Konichiwa!
Stamina Fitness Review: Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 for being cheap on so many levels.
Price: $250
Buy The Stamina Magnetic Elliptical From Amazon
I’ve been getting a lot of emails about the Stamina Silent Magnetic Resistnace Cross Trainer Elliptical. Most of them start out “Hi Consumer Sensei, I was just wondering if you knew anything about Stamina Elliptical Trainers. Do they work? They cost so little it just doesn’t seem like $250 or less would buy me an elliptical worth exercising with.” Well, have no fear everyone, your Consumer Sensei is here to help you wade through the pool of bargain elliptical trainers out there.
Like I’ve said dozens of times on this site, Stamina Fitness manufactures the occasional mid range elliptical or exercise bike, but the vast majority of their equipment is for the penny pinching Scrooge McDuck. The Stamina Silent Resistance Elliptical definitely belongs in the bargain fitness equipment category. If you’re looking for a high end elliptical you should probably move on to my Horizon Elliptical Review site. Horizon Fitness manufactures excellent mid range and high end treadmills and elliptical trainers. If this has not swayed you from considering the Stamina Magnetic Elliptical, continue reading.
Pros
Cheap. That’s about the only pro here. $250 is an extremely small price tag compared to ellipticals in the next quality range. (Expect to pay about $600 for the next model up.)
Cons
It’s difficult to be negative about the Stamina Magnetic Elliptical Trainer. Stamina is not claiming to have the best Elliptical since ever and they don’t make an attempt to deceive customers into thinking they’re getting a top of the line elliptical trainer. But, there are some shortfalls worth noting. First and foremost, some, but not too many customers have complained that the pedals fall off after a month or two. However, much to Stamina’s credit, customers report replacement parts coming out immediately after first filing a complaint.
Final Analysis
The Stamina Magnetic Elliptical is okay. There are too many problems with this elliptical, there aren’t too many negative reviews out there, and they generally hold together for several years. If you simply can’t afford to plop down $600 on a piece of fitness equipment this may be an extremely attractive choice, otherwise just browse a little more and find something that will suit you better.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Stamina Magnetic Resistance Elliptical Trainer
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Stamina InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer 55-1610R
Stamina Review: Stamina InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer 55-1610R
Rating: 1 star out of 5 for being an expensive piece of junk.
Price: $89
Pros and Cons (Mostly cons)
There’s only one pro for the InMotion E1000, it’s that you probably don’t have it yet. Seriously, calling the E1000 an Elliptical Trainer is extremely insulting. Granted, there’s better motion compared to some of the MiniSteppers from Stamina, but it’s $89. If you want an elliptical motion and don’t have a dime to throw away, buy a Tony Little Gazelle. They’re cheap and the Tony Little Gazelle Edge is a mere $10 more.
In the end, do what you feel is right.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Stamina 1205 Precision Rower Review
Konichiwa!
Stamina Fitness Review: 1205 Precision Rower
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 for an impressive design and small price
Price: $149
I’ve been diligently pouring over the Stamina fitness equipment line, reading user reviews, and examining everything I can. I have not been impressed more with any other Stamina product than I have the Stamina 1205 Precision Rower. There’s a lot to like about the 1205 Precision Rower by Stamina and I’ll cover the very few, minute cons as well.
Pros
The Stamina 1205 Precision Rower retails for about $150, sometimes a few bucks cheaper. (But sneaky retailers jack up shipping and you’ll often end up paying what you normally would, be careful.) One of the best features of the 1205 Precision Rower is the aluminum frame design; as Festivus observers well know, aluminum is simultaneously strong and lightweight make the Stamina 1205 Precision Rower light, portable and sturdy. If you live in an apartment, this rower is extremely quiet. You can work out without disturbing your neighbors, a distinct advantage over conventional rowers, treadmills, and ellipticals. I’m also surprised at how comfortable the seat is. Stamina seating is typically less than stellar, but most people who bought the Stamina 1205 Precision Rower are extremely pleased with the 1205 Rower’s padding.
Cons
It would be nice if the 1205 Rower folds, but it would likely compromise the frame stability. It’s not that big in the first place with a roughly 4’ x 4’ footprint. Assembly is a slight pain. Not difficult, just a pain, directions are a little confusing. But it’s not that difficult to put together.
The Consumer Sensei strongly endorses the Stamina 1205 Precision Rower. It’s cheap, lightweight, solid, and performs extremely well. There are very few drawbacks to the Stamina 1205 Precision Rower and has an excellent user rating on Amazon. The $150 price tag is extremely reasonable and the Consumer Sensei feels you’ll be satisfied if you purchase the 1205 Rower. I award this rower 4.5 stars out of 5.
Stamina InStride Pro Mini Stepper Review
Konichiwa!
I don’t have a full, proper review for the Stamina InStride Plus Mini Stepper. Truth is, I already reviewed it. Well, I reviewed a version that’s about $9 cheaper. The difference between the regular and pro InStride stepper is arm straps for strengthening and toning your arms. The arm straps make the InStride Plus significantly better than its cheaper counterpart and I can actually give the InStride Plus a decent review. So, for differentiating itself from a walking workout, the InStride Plus gets 4 stars out of 5!
Stamina InStride Mini Stepper Review
Konichiwa!
Sometimes your Sensei is surprised at what you all buy. One of the most popular Stamina products is the Stamina InStride Electronic Mini Stepper. Your Sensei asks “why?” I honestly don’t understand why people by a stepper. I thought we all had an in place stepper. (I call mine feet.) Oh well, Stamina is just supplying demand, it’s the Consumer who demands it. Anyway, I’m going to review the Stamina InStride Electronic Mini Stepper and try not to let my bias influence my review too much.
Pros
It’s cheap and small. That’s about the only benefits I can come up with off the top of my head. Fortunately I don’t have to come up with more pros because there are plenty of people out there who have used the Stamina InMotion Mini Stepper. They like that the Stamina MiniStepper can track steps. (Okay, that’s a cool feature.) The other consistent feature you people go crazy over is it seems to be significantly easier on your feet than the ground. Okay, not much, but it is just $50 bucks. Not too much, though I would rather buy a Nintendo Wii title. You can get tons of exercise with a Wii!
Cons
The one and only con for the Stamina InStride Mini Stepper is there is virtually nothing you can do with the Stamina Mini Stepper that you can’t do by walking in place. If you like your steps tracked you can buy a cheap pedometer for less than $20, probably for less than $10 if you do some shopping.
Final Analysis
I’m not going to recommend the Stamina InStride Stepper simply because you can do everything the stepper can without a stepper. There’s nothing wrong with the design save for a few reports of squeaks. (Just get some WD40 guys.) But I still can’t justify the $50 price tag. I give the Stamina InStride Stepper 2.5 stars out of 5; Stamina’s marketing department earns 6 stars out of 5 for selling thousands of people something they don’t need.
Stamina Aero Pilates Pro XP555
Hello Readers!
Stamina Fitness Review: Aero Pilates Pro XP555
Rating: 4 stars out of 5 for being much cheaper than gym membership fees, a solid frame, and smooth motion.
Price: $699
This review is for all the fitness nuts who read my blogs. I read lots of fitness message boards with people posting about finding low cost fitness equipment. They want to pay a hundred bucks for a treadmill with heart rate control and 15 MPH speed limit. Unless you win it on a game show or swindle a senile old lady at a yard sale, it’s just not going to happen. However, there is one company that’s definitely for the bargain shopper, if you don’t expect too much. Stamina Fitness makes low cost fitness equipment, some of it is good, and some of it is horrible. Today I bring you a review of a Stamina Fitness product that just might be worth owning, the Stamina Aero Pilates XP555 Reformer.
Pros
Most people say “they can’t believe the quality of the Stamina Aero Pilates XP555.” Many people who purchased this item were paying gym membership and class fees for professional pilates workouts and bought the Stamina Aero Pilates XP555 to save some money. It’s a $700 investment, but much cheaper than $50 for a gym membership and $15 - $25 a class. Some of Stamina’s equipment tends to be wobbly or shaky; however the Aero Pilates XP55 Reformer is well built and solid. Users report a very stable feel throughout the workout. The movement is also extremely smooth considering the fairly low $700 price tag and the frame is elevated from the floor.
Cons
The Aero Pilates Reformer XP555 does not fold. It takes up a lot of space, and probably not the most ideal workout option for people in small homes or apartments. There isn’t too much diversity in terms of difficulty. Most people who use the XP555 report that it’s a little difficult to use, particularly if you haven’t worked out for a while. (But you’re buying fitness equipment to get in shape anyway!)
Final Analysis
Well, this is another piece of fitness equipment from Stamina your Sensei can recommend in good conscience. The Stamina Aero Pilates XP555 Reformer isn’t the best Pilates machine out there, but it delivers solid performance and reliability considering the ultra cheap $700 price tag. Your Sensei likes the smooth motion and stable frame design, something typically lacking in bargain fitness equipment. We also suggest looking for a free shipping deal on Amazon, but if you just can’t wait go ahead and splurge on shipping. All in all, the XP555 Aero Pilates Reformer is a great unit from Stamina Fitness and your Sensei feels it has earned 4 stars out of 5.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Stamina Fitness Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine Review
Stamina Fitness Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine Review
Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5 for a well made design considering price.
Price: $99
Before I get into my review of the Stamina Fitness Body Trac Glider, I must warn you, take this review with a grain of salt. Don’t expect the same performance from the Body Trac Glider as you would a $1500 Tunturi rower. Remember, Stamina manufactures and designs fitness equipment for the bargain hunter and casual exerciser, not the fitness enthusiast or semi-professional athlete.
Pros
The Stamina Body Trac Glider has received more than 70 reviews to date from Amazon users, most positive. People who bought the Body Trac Rowing Machine liked the small, space saving design, adjustable tension for increasing difficulty of workouts as your train and progress, and a sturdy frame considering the $100 price tag. This is a small unit, however, it should accommodate most users up to 6’1” tall relatively comfortably. Like I’ve said a million times regarding Stamina Fitness products, the price is extremely low; under $100 in fact. If you’re looking to start your first rowing routine and don’t know if you’re going to want to take it up regularly, this is a good starter unit to explore your interest in rowing.
Cons
Some users, especially heavier ones may find the padding on the Stamina Body Trac lacking. It should be fine for brief workouts, and if it’s a real bother you can always place a couple pads to cushion your workout.
After taking price into consideration I can’t really complain about this unit. The Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine is one of the best low cost rowers on the market. Just remember, it might not be as sturdy as a conventional rower, but you’re easily going to pay 5-10 times more for it compared to the Body Trac Glider. The Consumer Sensei strongly recommends the Body Trac to newbies or people lacking floor space.
Stamina Fitness Brand Review
Stamina Fitness makes fitness equipment for the bargain hunter. If you plan on starting a light workout routine, aren’t sure if you’re going to keep up a regular regiment and just want to try some equipment out you might want to spend a $150 bucks on Stamina Fitness equipment rather than spend $600 on an expensive coat rack your friends swear up and down is a treadmill.
Stamina Fitness’s best cardio equipment is generally the recumbent and upright bikes such as Stamina 15-4600A Magnetic Resistance Recumbent Bike and the Stamina Pro 15-5300 Silent Magnetic Resistance Upright Bike. Stamina also manufactures strength equipment under other brand names such as the ever popular Band Flex Home Gym.
The only equipment by Stamina the Consumer Sensei recommends most people stay away from is Stamina’s line of treadmills. Stamina Fitness designs and manufactures “manual” treadmills which means they don’t come with a motor and you have to propel the belt with your feet. It’s not a very pleasant workout and you’re probably better off running or walking in place. That’s basically what you’re doing with Stamina Manual Treadmills.