Carepeutic BetaFlex Aerobic Leg Stretch Chair Exerciser

I bought this because I sit at a desk all day and wanted something to keep my legs moving more to keep leg swelling down. The assembly instructions left much to be desired. When we first put it together, it kept collapsing and left the foot pedals sitting on the floor. After looking at the pictures in the assembly instructions, we realized that there was another bolt that had to go in to keep it in place. We searched through the packing material and found the nut and bolt and installed it. That lifted the pedals up off the floor. Mine did not come with a nonslip mat. I never have been able to get the step counter to work. Maybe I am not able to take long enough strides for the counter to recognize. All of that being said, I like this exercise machine. With the painful knees, I have not been able to walk but just for short distances before having to sit and give my knees some relief. From the first time I started using this, I felt like I was walking without knee pain. I can feel my thigh and hip muscles working and I also feel like my abdominal muscles are getting some light workout also because I have to tighten my core muscles to sit up straight to keep from flopping around in my chair as I move my legs. I can't tell that there is much workout from the knees down, however. I can feel that I have less deep aching pain in my Thighs and hips that was the result of non-use. My hips and thighs have felt a little sore from use, but that is a different kind of pain. I have not been out of breath while using it, so I would consider it more of a muscle activating exerciser as opposed to any form of cardio or resistance exercise. I hope this review helps someone.

I assumed the pedals were ganged (one would go forward while the other went back), it does not say that it is in the description..I just assumed it. I can't use it because I am disabled and cannot bring my legs back by myself. In fairness, it seems well-made and was easy to put together which is why I gave it four stars. Amazon, as usual, was terrific with the return of the item.

Bought this to sooth my conscience as I'm sitting all day at the office, but it's kind of a joke. There's no resistance whatsoever, so don't expect and muscles to be built or calories burned. It does seem like it could theoretically help wit varicose veins or preventing blood clots in the legs, but for work-out it's a waste of money.

Base is approx. 18" from front to back and approx. 15" side-to-side and approx. 16" tall. Fits under my desk without a problem. Comes with non-slip mat to keep unit from moving and to protect floor, if need be.

After assembling, the pedal counter did not work. Tried to re-assemble but still did not work. Amazon was great in picking up and refunding purchase.