FAQ

What is the difference between the Scoop® Lateral Trainer and the TheraScoop® Lateral Trainer?

Scoop® is the original at-home therapy product that is the most budget friendly. TheraScoop® is the professional upgrade designed for pro settings like physical therapy clinics and doctor’s offices. However, many people choose the professional version for home use because of its added features.

While both products deliver the same pain-relieving, lower-body-strengthening results, Scoop® was designed for therapy only while TheraScoop® has upgrades such as a higher user weight limit (312 lbs), wider foot pedals, a carry handle and a lower profile to fit under more desks. TheraScoop® also has 8 distinct resistance settings, so it can be used for a tough cardio workout, for example, for an athlete recovering from injury or for those who want to improve cardiovascular fitness. For more, please click here. 

What do I do if the machine pushes away from me when I work out?

Scoop® and TheraScoop® are designed to facilitate a circular motion with your feet. This is what engages the muscles you want to engage. If you pedal down too hard, as if you are on a bicycle, you might find that the machine pushes away from you.  Instead, concentrate on lifting your knees up. Imagine your feet are drawing a circle, like following the hands around a clock. This is the correct motion, and if you pedal this way, the machine will not push away from you. If the machine pushes away from you, it is your cue that you need to focus on that crucial circular motion. For a demonstration, see this video.

Can I adjust the tension?

Yes, on Scoop® you may adjust the tension from no tension (knob turned all the way to the left or counter clockwise) to moderate tension (knob turned all the way to the right  or clockwise). Because Scoop® is primarily for therapy, heavy tension is not recommended.

On TheraScoop®, you have 8 distinct tension settings and you can adjust it from light resistance to high resistance. This means that TheraScoop®  can double as a true workout machine as well as to provide therapy when used with the lower resistance levels.

How often should I use this therapy?

Some customers use this therapy daily, while some do a few sessions per week. While it is always important to listen to your own body (and of course to follow the recommendation of your PT or healthcare professional) we typically recommend working up to three - four 20 minutes sessions per week.  If you are are recovering from injury, very weakened or in severe pain,  we want you to start very slowly, perhaps simply a few minutes per session.   It is important to remember that lateral training is zero impact and will not harm even bone-on-bone joints, yet it is working muscles that most of us have not worked in a very long time, so there could be some muscle soreness afterwards.   After your first workout, evaluate how you feel and wait for any soreness to subside before you start your next session.   Then, gradually build up to longer and longer sessions by adding one to two minutes per workout.   Remember to alternate directions throughout the session. Finally, our free classes on Facebook are always an excellent way to learn more and to get expert advice.

Why do lateral trainers go in two directions?

Lateral trainers work more muscles than traditional pedalers, and they go in two different directions to allow you to focus on different muscle groups. When you are pedaling so that your right foot is going clockwise (pedaling 'out'), you are adding an extra focus to your hips and outer thighs. When you are pedaling so that your right foot is going counter-clockwise (pedaling 'in'), you are adding an extra focus to your inner thighs. We recommend switching throughout your workout to ensure a balanced workout. Please watch the video for more.

Why does my machine click or feel jerky when I am going in one direction, but not the other?  

Lateral trainers don't just strengthen your whole lower body a full 360 degrees, they will also reveal where your body is stronger or weaker. If you have more difficulty pedaling 'out' for example, it means your hips/outer thighs are weaker. This can mean that the motion feels jerky or the machine clicks. Be patient and you will likely see that eventually pedaling in both directions is equally smooth. This will mean you have corrected strength imbalances in your lower body that can make you more prone to falls, injury or pain.

What do I do if my floor is uneven or my machine rocks on the floor when I use it?

While this is unlikely to happen with TheraScoop® some customers find they need to adjust the end caps of their Scoop® Lateral Trainer to compensate for uneven flooring.  Simply adjust the end cap knobs on one or both legs by turning them clockwise until the Scoop® no longer rocks. See the video for more.

How do I know how far to place the lateral trainer with respect to my seat?

Your positioning depends on your height and the difficulty of workout that you desire. Typically, it is about 2 feet from the chair, but positioning it closer will place your knees higher, forcing you to engage your core and making the workout more challenging. See the video for more.

Do these products have a computer?

Yes, both Scoop® and TheraScoop® have a computer that automatically keeps track of workout time, repetitions, strides per minute, and approximate calories burned. For more information, see the video.

Can I pedal barefoot?

Yes! You may wear bare feet, socks or flat soled shoes of any kind.

What if my feet are too big or too small for the pedals?

The pedals are designed to be much smaller than most people’s feet because the unit tilts and large pedals would scrape the floor. As is the case with a bicycle pedal, the pedals do not need to be larger than your feet!   If you have a Scoop® Lateral Trainer, you may purchase extra-large pedals for an additional fee TheraScoop® Lateral Trainer pedals should accommodate all sizes: they feature double Velcro straps that can be loosened or tightened to fit most sized shoes.  It is recommended that you tighten these straps by putting  your shoe on the pedal when you are not wearing it. That way, the pedals will be perfect for your shoes when you go to pedal and you will not need to tighten or loosen the velcro every time you work out.

What do I do if the motion feels 'jerky'?

Most TheraScoop® users report that the motion feels very smooth, but Scoop® users may need a little time to "learn" the motion. Using Scoop® is easy, but because most people have never tried lateral training before, they aren’t practiced at making the circular motion with their legs. Most people instinctively push down too hard on the pedals, as if they are on a stepper or a bicycle. Concentrate on lifting your knees up and making fluid, smooth circles with your feet and legs and soon the motion will feel smooth. For more, see the video.

How do I change the battery on the computer?

Both Scoop®  and TheraScoop® Lateral Trainers’ computers take an LR44 or 303/357 battery (a small disc-shaped battery, similar to a hearing aid battery). First, remove the computer by gently pulling it up from the housing. Use a fork, screwdriver or something similar to slide the old battery sideways out. Place the new battery in, with the + sign up. For a demonstration, see this video.

Does it matter how high my chair or seat is?

Both Scoop®  and TheraScoop® are designed to work for standard height seating, which is generally 18” off the ground. However, a variety of chair heights should work. You may find that lower height seating will require you to place the Scoop® slightly farther away from you than standard.

How fast should I pedal?

Lateral trainers are designed to use muscles that other machines ignore. As such, the most important thing is to try for a smooth, fluid motion, making nice, careful circles with each foot. This matters much more than speed or even tension, and will ensure that you engage all of the muscles of your lower body 360 degrees.

How often should I switch directions?

Lateral trainers work the inner thighs and outer thighs at the same time, but the direction you go impacts how much each muscle group is targeted. Therefore, it is recommended that you alternate evenly during your workouts. Some people like to divide their workout in half, then switch directions. Others prefer to do one minute in one direction, then the next minute in the other. It is up to you. One exception: if you find one direction is much easier than the other, it will serve you to work MORE on the direction that is harder. For example, pedal 12 minutes in the ‘harder’ direction and then 8 in the easier direction. This will help you to balance your body.

Why doesn’t it feel like there is a lot of resistance when I pedal?

Because Scoop® is designed for therapy, it should be an easy, fluid motion. It is not intended to feel like a strength-training exercise. Think of it more like swimming underwater than lifting weights. We recommend that users concentrate on a fluid, even motion, making circles with their legs and feet. This is what engages the muscles of the lower body.

TheraScoop® on the other hand, can be both a therapeutic exerciser (where you keep tension very low) or it can double as a cardio exercise machine. For those who wish to use it this way, added tension can increase your heart rate and the muscle toning benefits of the workout.

General Questions

Do I need to assemble the Scoop®?

Both Scoop®  and TheraScoop® require minimal assembly step-by-step and come with complete instructions and all tools needed. They can be assembled by one person.

A step-by-step assembly video for TheraScoop® can be viewed here

A step-by-step assembly video for Scoop®  can be viewed here.

Are these products patented?

Yes, Scoop® and TheraScoop® both use Helix motion technology, which is patented in the US and internationally through 2037. 

How much does Scoop® and TheraScoop® weigh?

Scoop® weighs 21 pounds. TheraScoop® weighs 27 pounds.

What is the weight limit for these products?  Why is there a weight limit when the user is not sitting on the products?

The weight limit for Scoop® is 250 lbs.  The weight limit for TheraScoop® is 315 lbs.  The reason there is a weight limit is that, even though users are using their own chairs, the more someone weighs, the more pressure they place on the pedal shaft.

What is the warranty and return policy?

Both Scoop® and TheraScoop® come with a 1 year warranty. We also have an option to upgrade to an extended 3 year warranty. Regarding return policy, you may use the lateral trainer for up to 60 days and if you don't love it you may return it for a refund of the purchase price, less a restocking fee of $19.99.  To start the return process, please contact service@scoopfit.com to receive a return authorization first. The customer is responsible for return shipping.  

Can I use insurance to pay for my machine?

Some of our customers have gotten reimbursed by their insurance companies with a letter from their doctors. However, the most common way that people use insurance to help pay for these products is by using their ‘wellness allowance.’ Many insurance companies or Medicare supplemental policies have an allowance you can use each year to purchase fitness or therapeutic products; it varies by policy. Generally, there is a form you fill out and then submit to your insurance company together with your purchase receipt.

What are the product dimensions?

Scoop® is 16 inches, x 19 inches wide x 18 inches deep at its widest point. TheraScoop ®  is 13.5” tall x 23.25” wide x 24” deep at its widest point.

Do either taxes or duties apply to international purchases?

Yes, if you are out of the United States and Canada you may have to pay tax/duty. Customers are responsible for any additional customs fees or VAT.

Do you ship to Alaska and Hawaii?

Yes, it is currently $29.99 (previously $49.99) to ship to AK and HI.