First Look: Joroto Under Desk Elliptical Mini-Stepper

As a father of two young boys, “free” time does not exist and I have very little time to dedicate to my hobbies. With these time restrictions, I need to be creative in how I train so that I succeed in my endeavors, whether that is just staying in shape or taking on a tough trail. Like many people, I spend 40+ hours per week in front of a computer … a large chunk of valuable time that could be used to help me achieve my goals outside of work.

In looking at the time periods that I’ve been in the best shape of my life, I was able to spend a few hours every week walking or hiking, which I don’t have as much time for anymore. I have realized that I should be taking advantage of my computer time by adding an under desk exercise machine. After researching what products are available, I contacted JOROTO about their UNDER DESK ELLIPTICAL MINI-STEPPER. The ME15 seemed to be a great combination of functionality and price.

After exchanging a few emails with Joroto, I had a Jorto ME15 on it’s way to me.

First Impressions

I will update this review as I have more time to use the mini-stepper, but here are some first impressions:

• The mini-stepper went together easily and you shouldn’t have any issues assembling if you follow the instructions.
• The mini-stepper appears to be well-built – the operation is smooth and quiet.
• I have yet to figure out how much of my day I will be able to use the mini-stepper, but I am confident that between standing at my desk and using the mini-stepper when I am sitting, I will burn more calories than normal. With the testing that I have done over the last week, I have found that my heart rate is 40% higher when I am pedaling vs. when I am just sitting. Based on several online calculators that determine calories burned based on heart rate, it appears that this 40% increase in heart rate results in a 90% increase in calories burned. I’ll have to research this more to see if it is true. While testing, I have been productive work-wise while having a light sweat going – similar to what I would expect while out walking the dog or walking with my kids.
• I have also used the mini-stepper during some HITT training. I am currently on Level 3 (25 seconds high intensity and 35 seconds resting) and by set 8 or so, my RPMs drop significantly due to my legs getting tired. This is when the mini-stepper on it’s most difficult setting.
• The one challenge that I had with the mini-stepper, which was totally unexpected, was finding a good chair, desk height, and floor surface combination. Knee clearance, keeping the chair from moving and finding a surface that the mini-stepper did not slide on was a little challenging. For now, I am using it on the concrete floor in my basement, sitting on a tote with a pillow, at my normal work desk.
• I don’t watch much TV, but I plan to use the mini-stepper while watching movies and football.

Future Testing

After testing the following, I plan to update my review:

• using the machine while standing – I did not realize it could be used in this position until after I started writing this entry
• tracking calories burned over an entire day: siting all-day vs. standing vs. standing and using the mini-stepper
• the long-term durability of the mini-stepper

*Disclaimer: The product reviewed in this entry was provided by JOROTO FITNESS, with the understanding that I would provide an honest review on my blog and on Amazon.com.

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