The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a day, five days a week, to maintain a healthy body. If joining a gym or investing in a large piece of home equipment does not suit you, a mini-stepper is an inexpensive option. The equipment essentially is a set of foot plates attached to a metal frame. Resistance ropes create tension as you mimic the movement of climbing stairs. Mini-steppers are marketed by fitness icons such as Denise Austin and Tony Little and well-known companies such as Brookstone.
Convenient
Mini-steppers offer convenience and portability. They can be carried from room to room in a home, and even when you travel. If you have a schedule that does not permit regular gym visits, a mini-stepper is easy to pull out any time for short bursts of cardio exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine notes in its physical-activity guidelines that even 10-minute bouts of cardio work count toward creating better health.
Easy Storage
Most mini-steppers fold easily and slide into a closet or under a bed. Many larger pieces of equipment, such as a full-sized stair-climber, need 25 to 30 square feet of space, notes the American Council on Exercise.
Inexpensive
Mini-steppers are much less expensive than other pieces of stationary cardio equipment. Good treadmills and elliptical machines might cost more than $500 as of 2010, but you can purchase a good mini-stepper for less than $100.
Multi-Function
Some mini-steppers feature more than just the foot pedals. They come equipped with arm poles--like those on elliptical trainers--that you can move back and forth to increase the intensity of your workout. Others, such as the one made by Impex, have attached twisting boards, allowing for additional waist and core exercises.
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