.

Pause problem solved (fingers crossed)
I also have had a problem with the machine going into the pause mode and have been very frustrated with it. Today, I finally spoke to a human being at Diamondback. Call 1-800-776-7642 and say "fitness" to get you to the right department. (They are west coast time) There are only two guys in the department, David and Scott. The email link on the Diamondback site doesn't get your complaints directly to them. After a chat with them this morning, I received a call this afternoon from a service technician who will be sending someone next week with the needed parts. They ARE aware of the "pause" problem.

Hope this helps.

No Technical Support!!!!
Hi
I purchased the elliptical machine through Amazon on Nov 6th, 2009. I got it set up a couple of weeks later. Absolutely loved the workouts and smooth, quiet movement of this elliptical machine. In mid January the electronics went haywire the machine lights up but we have no control over program, resistance or incline. I have left 3 phone messages with Diamondback. In addition, I have now sent 5 emails through the website. Each time, I received an auto response that someone will get back to me asap which I am beginning to think is probably never. DO NOT BUY THIS ELLIPTICAL OR ANY OTHER DIAMONDBACK PRODUCTS as they do not stand behind the warranty.

What A Nightmare!
Our elliptical was delivered two weeks ago and we haven't been able to use it yet. No matter what program is selected, it runs for five seconds and then goes into "pause" mode. I called Diamondback. Though it was during their business hours, no one answered at technical support. I got transferred around several times, finally to a destination that just hung up on me. After about three days of this, I got snippy with the phone operator and finally got a human being on the phone in the technical support department.

After describing the problem, he said it sounded like a problem with a sensor on the wiring. He asked me where I bought it, and I told him Amazon. He asked who assembled it, and I told him I did. He said that I should check the wiring connections before having a service technician come out, because if it turned out to be a problem that occurred in the assembly, I'd have to pay for the service call.

I started taking the elliptical apart to check the wiring connections, but stopped when it became clear that it would be hard to do so without running the risk of damaging something. For instance, to inspect the wiring connections, you have to remove the screws that secure the console mast cover. But the screws are covered by a rubber mat in the console mast cover that is stuck down with adhesive. You have to remove the mats to remove the mast cover to get at the wiring connections. But I can't get the mats off without damaging them or the console mast cover. (At a minimum, the instructions should tell you not to stick the mats down until you know the thing is working correctly.) So now I have to call Diamondback to get a service technician to come out. I wonder how long that will take, and how much it will cost. And, of course, I'll have to take time off work to be here.

I am an experienced DIY-er and have assembled things a lot more complicated than this elliptical. I had no trouble with the wiring connections, double checked them during assembly, and am confident that I did not do anything to cause this problem. What do you bet that the service technician will agree?

If I had it to do over again, i would not buy this product.

Update: After several more calls to Diamondback, I was told that they did not have a service technician in my area (a major metropolitan area) and that they would get back to me when they could find one. They never did. After a week of waiting, I returned the elliptical. I got the distinct impression that Diamondback was stalling until I could no longer return it.

Broke the first week
3/8/10 UPDATE: Machine now repaired after 3 weeks. Resolved after receiving replacement sensor from manufacturer and making swap with defective part ourselves since no technician could be found in our area. Was informed by Diamondback that they had multiple defective sensor complaints in sequentially-numbered machines. Lucky us!



Very dissatisfied with this product. After years of desire for a quality elliptical, months of research and great respect for Consumer Reports, we purchased the 1260ef just last month at a terrific price here at Amazon. Assembly challenges weren't anything we hadn't been warned against in the reviews.

One week later the machine disappointingly stopped operating after less than 10 uses. It is now permanently in "pause" mode. Amazon's kind customer service folks are willing to take machine back as return but suggest contacting manufacturer for tech assistance first. Diamondback doesn't accept phone calls and our website request for assistance has resulted in only an automated response 3 days later.

Great Machine - Great Price
I purchased this elliptical machine for my husband because I had read several reviews that were quite favorable. I have not been disappointed by the machine, although I AM disappointed with how little my husband has used it. The item is quite heavy, so was difficult for us to get to the second floor of our house. Even though we brought it up piece by piece, the main piece was the part that we struggled with. We ended up doing some damage to our wall as we pushed and shoved the thing up the stairs. Assembly was not hard at all. I had read the warnings by others who said to pay close attention to the instructions, so I did. Everything went together very well. The only critisizm I have is that there is a decorative sleeve that needs to be put over the neck of the machine before other parts are assembled and there was nothing in the instructions about this sleeve. We found it in the box after we had assembled the entire machine and then had to take apart most of what we had done to get this sleeve on. Look for the sleeve before you put anything together and put that on FIRST.

The machine works like a champ, when it is used. It is extremely quiet and runs very smoothly. It is also very sturdy. There are many handy features. All in all, I am quite please with this purchase. With the 0 credit from Amazon.com, I paid just B001MWSW5A,700. It was listed at a much higher price on the company web site and in Consumer Reports magazine.

terrific product!
I'm really pleased with my teeter. It's a lot more sturdy than I expected so I really feel safe when using it. It does require some assembly, but the instructions are quite clear so it's not that difficult to assemble. I have had a really bad back for years, but after only a short time, I have experienced considerable relief. Be advised. You have to take it slow. At first,you cannot get completely inverted like you see in the commercial. You have to work up to it. The machine comes with very easy to follow instructions as well as a DVD that will instruct you in the proper use of the teeter. I highly recommend the teeter!

Michael Katis
Ocean Springs, MS

Tweeter Hang ups
I just got this machine, and I'm trying it out!! So far it has done wonders to my back!! I don't have that feeling that my back feels compressed anymore!!!! I love it!! It's great for me!!! my sisters call it the BAT machine! LOL!!!

Helpful
I have a very bad back. After reading all these wonderful,succeses stories, I finally became convinced to try it out. Most people who complain about their back problems aren't as serious like mine, although I'm sure they hurt. I can see how this can take away their back pains completely or provide significant relief. For me, I've been thru surgery, 3 years of 3x/wk therapy, accupuncture, prescription narcotics, daily yoga with only temporary (2-3 hours) relief, and even epidurals (which almost killed me - that's another story, hence why I decided, no more drugs). I can't sit more than 1 hour w/o problem and am on disability. The EP-950 gives me slight temporary relief like yoga, but doesn't give me the other "mental feel goods" like yoga does. However, yoga takes at least 30 minutes and then the require chill out period, and I don't always have time. So, this is a quick fix for the morning so I could go on to making/eating breakfast. Otherwise, my back is too weak to sit without some sort of stretching or yoga since the back is so weak after a night of unsupported rest I feel like raggety Anne. Now, after 5 minutes, I can go on with my day. Then when I have time, I do my yoga and stretching, in essence, I'm buying time. So, it is a time saver for serious back injuries/problems. My only problem with this is that when I come all the way up, it does not take me to full upright, so I have to use a bit of muscle strength or bend my knees w/difficulty to get up. I have carpal tunnel problems also. So, if your back is bad and you are going to keep this for a while, go all out and buy the EP950 like I did, it's worth the money to get the arm pull and the longer handle release for the ankles. For lesser issues, this could take your pain away for a day!

relief
This isn't quite a miracle cure, but it does give me a lot of relief from my back pain which allows me to do my physical therapy exercises. I can also go to the chiropractor less often. I had to start gradually rather than going fully upside down the first time. You may also be uncomfortable from the blood going to your head when you're upside down. If so, just start at 20 degrees and gradually go farther as you get accustomed to it.

This is a very sturdy piece of equipment and I feel completely safe hanging upside down from it. Assembly takes a little thinking but wasn't too bad. When we tried to insert the foot bar it wouldn't go in. There's a piece of plastic inside the main beam which had shifted a little during shipping and was just barely blocking the hole. I just used a hammer and screwdriver to tap it back into alignment so the bar could be inserted.

This model includes some things which had to be bought separately for the earlier models, such as the traction handles and the inversion strap. Its extended handle for the ankle release is very nice if you have trouble bending down. I didn't put the head cushion on because the position of your head changes as you stretch out, and it's also different for each person so it'd just be in the way. If you need a little cushioning for your head I'd suggest wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood spread out behind you or a simple headband. Otherwise the back flexes enough to be quite comfortable even though it's unpadded plastic.

Finding the right settings takes a little trial and error. Have someone help you the first time so you don't get stuck upside down. Adjust the foot bar using your height as a starting point. Pull it out more if you fly over backwards, and push it in if you can't get flipped over. If you're only going over part way you may want to push it in a little extra so that you can use the traction handles without coming back up. As you stretch your center of mass will shift upward making it harder to get back upright, so you may need to pull the footbar out until you can just barely get yourself inverted. Make all your adjustments in small increments because they make a big difference.

DO NOT ignore the instructions when they tell you to remain flat against the table as you come upright. You want your back to be properly aligned as all the vertebrae come back together. Do not do any sort of sit up as you're coming up. Use the handle bars or get someone to help you.

Very High Quality Product
I wanted a high quality inversion table to compliment my other exercise equipment. High quality was important to me to provide SAFETY while inverted. The EP-950 meets my needs.

If you are considering an inversion table, the ease of locking and unlocking the ankle restraint is important. The reason I choose the EP-950 over the less expensive models is that the EP-950 has a longer handle to release your ankles. It is easier and more convenient than the other models. If you are having lower back pains and / or lower back strains; the longer handle of the EP-950 makes it easier to use. You do not have to bend over as much!

The other reviews cover many of the positive details of this product.

Great Piece of Equipment
Works Great, Easy to assemble, great for Your back and neck. BUY IT...........Great deal too.

heels over head happy!
This inversion table is sturdy and easy to use. No complaints with its functionality and love the results.

Fun, cost efficient, solid, FAST Shipping!
I am not mechanically inclined in the least bit, but I did get it assembled, balanced for my height, weight, and tested for my safety within 3 hours from box outside of house to setup in extra room. Instructions...(hey I am a man, I never read them)..but they did save me from making some mistakes with the pivot arms. (my tip: Install those on the board first and save a "hmmmm" moment). I used the safety strap. Had the setting to a moderate tilt (I had to raise my head to see my feet...quite a bit). Feeling is very enjoyable. I do feel refreshed like I have taken a nice brisk walk, but no noticeable back improvements (at least not on one initial use). I have bone spurs (Osteophytes) on the back and 2 discs one in the C spines and another between T and L spines that are buldging which inclues some nerve entrapment. No pain using it. It's fun. It's sturdy. (The foot attachments are as comfortable as can be. I do not agree with those who say they "hurt"). Not really a large footprint when assembled. So space is not a huge factor. It's the cheapest deal going. Shipping was ULTRA quick. 3 days total!!!!! Love it!

There are many reviews about the therapeutic benefits, and I will not address those. I can only say that it's a winning choice from the standpoint of ease of assembly, price, and it's plain fun and relaxing. I would (and already have) recommended it to friends and co-workers. "Ironman products" are simply a well respected name. I had no hesitation and no regrets purchasing. Amazon shipped it to me in 3 days under the free super saver option!!!!! Now that is superb!!!!

Iron man Gravity 1000
Ordered this product for my husband for Christmas... Free delivery on this heavy item was a big perk! It arrived quickly. The product itself is high quality. Assembly was easy but it was a good thing my husband and son looked at the outside box picture because the direction are backwards for some of the assembly. Other than that we are very pleased with the product and have been using it. Does releave a lot of back strain and is just plain fun!
Respectfully.
Nancy Jennings

Works Great
I bought this a couple of months ago. Very simple to put together & it works great. It has really helped out my lower back. Would definitely recommend this item.