skandika Sit-Fit Mini Eliptical Leg Exerciser Home & Office Trainer for Under the Desk or Sofa with 1.5kg Flywheel, 8 Manually Adjustable Resistance Levels & Multifunctional Computer Display

It's overall pretty great, I bought a refurbished on, it looked good as new.Used it for a month now and it works like a dream, smooth and silent, it's sturdy and stable and it's so ridiculously quiet that I pedal like a nutter over the heads of others in my house without them noticing.But, I think I know why it was returned.The plastic case had started to squeak with the slightly movements of the machine.The machine itself is fine, but I had to remove the case (very easy, only held on with a few screws), and gave everything a check over to get the squeak to stop.If yours is under warranty, I guess it's up to you whether you want to void it by rummaging about fixing a squeak.Other than that, the things sturdy and smooth, I can easily set it to a comfortable resistance (usually 50%-75%) and pedal away for hours, only noticing when I stand up and feel that numb warmth that you get from a good walk.If I'm working on some art at my desk I can be there most of the day and look down to find it's saying I've burned 1500 calories, I'm not sure I believe that, but my legs do feels exercised.One bonus I've found is, I don't need the heating on as often because it raises my body temperature just enough to keep the room cozy XD

I was a bit sceptical about this, as I have had similar things before that scooted all over the place when used and were a pain in so many ways, but this sits solidly on the ground and once you get the hang of the movement (I spent much time going in reverse by accident), it's a nifty bit of kit! I use it both when I am veg-ging in front of the tele or reading but it also fits very well under my slate frame which means I can keep the blood circulating while I am stitching away for hours on end - a real boon. The profile means that your knees do not come up high - it doesn't put pressure on the lower back if you get the height of your seat right, you don't knock into the work surface, and even if I am preoccupied and just going slow, it is miles better than sitting still with my legs slowly forgetting to function! The variation of resistance is not great - but it is enough for me. Perhaps if you are a very fit person wanting to go for the burn, this might not be quite for you - but if you use it to supplement your other exercise, it is very handy indeed.

I have all three of the mini ellipticals on the market - FitDesk mini elliptical, Capital Sports and this one.Out of the three of them the Skandika is my preferred one.Resistance:The Skandika offers the best resistance from low to high. The UnderDesk and Capital ones are a bit harder to move. I find myself constantly looking at their displays to see how long I have been on them for. I am not even peeking at this ones display because I could stay on it for hours and not really notice. I am exercising on it, it is not just like a foot rest.Movements:Sat doing either forward or reverse turns. The Capital Sports one is the only one which you are supposed to be able to use stood up. I have not tried this because I have an Infiniti X45 full size elliptical.Noise :I did get a bit of a strange noise (video on youTube) but I do not get this now. It is pretty quiet. I am sat at my pc typing away and I am not bothered by the noise. I have a nice smooth motion going here.I think that I could probably have it under my desk at work without anyone in the office saying about noise from it. I might buy another one to have at work because this one is staying under my PC desk.All the three mini ellipticals make a bit of noise. The quietest to start was the fitdesk one but then it started making a noise (video on youtube). It has stopped doing this noise for now and they suggested lubricating it. If noise is an issue, buy a mini exercise bike like the GymMate one I have, this is silent.Quality :It does seem a quality construction. There has been a little bit of white powder off the wheels which move on the plate. I just wiped this off though. I have been going on it for hours so probably more than normal usage because it is so comfortable to use. I do not think it is likely but I do not care if I wear through any parts. I bought it to use for exercising and not for it to be a room ornament.Convenience :I like being able to use my PC while I am using it. I cannot do my spare time stock market stuff at the same time if I go out for a walk as easily. I cannot walk along and do it looking my mobile because there is usually too much dog dirt and traffic to avoid. Using the elliptical also means that I do not have to be exposed to the harsh british environmental conditions - Rain / wind / dirt / climate and pollution etc.It is also safer to use in your home than going outside in the dark probably is for some people - Muggers /drunks/ traffic etc.Exercise benefits :It is not my main Cardio piece of equipment. I have a full size elliptical and a Treadmill in the garage for this.I have not done any Mio HR watch training with any of the mini ellipticals. I am using them more to simulate walking.So that I am more healthy when I am at my PC or using the other ones downstairs watching TV. I sit in an office all day so I need to exercise more to counter the health effects.If an average person used it in the morning before breakfast for at least 45/60 mins, I think that they would get fat loss.You could probably go really fast on it for fitness but I think that it would be more comfortable to use a full size elliptical for this.

This is a great machine. The first pedal machine I have had that does not run away from you as you try and pedal! Quiet and just the job for under the desk when you are trapped working. BUT I also use mine standing up. I use the wall to balance myself but the great thing is that when you use it standing up, you get a sort of figure of eight thing going (you can really feel your core working so this is very on trend!). This might not be a good idea if you are very heavy and I am sure the makers would not recommend it but so far so good I haven't broken mine yet.

easy to just but a bit high under your dek

Very Disappointing.Product was too big for under a desk and caused knees to knock on an average height table. After a day of using it I developed pains in my knee.

Very sturdy & well made

I rarely leave feedback for items but felt I had to for this item. I am thrilled with this machine. I am finally able to shift my belly flab without having to hit the gym! I can sit and watch TV whilst burning away. Great invention!