Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The reviews seemed to be confusing regarding the Stamina InMotion Manual Treadmill but I bought it anyway since I figured I could work out the problems mentioned. It arrived the next day and was extremely well packaged in a very strong cardboard box. If that box had been deeper and longer, I'd keep it to use for my casket and save my family and the US Government a few bucks. Anyway, since I'm blind, I didn't read the instructions and my 9 year old son wasn't patient enough to read them either. Surprisingly, We figured everything out and had it fully assembled and running within about ten minutes. I had no problems with anything at all. Using some graphite powder that I keep handy, I liberally lubed the plate that the belt rides on - I did not put any on the rollers to avoid slippage. After a few steps, the belt went from jerky to reasonably smooth, certainly smooth enough an operation to use properly. The belt will surely relax and stretch a bit with use so I believe it will only become smoother. My son says the electronic panel works, it took 2 AAA batteries. I am 225 lbs. and this is a very sturdy unit for its size and length. I will never try to run on it but then, I hate running anyway so that's a non-issue. The incline does require me to use the handles but that's why they're there, right? That incline simply makes the workout more efficient and allows the belt to turn more evenly and with less resistance. It's easy to fold up and move too. For the price of around $100, this is a very good product. If you're looking for a basic device and want to primarily walk on it, I think this is a great buy. If I have problems down the road, I'll update this review. UPDATE May 28, 2013 After putting a few hours on this machine, I still stand by my original 5 Star rating with one caveat. Use silicone lube BEFORE you try it for the first time! I didn't have any and tried graphite - that worked pretty well - but after my order of "Treadmill Lube Kit - Lubrication - Lubricant - (BEST VALUE!)" arrived and applied, it was truly a great basic, manual treadmill. I don't think you can be too liberal with thesilicone but I only had to use four syringes of the lube (didn't bother with the cleaner since it was essentially new) and the rollers and plate were slicker than Armorall on a linoleum floor! I even bought one for my girlfriend and her mother to use. I wouldn't advise that as now I have to compete with them and prove my results on the console. Also, after using it a few times, I have figured out how to stand up straight and walk instead of bent over while holding the rails. I have not, however, developed enough coordination to be able to let go of the handle bars and walk freely. That's OK too since my fingers, wrists and forearms get a decent workout with the death grip that I have on those padded bars.