How to assemble an elliptical trainer

• Allen keys (supplied)
• Spanners (supplied)
• Cross-head screwdriver
• Spirit level

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• Main frame with flywheel and crank
• Front and rear stabilisers
• Left and right pedal arms with foot plates
• Console mast, swing arms and console
• Pivot axles, wave washers, bolts and covers

1. 1

   Step 1: Unpack in the room where it will stand; lay the main frame on its side on the box cardboard to fit the stabilisers.

2. 2

   Step 2: Bolt the front and rear stabilisers to the main frame, then stand the frame up with your helper and check it does not rock.

3. 3

   Step 3: Stand the console mast in its socket, feeding the console cable up through the mast from the bottom, and start the mast bolts without tightening.

4. 4

   Step 4: Slide each swing arm onto its pivot axle on the mast with the washers and wave washers in the exact order the manual shows, then fit the end bolt.

5. 5

   Step 5: Connect each pedal arm to the lower end of its swing arm and to the crank or rail wheel at the back, again with every washer in place.

6. 6

   Step 6: Fit the foot plates to the pedal arms, then mount the console, connect its cable and any heart-rate leads, and fit the batteries or power adapter.

7. 7

   Step 7: Tighten the mast and all pivot bolts, turn the pedals through a full stroke by hand, and listen for clicks or rubbing before fitting the covers.

8. 8

   Step 8: Level the machine with the adjustable feet and test at the lowest resistance before increasing it.

• Leaving out a wave washer at a pivot, which causes a clicking noise on every stride.
• Crushing the console cable when the mast is lowered into its socket.
• Overtightening pivot bolts until the arms stiffen instead of swinging freely.