Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am an avid Amazon shopper and try to always wait until I've had and used a product for a reasonable amount of time prior to reviewing (no matter how many email requests I get lol) So I bought and started using this little gizmo in July 2016. I will admit it came while my sis was here taking care of my animals and home, while on business trip, so she put it together for me. She said it was not hard. I wanted something that would be better and more fun than walking in place. I wanted to get more steps in my day due to I have a very sedintary work from home job. First thing I did however was remove the bungee hand things. They were just really in my way and I prefer hand weights as they are easier to "feel balanced" I will agree with some of the reviews that have said when you first start the tension is much higher than after you walk on it for a while. However, that has not stopped me from going from averaging 2K steps in July to averaging 12K now in December. One thing I like to do is "exaggerate my walking stance" meaning I really put my hips and waist into the action. Will you find better stairsteppers? Absolutely! Will you find one for 45 bucks?? Highly unlikely. If you are looking for minimal investment but are like me and need something to get you moving, I would recommend this. If you are an athlete looking for more home gym equipment this is not for you. Go spend 4 thousand on the real thing ;) I am 56, female, about 90 pounds overweight when I got this in July and with calorie deficit diet and increase in activities I've lost 20 pounds. (had eye surgery that had me sedentary for Aug&Sept even) I hope to someday be able to afford a super nice elliptical / stepper but in the meantime this little baby has been worth every penny Thanks and good luck :)