Disclosure: I was provided a free Ellipse by LegXercise unit by Intellibrands for the purpose of this review. However, I have not received any compensation for the review and the opinions are my own.
LegXercise Ellipse Review
Review Score:
I’ve been quite pleased with my experience using the Ellipse by LegXercise. This model is a significant upgrade to the LegXercise PRO, which I felt was a bit too slow and basic for some users. The Ellipse allows for larger and faster movements that I could definitely feel in both my ankles and knees.
Setting it up took some effort – some elderly users may need assistance. But once it’s together, this machine is solid and performs well.
I used it under my desk for around 6 hours last week without any problems. Level 1 is fairly quiet, but you might want to turn your TV up a notch or two when it’s on level 3, as there’s a slight motor whine.
The movement is smooth except for a little jerk at the start. And most people will find it easy to keep their feet on the pedals.
The remote control is lightweight and comfortable to hold. It is wireless, so there are no wires to trip over, but it can be easily misplaced. All the buttons are intuitive and simple to use, although the print size could be bigger or bolder.
Unfortunately, there is no battery option, so you’ll have to plug it into the wall whenever you want to use it. But the large handle makes it straightforward to pick up and move out of the way if you don’t plan on using it for a while.
Pros:
- Generous range of motion for ankles and knees.
- Intuitive and user-friendly remote control.
- Three different speeds and reverse direction.
- The counter and screen text is clear and legible.
- Engaging enough to make you feel like you accomplished something.
Cons:
- Initial jerking motion.
- Text on the remote could be more visible.
- The assembly process requires tools and could prove challenging for some.
- The Remote doesn’t come with batteries.
- It must be plugged in to operate – no battery option.
I do recommend the Ellipse by LegXercise for seniors or elderly people who can tolerate movement of the ankles and the knees and who would benefit from passive exercise. More frail users with limited movement might consider the LegXercise PRO instead because its movements are more gentle.
Ellipse by LegXercise
Video Guide
We all know the benefits of exercise as we age, so there’s no reason for me to regurgitate all those statistics. But, many seniors and elderly are unable to exercise due to physical ailments, or they are unable to do so safely.
That’s where passive exercise machines come in. They move an older adult’s legs and feet for them, so that blood flow is stimulated, increasing circulation and keeping joints loose.
Previously, I reviewed the LegXercise Pro, which is definitely a capable machine. But, it might be my too basic and slow for some more active users.
So, LegXercise developed the Ellipse model to provide a greater range of movement for those who can tolerate it.
Here’s my full review of the LegXercise Ellipse.
Unpackaging and Assembly
Once the Ellipse arrives, there is some assembly required. While the process isn’t particularly difficult, some seniors or elderly people may need some assistance.
You first attach the base to remain unit using six screws with a Phillips head screwdriver (which isn’t included, by the way). Again, not difficult, but it will require two hands, and two people are best to help hold the pieces in place while being attached.
Next, the foot pedals are attached with the included large Allen wrench. Two washers must also be aligned properly before tightening the bolt.
See my review video for a demonstration of this process.
Remote Control
The Ellipse is controlled by a wireless remote control that is included (but the 2 AAA batteries are not!) and has its own storage compartment on the main unit.
Wireless remotes are both good and bad. No wire reduces the chance of the user tripping over a remote cord. But, elderly people with dementia or just forgetfulness due to cognitive decline may misplace it. And, you can’t use the Ellipse without the remote – although you can order a replacement.
The remote has black raised buttons with white print. While the text is contrasted well, it could be larger to make it easier for older eyes to see.
The buttons are easy to press and understand, though. The numbers control the speed, while the OFF and Direction buttons are self-explanatory.
When finished, slide the remote into the storage area on the unit for safekeeping.
Operation
To use the Ellipse, plug the AC power adaptor into the back of the machine and your wall outlet.
Then, set the machine in front of you – with the screen facing you. If you are using it on a hard floor surface, place the included mat underneath it.
Place your feet on the foot pedals, point the remote at the unit, and press the number 1 to start. Adjust your speed using the numbers or the reverse button to reverse directions.
The screen on the front counts and displays your steps in bright red text that is easy to see and read.
Hit the remote’s off button when finished. Note that it will automatically turn off after 9,999 revolutions, although most users won’t use it that long.
My Personal Experience: How It Moves
Compared to the LegXercise Pro, this machine provides a lot more movement. I also noticed that I was getting joint movement in both my ankles and my knees. If you have ever used an elliptical machine, it feels similar to that (hence the name!).
See the video for a better demonstration and explanation.
The speed, especially on setting 3, is quite fast, so start out on setting 1 before moving up to the other levels. I also felt like it started with a bit of a jerk. Not enough to knock your feet off, but you should be prepared for it.
Once it gets moving, it is smooth and fluid, providing both front-to-back and up-and-down motions. The reverse button changes direction to vary your workout. It does so quite quickly, too, so be sure you are prepared before pressing the reverse button.
Ellipse by LegXercise
Portability
Because of the assembly process, I wouldn’t exactly describe this as a portable exerciser. But it has a nice, sturdy handle that makes it easy to carry. It is a bit heavy, though, weighing about 12 pounds with the remote.
It’s easy enough to transport if you can keep it intact and place it in the trunk or back seat of the car. The handle also makes it easy to move from room to room or out of the way when you aren’t using it.
Pedals
The pedals are large and textured with raised bumps. A front edge is raised to keep your feet from slipping off them. I feel a strap option would be nice for frail users with difficulty maintaining their feet on the pedals.
But, there wasn’t a great concern in my tests.
Power and Charging Option
The Ellipse uses a pretty standard AC adaptor that plugs into the back of the machine and a standard wall outlet. It doesn’t offer battery power, so you have to be near electricity to use it.
Because the power cord comes out of the back, I don’t have any major concerns about users tripping over it, but you should be aware of that potential.
Review Summary
Overall, I was quite pleased with the Ellipse. One concern I had with its sister product, the LegXercise PRO, was that it was too slow and basic for some users.
With the Ellipse, I did actually feel like my legs were doing something because of the faster and larger movements. I also felt good flexion movement in both my ankles and knees.
The setup is a bit complicated – some elderly users may need some assistance. Once you get it together, it is a solid, well-performing machine. I used it under my desk for about 6 hours over the last week. I had no problems at all with it.
It is very quiet on level 1, but there is a bit of a motor whine on level 3. You might have to turn the TV up a notch or two. The movements are smooth, although it tends to start with a bit of a jerk. and most people won’t have any difficulty keeping their feet on the pedals.
The remote is lightweight and easy to hold onto. There is no tripping hazard due to the lack of a cord, but it could get lost. The buttons are intuitive and easy to use. But the print could be larger or bolder.
There is no battery, so it must be plugged in to be used. The large handle makes it easy to pick up and move out of the way when it’s unused.
Pros:
- Good range of motion movement for ankles and knees.
- Intuitive and easy-to-use remote control.
- Simple operation with three different speeds. and reverse directions.
- Counter and screen text is easy to see.
- Engaging enough to feel like you “did something.”
Cons:
- Starts with a bit of a jerking motion.
- Text on the remote could be bolder or larger.
- The multi-step assembly process requires tools and may be complicated for some users.
- The remote didn’t come with batteries.
- Require electricity – no battery option.
Final Recommendation
The Ellipse works well and provides passive exercise of the legs for seniors and the elderly who need assistance moving their knees and ankles. It is safe for most users except the most frail elderly people. Based on my review and personal use of the product, I recommend it.
More frail users or those with limited flexion of the ankles or knees should look at a more gentle solution like the LegXercise Pro instead, which has more limited movements.
