Mini Stair Stepper - Fitness Exerciser

The mini stair stepper exercise machine has become a popular fitness exercise equipment product over the last few years.

You have probably seen them advertised on TV as they are quite heavily advertised. They have also grown in popularity with their association with famous celebrities who have endorsed their name with the product for example, you may be familiar with the Denise Austin mini stepper that has been promoted quite extensively.

The mini stair stepper or the mini aerobic stepper as it can also called is a good option for the person who wants to keep fit but does not want to spend a lot of money on fitness equipment. Currently you can buy an exercise mini stepper for around $80 and $100 although, with the better quality brands you would expect to pay more.

Compact Design Saves Space

As well as being less expensive compared to other exercise equipment mini stair steppers have also the added benefit of being and compact in design and the folding stepper models are suitable for people who have limited living space like a small apartment. They are also light in weight compared to other fitness & sports products which means they are very portable which is convenient and practical if you travel frequently.

The mini stair stepper will most commonly be made of a flat steel base frame that sits level on the floor. Attached to the frame are two hydraulic foot pedals or foot plates that you place your feet into. Because of their compact size they do not have handle bars to keep you balanced as you perform your workout. Certain models will include resistance bands that are attached to the base of the mini stepper.

Suitable For The Casual Exerciser

As a home gym exercise equipment the mini stair stepper is most suitable for the casual exerciser rather than someone who wants to do a more intensive workout on a regular basis. Compared to an elliptical trainer or exercise bikes they are limited in the options to adjust their resistance levels which also limits the intensity of the body work out you can get out of it. If your aim for example, is to loose weight and increase your stamina levels then, you will not effectively achieve it with a stepper. However, they do provide a low impact aerobic workout that can help tone the lower body and in particular the thighs, calves and leg muscles.

Because they have no handle bars it is very doubtful that it provides any suitable way to provide the upper body with a workout. There are certain products that provide a cardio aerobic twisting and rocking system however, it is questionable how intense an aerobic workout you would get out of it. Therefore, if you want an exercise machine to provide you with a more intense workouts then, you may want to consider treadmills or elliptical trainers.

Criticisms

Certain mini stair stepper reviews have stated that people have complained of the flimsy construction of certain products and they have the tendency to break down. Although no specific brand names were mentioned it is hard to determine if this is an accurate representational of all models on the market. There were also criticisms about the adjustable resistance level options being limited and also difficult to adjust as people had to bend down towards the pedal to make adjustments while trying to stay balanced.

For more resistance options you may have to look at an elliptical trainer, as the stride action also provides a more intense workout. You can also program in a range of training schedules through a digital electronic console and monitor your heart rate count and the elapsed time of your workout.

Verdict

To conclude the mini stepper exercise machine is more of a fun home fitness machine that is suitable for the casual exerciser who wants to tone and strengthen their lower body with a cardio stair stepper exercise. Although lacking in features its convenient size makes it easy and portable to use in the comfort and privacy of the home or even the office. If you decide to buy one check that the product has a good warranty and with a mini stepper video included in the deal.

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