Stamina Elliptical Trainer Review – Some Good, Some Bad, Opinions Differ
Stamina Products Inc. was founded in 1987. Many consumers may not be familiar with the Stamina Products Inc. name, however, they are usually familiar with the products manufactured by Stamina. Those product lines including the; American Gladiator® Home Gym, Pilates Performer™, InStride Walker®, Gyrotonic®, and Body Dome™. Stamina also makes other fitness equipment brands such as Body By Jake®, Suzanne Somers, Tony Little, Denise Austin, and BodyShaping®. Most of these brands are infomercial products, available in catalogs, retail stores, online websites and TV shopping networks.
Reviews Vary
The elliptical trainers Stamina Products Inc. covers a wide range of budget through mid price ranges from $149 – $1799. Most positive reviews are from beginner level fitness consumers that have a Stamina elliptical machine that falls into the mid price range category. Interestingly enough, reviews vary on the budget Stamina line of elliptical machines. While price is normally the deciding factor in choosing a budget model Stamina elliptical machine, many of the features in machines that are just a few hundred dollars more will get you may actually be an important factor when considering the purchase of a new machine.
Budget Line is A Concern
Most of the lowest end Stamina machines have too short a stride length at 14”, but that can be justified for use with a shorter user. 90% of the other users in the market cannot use such a short stride. Your workout would feel choppy and uncomfortable. Other complaints include lack of heart rate monitoring, multiple pre-set programs, and lastly resistance levels. Bottom line, saving money may mean not achieving a good workout, which was the point of the purchase in the first place, and if that is the case, why spend the money?
On the other hand, consumers and fitness pros that like the Stamina models in the sub-$500 budget range, are heavy and stable and offer a bunch of cool features. Try not to expect too much from a budget machine, but most users on some elliptical machine reviews agree the Stamina line of Stamina elliptical trainers is worth a look.
A Mid-Price, Good Machine
Coming in just under $600, the Stamina Deluxe Programmable Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is suggested as a good buy. Featuring a rear wheel drive system, 3 year frame and 90 day parts warranty, adjustable stride, small 64 x 23 footprint, built-in heart sensor, heart rate control programs, 17 pre-set workout program and a simple push button for 16 levels of resistance adjustments, this machine is a great step into the elliptical market for many consumers.
Though opinions vary on the line of Stamina Products Elliptical machines. The old adage, you get what you pay for applies. Just like any other purchase, you need to read reviews and strongly compare machines and brands before you buy.