Gaiam Mini Stepper With Resistance Chords

The Gaiam Mini stepper is a popular personal exercise machine claims to help tone your thighs and strengthen your calves.

It is a development based on the common stepper machine that has been hugely successfully and is commonly found in gyms and health clubs throughout the world.

Gaiam who produce the mini stepper are a fitness lifestyle company whose philosophy is to provide their customers with alternative products to the mainstream by providing natural and sustainable fitness equipment that are eco-friendly and compare with the quality and price of conventional products on the market. Interestingly Gaiam originates from the Minoan word Gai which means Mother Earth, the Minoans where ancient civilisation that lived in Crete. The iam is to signify that we are all connected with the natural elements of earth, water, air that help to sustain us.

Anyway, lets get on with finding out about the Gaim Mini Stepper. From their product description Gaiam tell us that their mini stepper is a 2 in 1 workout system that enables you to burn calories and increase your endurance and at the same time you can make your muscles stronger and increase endurance. The step action also helps to tone the lower body muscle groups that include the thighs, calves and hips. The stepper product includes rubber resistance chords that exercise the upper body. By pulling on the chords the resistance helps to tone your arms. 

The Gaiam exercise mini stepper is a low impact machine that will not put pressure on the joints if used correctly. The product is has a compact size that is light in weight making it a very portable mini stepper that can be stored away easily when not in use or convenient to carry when you travel. Also, it is very convenient for the office as it would not take up too much room. You could do your strength training workout before lunch and slide it under the desk when you've done.

The frame of the exerciser stepper has rubber feet which helps to reduce slipping on a smooth surface. Built onto the frame are two hydraulic foot pedals where you put your feet to begin the stepping motion. These are also rubber coated to reduce slipping. The Gaiam mini stepper  also has a small basic computer that will record the rate of steps you have made as well as a the minutes elapsed during your workout. There also a manual adjustable knob you can use to either increase or decrease the resistance levels. This is obviously placed close to the foot pedals which people may find inconvenient because you would have to stop your workout to bend down and change the knob or else you would lose your balance.

At Amazon the Gaiam mini stepper has had only 7 reviews at the time of writing and they have been mixed giving it a total of only 2.5 stars which, is quite low. The main negative concerns the cables that connect to the foot pedals to enable the stepping motion. A few customers have found the cables either wear away very quickly or snap completely after only a few months use. Although most of the the reviews were 3 or 4 years old. Reviewers did mention that Gaiam provide a good quality service.

Overall this is a very inexpensive mini stepper exercise machine that will not give you the same workout as an elliptical machine. The pros is that it is lightweight and compact and is most suited for the casual home workout. I very much doubt this or any mini stepper will give you a good cardio workout or burn fat but it can help to tone your thighs and improve leg muscle strength. It comes with a bonus cd or the Gaiam mini stepper video which got a higher rating than the actual product . As with any exercise machine read instructions carefully and consult your doctor first.

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