Product Review: J Fit Hope Series EL650 Mini Elliptical Trainer

For people living in small apartments, finding space for exercise equipment can be challenging. The J Fit Hope Series EL650 Mini Elliptical Trainer is a handy product for people in that situation. The device works like a regular elliptical trainer but doesn't have the bulky handrails and computer components that take up space on more traditional models. This product only consists of two foot pedals and a small base. It can be purchased for about $100 from amazon.com.

The elliptical trainer is compact enough that you can easily store it in a closet or keep it under your desk at work. It weighs about 30 pounds, so it is not especially easy to carry around, but you can just consider that part of your workout. I find I can use it under my desk at work to get in some additional exercise during the day. The product obviously works better if you are standing up, but using it sitting is better than nothing. This may also be beneficial for elderly people who have trouble balancing to use a regular elliptical trainer.

I did have some trouble balancing at first when I started to use it standing. After a few minutes I managed to get the hang of it. You can always put a chair in front of you to use for balance if necessary.

The product has an adjustable tension control so that you can change the intensity of your workout. There is a small monitor on it that tracks the number of strides, distance, exercise time, and calories burned so you can keep track of your progress.

A feature of this device that I really like is that it really is silent. I enjoy being able to use it at work without other people noticing. It is also nice at home to be able to watch TV or listen to music at a reasonable level without turning the volume up over the equipment.

The product does require some assembly but it only took about 15 minutes. All of the parts were included and the directions were clearly labeled.

I would not use this elliptical to completely replace my time at the gym, but it is a great addition for days when I do not have the time to make it there. It is also convenient that I can use it while I am working.

There is also a pink version of this product that you can purchase if you wish for 5% of the price to be donated to breast cancer.