Customer Reviews

Pivot Trainer MS-100 Multi-Directional Stepper with Resistance Band

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am no stranger to elliptical machines or stair climbers, and I have no knee problems. After using this for two days in a row (only 20 minutes each day) my knees still hurt so I am returning it to the local store where I purchased it. My knees felt numb on the insides right afer I finished each day and continued to ache a bit on through the night. I did not overexert myself (even though I was sweating quite a bit) or go too fast, but decided it wasn't worth doing this another day to see if I would have a pain free day. Fortunately, I don't have to ship it back anywhere.

I am giving it two stars because it came preassambled and honestly it does seem to be very well made. Unfortunately, I cannot figure out how to set the resistance on it OR how to adjust the length of the tubes, and I'm not sure if you can do either of these things. Perhaps if the box had come with some instructions in it, it would have helped. I paid about $86 for it. Each of the 20 minute workouts showed that I burned about 100 calories.

After reading several negative reviews on Amazon about this stepper, AND reading a review where another reviewer had knee problems with this stepper, I think it's safe to say that I am not alone in my negative experience with this. I don't know if there is a safe stepper out there or not. This design certainly looks like it would be a good one, but for me, it was a dud. Glad I didn't toss the box, because I will be taking this back in the morning.

The product started leaking oil all over my carpet during use. If that wasn't bad enough, dealing with Impex customer service to get replacement shocks was a nightmare. Their website is deceiving when they advertise a 2 yr warranty. It's actually 90 days on the shocks, 2 yrs on the rest of the machine. The 2 new shocks they shipped (which cost $30) were the wrong ones, and they argued about shipping the correct ones.
The machine itself is a good one for beginners, as the workout is not too intense. It is also perfect for anyone with limited space, as it is compact and easily portable. I would recommend putting it on some sort of mat so it doesn't ruin your floor in the event the shocks fail. A more advanced person will quickly "outgrow" the Pivot, however. I also own a Weider Aerostepper which I think is a better machine. It's larger and not as portable, so I leave it set up in my basement, but it has adjustable resistance and provides a more intense workout. Overall, I give the Pivot 2-1/2 to 3 stars, and I'm being generous at that.

this item is very sturdy,strong and durable. my wife and i both use it and love it.i've seen other versions and rate this#1

I quite like this stepper. Its sturdily built and gives a good workout.

Some people have thought it too difficult, but you can easily vary the resistance by the positioning of your feet as it says in the manual. (The closer you place your feet towards the front of the machine, the more difficult and its easiest with your feet farthest away from the front of the stepper).

The resistance band for the arm workout can be adjusted by moving the black piece (in the middle) up or down - very simple.

One thing to note is that device is not very portable due to its size and weight, so if you want something you can carry around with you, you will find it a little too bulky. Otherwise its great.

This is a VERY sturdy product for the money. Comes fully assembled, just open the huge box take out the unit and you're ready to go. Weighs 30+ pounds and made of thick steel tubing. The foot pads are huge and of very thick plastic. This product will LAST! However, the motion is VERY stiff! I weigh 225 and I need to use all that weight to get the pads moving. There is no tension adjustment. It's a great workout for your thighs as you have to use a lot of force to get moving. Once you get moving and into a rhythm it seems to take less effort. The foot pads also have a side-to-side motion which seems very natural and also works other muscle groups. I find if I grab a chair or piece of furniture next to the unit I have a bit more control of my balance and control of the pace I take. The pedals are 16" long so you can adjust your workout by varying your foot position. If you position your feet towards the back it's similar to a stepper and you have a much farther range of motion. If you move towards the front of the pedals the range of motion is shorter and more like an elliptical type motion.

There is an attached unit that shows time, number of strides(one up and down motion of both feet), calories burned, and strides per minute. However there is no reset button you have to take out the battery to reset it, not a major effort but I just track the number of strides I do.

I have not used the resistance bands so cannot comment on them as I did not buy the unit for those.

All in all a great value but I question whether older people or of smaller build will find this comfortable to use.

I purchased this last spring to be able to get some exercise inside. I do perfer walking outdoors but this is great for those times you can't or simply don't want to be outside.

This will work your legs in a different manner than a simple walk and you feel it in a very short time. it gives you a good workout and it gets your heartrate up rather quickly.

No problems with the build of this machine or the manner in which it works.

It does take a bit getting used to but once you spend a few days using it things come together and its all good.

i recieved this item today. i did not see the shipping slip that be taped to the box, but that's ok i guess. the stepper was not wrap good so i guess that's why a piece of the plastic that covers the area where the rubber cord goes was broken. i tried out the stepper and it works. the display shows clearly, so i will not return it. i really don't feel like putting myself through the drama of a return to these people. just when it's time to buy a new one i'll go to a store and get it so i don't have to worry about shipping it back if there is a broken piece. oh and those rubber bands they send with it are trash. i'm tall and they are still too long, but maybe that is how it should be, i don't know.