Want to buy an Orbitrek? (Orbitrek)

Name: MichelleScott

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Product:	Orbitrek
Date:	11/07/01 (3249 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: No-impact, Fun, Good workout

Disadvantages: Big, Not silent, Hard on the knees

Have you seen the TV ads for the wonder-machine called the Orbitrek? I had, and wondered if it was worth the money. I did an Internet search but could only find people selling the thing - hardly the best ones to give an honest opinion. We eventually got one last year. I saw an ad for it recently and remembered my efforts in trying to find out more about it. So I decided to take a new look at it and write a critique about it. Hope this helps others.

My husband has arthritis of the spine. His knees and elbows are painful, too. He had to get rid of his mini-gym/weights machine that we used to keep in the garage, because it was making his pain worse. We looked round for an all-in-one piece of exercise equipment that we could keep in our bedroom (so we would use it every day). We wanted something that would help us keep our weight down, so it had to be good for aerobic workouts. We also wanted something to keep our muscles good. The Orbitrek is good for us because it is THERE. We haven't found it particularly good for strength training, but we were used to a mini-gym with weights, so it's not really fair to compare.



ADVANTAGES

The Thane Orbitrek is a quality piece of equipment. You have to assemble it yourself, which took a while! It is robust and sturdy, and has tolerated our children and their friends all having a go.

It gives a no-impact workout, which is important for many people. It is similar to an exercise bike that works the arms, too. There is no pounding of the joints.

For me, it is better than an exercise bike because I find my coccyx is aggravated by a bike seat. The standing position of the Orbitrek makes it easier on my back. I have sciatica, and find that the Orbitrek does not aggravate it unless it is already bad (in which case I think any exercise is contraindicated).

It is great for aerobic work. Within a couple of minutes of 'treking' I work up a sweat.


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DISADVANTAGES

The ads claim that the wheel acts as a fan to keep you cool. We have not found this to be the case.

It isn't great for strength training. We still use weights as well.

It is NOT silent. You couldn't, for example, use it in the same room as a sleeping partner. In fact, we don't use it early in the mornings or late at night, for fear of waking the children and/or infuriating the neighbours. Our children and neighbours are particularly light sleepers, though, others may not find this a big problem.

It is BIG. We keep ours in our bedroom because if we didn't we would never use it, but it is rather THERE. We have tried draping clothes over it to disguise it, but it doesn't work! You need a big corner of a room or a very big house.

It is HEAVY. Not maneuverable. The ads show tiny women manhandling it around their bedrooms. They must be a LOT stronger than they look.

We found it rather complicated to put together. My husband is used to putting things together but even he was scratching his head over this. You could buy one second-hand if putting it together is a problem.

The non-slip pedals are painful if you use it with bare feet. I do, but don't stay on long because my feet get sore. I suppose I could put shoes on but then I would have to stay on longer!

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In summary, the Orbitrek gives a good, fun, impact-free workout. However, it is not for us. My husband has knee problems and has found that the Orbitrek has been aggravating them - badly. So it's for sale.

We've switched to a new wonder machine, the Total Gym. Review coming up ...

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