Mini steppers are the economy cars of cardio equipment. While high-end models may cost as much as $200, as of May 2010 you can purchase a fully functional mini stepper for under $20. While these no-frills machines offer next to nothing in terms of special features or exercise programs, they're still effective enough to help you meet the American College of Sports Medicine's exercise recommendations.
Muscles Worked
Most mini steppers work your quads, hamstrings and glutes, although the limited range of motion means mini steppers provide a less-than-optimal workout for these muscles. Some mini steppers also come with resistance bands or cables that attach to the base unit, letting you get a limited upper body workout as you're using the stepper.
Aerobic Exercise
Even though mini steppers use a less-than-full range of motion, they get the large muscles of your lower body moving rhythmically, and thus qualify as aerobic or cardiovascular exercise. Just a few of the benefits of regular aerobic exercise, as listed by the Mayo Clinic, include a stronger heart, clear arteries, improved mood and a longer, healthier, more independent life.
Short Bouts
Mini steppers are ideal for doing short, intense bouts of exercise, helping you meet the American College of Sports Medicine's recommendation that healthy adults under age 65 should do 30 minutes of moderately intense cardio a day, five days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous cardio, three days a week. The ACSM recommends doing several 10-minute bouts daily if you can't do an entire 20- or 30-minute session at once, since the shorter bouts will accumulate to provide the same benefits as a single long exercise session.
Calories Burned
According to Harvard Health Publications, a general stepper workout can burn up to 266 calories in half an hour if you weigh 185 lbs. That works out to about 6.5 hours of exercise on a mini stepper to burn off 3,500 calories, the equivalent of 1 lb. of fat.
Easy Storage
One of the mini stepper's biggest selling points is its size. Because mini steppers are so small they store much more easily, in much smaller places, than even the tiniest of ultra-compact treadmills.
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