What is the lowest weight setting on the machine? My mother has had hip surgery and needs to get back into weight training very slowly.
941886
Hi Jacob, Total weight of 80lbs, with 210lb resistance. The top weight is only 8/10 lbs. Hope that helps
934082
My wife is the main user of this machine, and only weighs 110. I've had to set it up for her for some of the exercises, and used it occasionally myself, and I weigh 295. There hasn't been a problem, but I don't use it regularly.
315955
Hi, N. Brown! I actually ordered mine from JC Penney, since I got a good price on it by way of an advertising error on their part... Either way, I only got it last night, and didn't find it too difficult to assemble just going by the sheet instructions. It IS quite heavy weight in construction, which I definitely count as a plus. The one thing that I can see that, so far, hasn't been mentioned in the reviews is, if you're on the heavier side (I'm 210 lbs at 5'5" tall, and wide through the hips) it doesn't SEEM particularly roomy when you're on the machine. I DID have a great time exercising on it last night after assembling it, though! If you love elliptical machines, as I do (they were my only motivation for going to the gym, and every time I went, I had to wait at least 20 minutes to get on one, so I cancelled my membership... Now I've got my own, dagnabbit! ;) ), you should really like this machine. I don't know if they're as squeaky over time as the other reviews state, but I'd assume that they are. Also, I live in a single bedroom apartment, and don't have a lot of room left over to leave this standing up. The main problem? I'd planned on sliding it under my futon when I'm not using it, but everything but the handles will fit - the handles just sit too high up to fit underneath it. It IS a heavy piece, as I said before, so a bit unwieldy, but the wheels on both the bottom of the rear frame, and the foot pedal pieces, help for maneuvering it. If you're not big on exercise, as I am not unless it's fun for me, but love cross trainer and elliptical machines, then I'd suggest you get this, if it's not more than you want to spend. It does take a little initial exercise to figure out your rhythm, but once you get going, it's GREAT! I woke up this morning eager to get back on it and go, and I haven't felt that way about exercise in YEARS, if ever!
1509830
Hi Amy, if you have it on the last setting than that's the best you're going to get. I'm having the same problem too. I Decided to use the rower for muscle building/toning and get my cardio on recumbent bike. Of course there are other ways to get cardio exercises. I hope this helps.Good luck, Frank
916946
My guess is the resistance changes depending on what program she has it set for. The profile for the program selected shows by the length of the bar when the resistance will increase or decrease. There is one program that stays at the same level 1 the entire time if that is what Happy Grandma wants to do. I suggest she call Schwinn at 1-800-628-8458. I have called them on a couple of occasions and find them to be very friendly and helpful. Same suggestion for Lucia Lamprey.
250841
There is a knob on the front of the exerciser. As you spin it to the right, the tension increases. I think it can crank up to a tension level of 5, which is too difficult for me. The first and second tension levels may be appropriate for your elderly mom. I have only used it as an arm exerciser but it can be used for legs as well. There is also a gage showing the speed, the time and the distance.
2079090
weight transfer to hips is quite good, at least my hips ached after 2 hours walk with my 9kg daughter :) but you really need to adjust all straps properly, otherwise all the weight will go on your shoulders
1248847
I weighed 168 when I started and I didn't have any problems with it wobbling. However... It is very compact and I'm sure will feel more wobbly than a large gym quality machine. My husband is over 200 pound and he has tested it...but not really used it. He says it is worthless for him because it is not difficult and you cant get a wide range of motion. For me it works and I've lost 30 pounds watching calories and using this for 20 minutes to an hour several times a week. It feels like running in place but easier on my joints. The handle bar helps you get your balance...but is not really sturdy. The base does not wobble though.
1159018
The lowest setting is with the piston at the bottom of the handle. If this is the case, you will find that rowing is easier when the oil in the piston heats up. It takes about 25 repetitions. Until then pull slowly but steadily. Of course the faster you pull, the more the resistance. This is unlike the air machines, in which you can start with quick repetitions. Just take it slow at first.
1057866
In a low-backed chair I hold onto both handles, lean forward slightly after turning the machine on, bring it over my head and place it where I need the pressure. Usually I have the large part of the motor housing facing downwards. The best is when lying down on your bed and adjusting the pressure on your neck and shoulders by putting a pillow under your shoulders to put you body higher than the Massager. If I want more pressure, I just get a thinner pillow or folded bath towel. Sometimes I reverse the position of the machine 180 degrees depending on what part of my spine needs pressure. But, as you noticed, it is heavy and clumsy. I would have designed it with the orbiting "fingers" off-set higher than the motor housing to get better contact with my trapezoid muscles by my neck and shoulders. All things considered, even though it's not perfect, it is better than the other gadgets I found.
1371016
I'm sorry I can't help, I bought this for my mother who weighs 90 lbs. It works great for her.
412644
The mini cycle has a small, small turn radius. I was frustrated with the "range of motion". It's difficult to work up a sweat. I'm young relatively fit and it didn't work out for me. Now, my mom is a senior citizen with health problems. She LOVES it. It words great for her. The small range of motion is great for her joints, and she gets a small amount of beneficial exercise she wouldn't ordinarily get.
1008973
I have no way of testing the pounds, but I can compare it to a basic gym machine. It holds up, might need some tightening here and there, due to the light nature of the machine. I use setting 3 every day, and I love it! Just heavy enough to make me sweat, but easy on my knee.
2266050
I just set it in front of me to try, you can do this as long as you protect your back. In some ways it is more difficult seated, I could feel it in my hamstrings! Good luck, I love my mini stepper.
1609993
You will need to provide ample space completely around the machine in order to complete all of the available exercises and to ensure the bows are not obstructed. The weight bows arch out several feet on the sides. In order to adjust weight you must get to the back of the machine. At least one exercise (hip-abduction) has you extend your foot several feet or more to the side of the machine. While I can't provide specific ranges, you want to consider a three foot minimum clearance as a general basis.
34146
I am 5'4" and I am using this machine to work my shoulders, core and lower back. I find that by adjusting my legs i.e. push with legs and knees (shoulders, back), straight legged (core, shoulders, back), and alternate weight on each leg (core, back) that I am getting the desired results I wanted. By focusing on which muscles I want to work on, I find my body works on them accordingly. Hope this helps you. I really love this machine. I crave my sessions on it as opposed to dreading that 'work-out'. Very relaxing and you can work as hard or soft as you like.
545729
You're welcome. It has all the stuff you'd want in an exercise machine but it broke after the very first try for me. And I'm average weight. maybe I got a lemon. My advice is if you buy it and it does not suit your needs, don't call the makers, call Amazon. They are fantastic in returns and money back without questions.