Using the NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainer for Cardio: Community Stories

For many NuStep users, our recumbent cross trainer is an essential tool in improving their cardiovascular fitness. Designed with both comfort and efficiency in mind, NuStep cross trainers help individuals of all ages and abilities to get low-impact physical activity that strengthens the heart and lungs, improves circulation, and builds stamina. We’re pleased to highlight their stories and the successes they’ve achieved. 

“I’ve been given almost a new lease on life.”

I wasn’t ever really much for truly exercising my body. Sure I’d do yoga, and I’d spend time in the pool “Water Jogging” but it wasn’t until I was given the opportunity to race a car that I truly gave a crap about my physique.

When I started using the NuStep machine, I did four segments of 5 minutes each. On my very first run, I clocked 1.16 miles in 20 minutes and 45 Seconds. That was July 26th, 2022. After I got through my first week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) of working out, I realized that I could add another 5 minutes to my workout, and be fine. So instead of four segments of 5, I did three segments of five and one segment of 10.

After my first 25 min workout, I clocked 1.65. Then I started to set goals. 2 miles in under 20 minutes by September 1st. I nailed that 8 days later. So then I said “Screw it, let’s do 3 miles by October 1st”. I hit three miles in under 30 minutes within 12 days.

For a little context, I’m a 475+ pound man, so while the numbers might seem small, it’s not easy for me. My life has been a struggle because I have allowed myself to get this way. But, because of the NuStep machine, I have been given almost a new lease on life. You don’t really notice the physical changes in your body until you do something you have struggled to do in the past. For example, whenever I go to watch a race I like to sit at the very top of the third turn (roughly 3 stories up). I used to have to take a break between my truck and my seats. Not any longer, now I can just hammer down and climb those stairs almost 2 at a time with no issue. Insanity.

This machine allows you to choose what kind of workout you want to do. Do you want to be easy? Take your time? Maybe a little biking through the cheese district of Paris? You can do that. Do you wanna go hard? Kick the tires and light the fires? You can do that too! I can assure you when you push yourself you will not enjoy it during the workout. It is hard, and you will sweat. But, the results you will see… Not only in your physique, but also in how people comment about you, your mobility, and most importantly…. Your mood.

I will never stop recommending this machine to my friends. Because it has changed my life in ways I cannot even begin to describe. And…. It can change yours too.

Josh Malcak

Pendleton, Indiana

“It has allowed me to be free again.”

My diagnosis is multiple sclerosis and I have the relapsing remitting form of MS – I was diagnosed in 1974 and I was in the original study (University of Utah study in 1985) showing what a huge difference exercise can make for people with MS.

On a day that I’m tired and my legs maybe will fall in, and normally it’s really hard on my knees, the Leg Stabilizer keeps me in line and keeps my legs properly aligned with my knees and my feet, so that I can get a complete workout and a more effective workout.

Because of my work on the NuStep – I have been able to gain so much strength and stability that it does allow me to do the other things I love to do. It has allowed me to be free again.

Kathy Wallin

Draper, Utah

That’s what NuStep is really about…the transformation of your life.

In 2010, O’Neal Hampton, of Minneapolis, Minnesota competed on The Biggest Loser. At 389 pounds, O’Neal struggled using traditional exercise equipment because of tremendous knee pain. After one of the show’s trainers suggested the low impact NuStep recumbent cross trainer, Hampton was on his way. See why O’Neal, who lost 159 pounds, credits the NuStep for “changing my life.”

O’Neal Hampton

Minneapolis, Minnesota

“I’m on my way back now.”

O’Neal Hampton, a contestant on The Biggest Loser, hit a new low after he gained back all the weight he lost while on the ranch. With the support of his family and NuStep, he was ready to fight back.

O’Neal Hampton

Minneapolis, Minnesota

“NuStep has helped me immensely.”

I have been working with NuStep ever since the Physical Therapists released me and said, ‘you need to walk again.’ I’ve had surgeries which have required me to use the NuStep machines to help me get back to where I would want to be. That’s pain free, limping free, and NuStep has helped me immensely!

Bob Anderson

Westminster, Maryland

“We purchased a T5 and have never regretted it.”

Several years ago, I was “circling the drain.” I weighed over 300 pounds and had excruciating pain in my arthritic feet. I could barely make it to my car after finishing a shift where I worked as an RN. I had started using a cane just to tolerate the pain.

I had a gastric bypass over 3 years ago and afterward, I found what the NuStep had to offer quite by accident (or, an act of God, as I now believe). I’m not sure what made me look NuStep up on the Internet since I had only used it as a “warm up” in physical therapy, but when I Googled it, I learned a LOT! Not only was it made in the great USA, it was made in Ann Arbor, Michigan near my hometown in Troy! There was also a video of O’Neal Hampton from “The Biggest Loser,” talking about how beneficial it was for people with severe arthritis.

Following surgery, I used a NuStep T5 at the gym. Because the gym had a 30-minute time limit on the NuStep, I couldn’t use it as long as I wanted. So, we purchased a T5 and have never regretted it.

Today, I am up to 2 hours and 45 mins, or 9.5 miles, a day on the NuStep. In approximately 15 months, I lost 185 pounds, including what I lost just by surgery. I walk independent of a cane or walker, and I can get down on the floor and get up again by myself! I hadn’t been able to do that in over 20 years.

Susan Marchegiani

Sarasota, Florida

“NuStep plays a big role in my everyday life.”

The NuStep machine has helped me gain my muscle strength and condition back. Before I started training the NuStep machine, I could only walk around 50 meters with my walker. And now I am able to walk a kilometer with my walker. I have many goals and dreams I would like to reach, and I feel that the NuStep machine plays a big role in helping me reach them. NuStep plays a big role in my everyday life. I love going to my physiotherapist, where I can work out with music in my ears and enjoy the NuStep energy.

Julie Væver

North Jylland, Denmark

“This is an amazing machine.”

I am a 30-year-old woman challenged with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, and use a power wheelchair and assistance dog to navigate the world.

To move and burn calories never happened on a regular basis until I got on the NuStep on January 6, 2010. This is an amazing machine!

Since I began using it between 3 and 4 times a week, I have not only been able to go from no exercise to regular exercise, but I can bear weight with minimal assistance and can pull myself up to standing from the floor with much less assistance.

My ability to stand, overall leg strength and trunk stability have increased greatly. I have also lost many inches off my waist and about 7 pounds.

It’s incredible to get on the NuStep and know that by the time I’m done, I’ll break out into a sweat. The NuStep has changed my life.

Anna Dusbiber Gossage

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Results may vary and depend on several factors, including health status and diet. The statements relating to weight loss are not to be construed as claims made by NuStep that you will lose weight. Individuals may have responses or results other than those indicated.