Stamina EasyStep Recumbent Stepper

When I first got the stepper it sat in my garage for a while. I finally set it up in the spare bedroom.Prior to using this, I had been using a ProForm combo incumbent bike/elliptical for years.I used this stepper within a 14 day period at 15-30 minutes at a time. I alternated between the SciFit StepONE (at the local gym) and the ProForm (home gym).At first I really enjoyed it. I started to notice on the days that I used Stamina Easy Step my lower back and legs started to hurt and eventually started to tingle and my left knee started hurting. I changed the seating level and checked my posture but it would continue to cause me pain and discomfort.I noticed that My ProForm didn’t cause me discomfort but the padding on the seat made my rear hurt. I did not have any issues with the SciFit StepONE.I did ask my mother and my son to try the Stamina Easy step out. I am 42 and 5’ 9”. My mother who is in her 60’s at 5’ 4” complained she felt the seat was odd and felt like she couldn’t get a comfortable seating. My son who is 12 at 5’ 4” said he didn’t have any issues. They did not have any issues on the ProForm. They did not use the SciFit.After a period of debate I decided to return it because it was not comfortable and believe that was what in the end contributed to the discomfort while using it.Did it work? Well. It was a challenge but I compared it to be an even challenge to my ProForm. The two compared to the SciFit —couldn’t compare. The SciFit is a $6000 professional health grade equipment.Could someone else use it? Possible. I am curious that my son at a younger age didn’t have any issues. Many of the reviews on this stepper were positive which contributed to my desire to purchase it.It is made with quality parts. I am not a fan of battery operated exercise equipment because if you are not careful the batteries can go bad.The display uses two AAA batteries. The display could be set to do count downs and specific settings. I was impressed by this because usually when I come across smaller computerized displays they are basic. This one was basic but had a lot more features to it.The resistance knob is easy to use and sits below the computer. The overall workout is good. It challenges you and makes you sweat.I did find the front handle had grease and surface rust spot on it, which I show in the photos. The bars do not protrude out past the width of the stepper but the handles do.When using the stepper the handles to come back far and I felt like they get very close to the body. At times I like to read or watch my phone or tablet. There is no place to put a book, phone , or tablet on your lap or in front of you. If you do the handles hit the item in your hands.There are no grips around the seat if you just want to sit and work your legs. You options are to put your hands in your lap and sometimes the handles would catch me and smack into my wrists.I would still recommend it to at least try. I have a feeling this product will be hit or miss for some people.