I decided to buy the lateral thigh trainer after seeing it advertised on television. The cost was high in comparison to buying online but I never bothered to investigate the online option at the time.
I just thought, that looks great, I will buy it. It cost me £89.99 and a further £9.99 for the power cords which are an optional extra. The telephonist also asked me if I would like to join a discount holiday club. I declined this offer but was given a discounted weekend break in some moderately expensive hotel located in the middle of nowhere. I still haven't used the voucher.
Eventually the equipment arrived and it was very easy to set up. Just insert the rubber feet, the power cords and the electronicstep counter and you are away. You are also given a motivational video which demonstrates the kind of exercises you can and should do.
It's not rocket science though. I eventually got to the stage where I would just hop on in the evening, and do around 800 steps with arm exercises thrown in. You can enjoy a variety of non impact exercises by stopping your motion just prior to touching the stopper. The power cords will exercise your biceps, triceps, shoulders, back and chest. Whilst the stepping motion will exercise your calfs, inner and outer thighs and obliques.
After about two months my power cords snapped. I think I stretched them too far. I was able to get replacements under the guarantee. However, after a further three months the cords snapped again. Again I was able to get replacements under the warrantee. The actual step machine was fine for over a year before the chain snapped. It broke just outside the guarantee period so I didn't attempt to fix it.
When it does break there is little risk of injury to yourself because the machine is so small and located at your feet. You do need to use WD40 regularly as it begins to squeak quite horribly after a while. Also the resistance adjuster is not ideal because it moves during your exercise. I found that I had to readjust it every 150 steps or so. The machine will also leave WD40 or oil stains on your carpet if you are not very careful.
All in all it wasn't bad for one years worth of exercise and is cheaper than joining a gym. I certainly enjoyed more energy and faster walking capacity while using the machine. I think I would recommend this to anyone although it might suit people of poorer fitness levels.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Smallish, relatively inexpensive and it works! Disadvantages: On its own it's no use for upper body and not good if you have back problems.
Aug 17th, 2005
very helpful by (18%):
helpful by (82%):
