Daiwa USJ-804 Rodeo Core Compact Core Trainer Ab Workout Equipment for Leg Thighs Buttocks Calves

This was easy to set up; I think it took me about 10 minutes, moving slowly. Not complicated. Using it is easy and fun and I am actually using it nearly every day. I like that it doesn't take up much space and is quiet. It's too boring for me to go more than a few minutes, but I can jump on it and do a few whenever I pass by it. I can feel it working my legs and core and I feel better and stronger generally since starting with it about a month ago. The seat is comfortable but starts to get a little uncomfortable after a while of working out on it, but I think my body will adapt eventually the way it does with a bicycle seat. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to be less sedentary.

This was really easy to assemble. I chose it because I am a rider and wanted something to help stay in shape when weather isn’t good for riding. It’s fun to do, quiet, and compact. It’s not a great cardio workout and I don’t really “feel” I’ve had a strenuous workout but I do think it works the areas it claims. It’s low impact and I don’t have discomfort on the seat. Perfect to use in front of the tv or while listening to music or audio books.

It's great! At age 76 I had not been able to exercise due to leg issues...this is bringing me back! It's easy, it's fun, it's effective! I'm so pleased with the early results of using this little machine. It takes up very little space...use it in the kitchen between chores...even 10 minutes makes me feel great, and I like several short exercise periods during the day. It took a couple of days to get comfortable with this exercise machine and now it's "no hands" or arms out to the side or above the head for extra help with the midriff! Hips, glutes, spine -- I'm getting nice and flexible. The legs, knees, ankles get some exercise as well, but mostly the core/trunk...all around the waist - even the flabby area below the ribs. I am sold on this little gem! No motor, price is very reasonable. It is sturdy (I'm 5'10" and 200 lbs). Along with strengthening my core, I love that I'm becoming more flexible again!

Based on the positive reviews, I thought this machine would really blast my midsection. However, I've found that it doesn't do much for my abs at all. As another reviewer mentioned, it does provide an excellent workout for your thighs. You can begin to feel the burn in your upper thighs after only a couple of minutes of use, but as for the abs, not much at all. The machine attempts to simulate the movement of a mechanical bull. It doesn't buck violently like a mechanical bull; in fact it's a very smooth ride, but you do get the "up & down" sensation of a bucking bronco.You can "pedal" either forward or backward and depending upon which way you go, I've found the workout changes a bit. If you pedal backward, this is the motion that provides a great upper thigh workout. While going forward, the thigh workout is much less intense, but you do feel it a little more in your abs - but only slightly.A few pros & cons:Pros:(1) Very well made. The machine itself seems very solid and I don't expect it to fall apart anytime soon.(2) Very easy to assemble. In fact there is not much to assemble at all. There are only a couple of bolts which attach the stabilizer bar at the base of the machine. Once that's screwed in, you're pretty much ready to go.(3) It's fun. Despite the lack of an intense core workout, the machine is still fun to use.(4) Very compact and does not take up much space at all. Plus, it's very easy to move from room to room if needed.Cons:(1) Not the core/abdominal workout I was expecting (or was advertised). I rode the trainer at a fairly good pace for 20 minutes and, while my legs were killing me, I felt very little in my abs.(2) The seat is kind of hard. Not a problem at first, but if you're planning on working out for any length of time it does begin to hurt, especially with the type of motion the machine is simulating.One final note: another reviewer recommended wearing thick soled shoes while using the trainer. That is absolutely right. It would've been nice if the machine was designed to distribute the pedaling motion across your entire foot, but as currently designed you're stepping on a straight metal bar. Not a problem if wearing the proper shoes, but I wouldn't recommend using it otherwise.

Updated as I've had it awhile. Still great, easy, in perfect working order. Still chafing the hiney, lol. But I do what I have to do. Nice machine that is actually fun to use.I just got this yesterday. I think I'm going to really like it. I may update my rating to a 5 if it lasts well. That's the only reason for the 4, I just don't have enough history yet to warrant a 5.I was looking for something similar to the iRide, but more active. This fills that as you get a feel of a loping or galloping horse (NOT a mechanical bull). It's good for balance, some core, mostly legs, which is what I was looking for. This is leg powered instead of electric. It took a few minutes to get the hang and get it rolling, but once I got it, it was fun and energetic. The energy you put in is what you get out. Go for a leisurely lope or a flat out gallop - your legs propel you at the speed you want. I plan to use hand weights for a more completely workout, but this is really good for what I want.Only warning from my side - watch for hiney chafing! Not used to squishing that far back in a saddle. I put a sheepskin saddle seat cover on mine and it helped a lot.