Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I researched elliptical's for several months.I was going to purchase a $1200 beast that did everything except the actual work out for me. So why did I buy this low budget machine? I am out of shape and while my intent is to work out we all know the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I did not want to be out $1200 and have guilty party staring at me day in and day out. Did I mention I was out of shape? Yes, well I am out of shape the first time I jumped on the machine I figured this mickey mouse toy couldn't work me out 2 minutes later I was screaming "help me lord." I learned right at that moment that while this machine make look basic and have no tech that expecting it to be easy was not the case. I have been working out for 3 weeks and I can tell you that I am finally at a point where my endurance and stamina are building and it feels good. So should you buy this machine or a more expensive one? That depends: Do you have the money to spend on a $1200-$1400 machine if so then get that Do you want a lot of tech in your elliptical machine? Then you should not get this machine. This machine calculates: Time, Distance, Speed, Calories burned. No way to monitor your heart rate. And I will add the display is very basic think early 1990's basic. Do you want to get fit and work out on the cheap? get this machine Do you want a small machine that you can move around? Yes get this machine. Do you want to program different exercise work outs? Don't get this machine. DO you want to get in shape for less than a gym membership at home? GET THIS MACHINE NOW My neighbor set up my machine by himself he is very handy it took him 30 minutes. After I thought he must have done something wrong but he said that the directions were straight forward. Your millage may vary. I personally could not set up this machine with all the time in the world. As other reviewers have pointed out the pedals do seem to point down, I am not sure if I have learned to position myself in such a way so it doesn't happen or what is going on but I dont seem to have that issue anymore. But YMMV. I would highly recommend this elliptical to anyone who is on a budget, wants to get a no impact aerobic work out. I will update this review in 6 months to give a better overview of how the machine is handling Just in case anyone is wondering I am 5'5 1/2 (yes the half counts) and I have the handles which are adjustable set to move as I work out but you can keep them stationary if you like. Hope you find this helpful.