Mini steppers are all very similar, but they do come with a few different features. Mini steppers should not be confused with pedal exercisers that are the same size but work more like mini exercise bikes. These machines are like miniaturized stair steppers that can fit in your living room, slide under a bed, sit under your desk or basically fit anywhere for easy access when you want to use it and then be easily banished when not needed. Try hiding a stair stepper under your couch. Mini steppers have the most important part of a stair stepper, the foot pedals. Don't expect a complicated console or heavy-duty construction, though.
Console
Some mini steppers have consoles. These consoles are battery operated and much smaller than stair steppers. The consoles only keep track of information; they do not adjust resistance levels. The console on a NordicTrack mini stepper shows only the number of steps you've taken and the time you've spent exercising. Some mini steppers only record the duration of your exercise session. A console on a more advanced stepper, though, like the iGym Twist Stepper with Handle, will count not only your steps and time, but also give you an estimate of calories burned and the number of steps per minute.
Handle
Another feature that some mini steppers have is a handle. The handle takes the place of the stationary handlebars on a stairstepper. The handle gives you something to hold onto so you don't lose your balance, though it is not necessary. The handle does make the stepper less portable, though.
Flexbands
Flexbands are exercise bands that come with some mini steppers such as the Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stepper. The flexbands connect to the front of the mini steppers so that when you pull on the flexbands you'll have resistance to work your muscles. Exercises you can do include biceps curls, upright rows and shoulder presses. These flexbands can be used during workouts on the pedals or on their own. You can use dumbbells to do resistance training exercises on mini steppers that do not have flexbands.
Price
Mini steppers range in price from about $20 to $100. You can get one for around $20, such as the Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stepper without bands. You'll spend a little more for a model with flexbands. There are medium-range mini steppers for around $40. Larger mini steppers with handles cost more. As of 2010, you can get a Hers MS 93 Stepper with Handle for $86, a Sunny Twist Stepper with Handle Bar for $92 or a Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper for $100.
Size
The steppers with no accessories are small and easily carried. Steppers with bands are also easy to carry around because you can unhook the bands and wrap them up. Handles are harder to deal with, but some mini steppers can fold up for easy storage.
References
- Nordic Track Mini Stepper Assembly Manual; ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.; 1999
- Stamina In Motion Pedal Exerciser Owner's Manual; Stamina Products, Inc.; 2010
- iGym Twist Stepper with Handle Owner's Manual; Nuquest International Inc.
- Weider Mini Stepper 28ST User's Manual; ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.; 1998
Member Comments