The recumbent elliptical cross trainer (PhysioStep MDX) arrived ahead of schedule by about 2 weeks. The folks who delivered it were excellent. I asked them to put the box on our porch which they did and then they proceeded to unpack it. When they finished unpacking everything, they asked me where I wanted the machine (inside, only about 10 feet from the door) and they carried it inside and placed it exactly where I wanted it in the desired orientation (so I can watch TV while using it). Can’t ask for better service than that!

After reading the user manual that came with the machine, I started to assemble it. It took me a couple of evenings to assemble it (I can’t remember how much time in hours). It was fairly easy to assemble and difficult to make mistakes. I guess I took longer than most people have taken but I’m kind of old and don’t move very fast anymore.

The main problem I had during assembly was the mounting of the computer / display unit. The user manual instructions were for a different configuration display unit. I found that 2 of the Phillips head display mounting screws were behind and close to the display mount frame – too close to the frame to tighten with the provided Phillips head screwdriver. I had to get one of my right angle Phillips screwdrivers and then I was able to tighten the 2 screws without too much problem. One of the holes had a burr in it that I had to knock out with a small hammer and punch before the screw would pass through the hole.

The next discrepancy was the rubber ‘hood’ over the display mount area; none of the holes in the ‘hood’ would line up with any holes in the mount itself. All the ‘hood’ holes were more than one inch too high. Considering how well all the other parts lined up, screw holes, etc., this was pretty surprising to have something this far out of alignment. Oh well, the ‘hood’ fits snugly over the parts it is supposed to cover and does not interfere with anything so it’s not a problem – just surprising considering how precision everything else seems to be.

Once I had the machine set up and plugged in (it has no battery), I started to read the operating instructions. I had a very difficult time just understanding the basics because the manual had so many errors that much of it didn’t make sense. I gave up until the next day when I went online and located an updated user manual and downloaded the pdf file. The updated manual was fine! The operating instructions section was quite easy to comprehend because it was quite well written, with no obvious errors. I wish I had thought of looking for an updated manual before I started this project.

Finally, my main purpose for obtaining this machine. When I started using it, after adjusting the seat position to fit me, I found that it is extremely quiet and smooth as silk when it’s in motion. It was a few days before I obtained a heartbeat transmitter system (belt around chest that transmits radio waves to the elliptical’s computer / display). I don’t think this elliptical’s pulse readout will work with Bluetooth transmitters although I could not find anything in the manual that specified what to get. I may have missed this information in the manual and I may be wrong but, to be safe, don’t get a Bluetooth heartbeat measuring system if you have this particular elliptical cross trainer.

I’m still trying to understand what benefits the swivel seat adds. I have rotated it maybe 45 degrees (to clear the upright lever) to get off and on and I cannot see how this is any easier than not swiveling the seat and just getting on. If you look closely, one of the pictures displayed on Amazon has the right vertical lever removed to show the seat in the full swivel position. This includes the picture displayed with this review.

Hope this helps any future buyers.

Addendum (annoyance item) -- 4/18/2017:
I wish the USB receptacle was located on the front of the display. It is located on the back side and I have had difficulty inserting my USB jump drive while still seated (at the end of an exercise session). I finally solved this problem by inserting a USB extension cable and then bringing the receptacle end around to the front of the display where it is much easier to insert my USB jump drive.

I have two artificial hips and a tower in my back but I can still keep my legs fit by sitting on this everyday. I love that I'm exercising yet though I can't walk long lengths I can exercise and strengthen my legs. Although I do not like the arm cisers as they are way to far back on the bike so I took them off. This was an excellent investment.

Buyer beware...although the machine is nice, dealing with the company who sells the product was NOT. If you can find this machine somewhere to check the fit to your body first, do so before purchasing! This didn't fit me correctly because my legs were too short I am 5'1". Not the fault of the machine or the company who sold it to me until I contacted them! They advertised they would help you find the right machine for you as long as you pay to ship it back and PAY A 50 PERCENT RESTOCKING FEE!!! So my solution was, my clever husband added some wooden blocks to help. Works nice but there is no way you can keep up the arms with the speed of the feet. To be fair maybe my arms are to short as well.

This is an extremely well built product,
goes together in a jiffy
very solid and stable.
quiet and smooth in operation. very, very nice product.

I put this machine in my gym to offer variety in my clients' workout options. I love the swivel seat as it helps my physically limited individuals' ease of mounting. The handlebars are not calibrated to the resistance setting on the pedals like a NuStep; the bars move at the speed of pedal movement. If speed is goal of client, it is difficult to hold on to the handlebars as they are moving too fast and without resistance. I feel like I'm holding on for dear life! They are in the way when seat is swiveled. BUT most important is safety. Due to liability concerns, when I educate a client about using this machine, I stress that they CANNOT lean or reach for something outside the boundaries of the handles. The injury could be serious. Ofttimes, I remove the handles entirely and eliminate the risk. Believe it or not, I love the workout it provides for the legs. Too bad the upper body misses out.

The Elliptical trainer is very easy to use & convenient for those who are approaching 80. It was recommended by my husband's therapist.