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For the average person working out to stay in good shape and healthy isn’t the easiest thing to do. Gym memberships are expensive, and you don’t always have time, or motivation, to actually use the membership. This is especially true in 2020.

The alternative is to buy yourself some home gym equipment. The problem is the equipment is way more expensive than the membership, and it usually takes up a lot of room.

If you are confined by space or budget, you should look into a mini Stepper. A small piece of gym equipment that doesn’t cost much, doesn’t take up much room, and can easily be store away.

A mini stepper is also great for exercising at your desk while working (a great way to kill two birds with one stone). So if you’re one of the many employees currently working out of your home office, this can be a great way to get some exercise in during a busy workday.

Our Top Pick in 2020

The Best Mini Steppers Compared

What are mini steppers?

Mini steppers are exactly what they sound like. Think of an elliptical machine but in the size of a pedal exerciser that you can put under a desk, chair, or sofa.

These machines use two pedals that move up and down in a “stepping” motion (with resistance).

Some mini steppers do come with handles for balance, but most of them just come with resistance bands so you can optionally work out your arms while exercising.

Benefits

Mini steppers are great for getting in a cardio workout without the hard impacts of running on a road or treadmill. The “stepping” motion helps with blood circulation and puts your heart and lungs to work to help improve your cardiovascular health. The more you use your stepper, the more you increase your endurance.

They also do great things for toning up your leg muscles too. Mini stepper machines can help tone thighs, glutes, hips, and calves.

If you have a job that requires you to sit or stand at a desk for most of the day, a mini stepper can improve your health by staying active during the day. A researcher at the Mayo Clinic has pointed out that even the smallest movements are better than just sitting. You can just use it under your desk to help burn calories.

For every hour you use the mini stepper you can burn around roughly 100 calories. You can burn even more if you get a standing workstation and use the stepper while standing up.

Who can use mini steppers?

Mini steppers are great for those that aren’t already committed to an intense fitness routine or need something to supplement their workouts sometimes.

A mini stepper is also great for those that are busy and can’t seem to find time to dedicate solely to a workout. They can be used under desks, or at stand up workstations while you work.

If you have problems with balance or just can’t stand for longer periods of time you can still get a light workout. These machines are small and can be moved around so you can use them anywhere you need to, including a chair.

Now, if these things aren’t your problem, you don’t want to use a gym, but at the same time don’t have the room, or budget, for a full-blown machine, a mini stepper is a great option.

They are small, so even when you are using it, you won’t necessarily need an entire room just for your stepper. Plus, their size also means you can move it to whichever room you need it. Whether you are using it or just storing it away.

How effective are they?

Like many things, the effectiveness of a mini stepper all depends on what you’re starting out with, what your goal is, and how you choose to use it.

They are effective in lessening the negative impact of sitting at a desk all day long by getting you up and moving or just moving in general. 

When you use a mini stepper at a good speed and with more resistance then you will see some improvement, especially if you are just now starting out in committing to a fitness regime.

Regular and proper use of a mini stepper will, over time, actually increase your bone mass and your health in general.

Mini Stepper Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to buying a mini stepper, there are a few things you need to know. Remember, not every stepper is made equal.

Types of Steppers

One thing you may not know is that there are actually different types of mini steppers.

First, you have the more traditional machines that are also the most popular. They work by requiring you to push the steps down while in a climbing position. This helps with more calorie burning.

Then, you have the twist stepper that comes with a pedal twist. This twisting will help you tone and strengthen your core muscles by using pivoting pedals that twist your hips as they move.

Now, we get to the elliptical mini stepper. The elliptical mini stepper uses a horizontal oval movement that really works out your legs and thighs.

Resistance

One of the first things you need to look for when reviewing a mini stepper is its resistance and whether it is adjustable or not. Without this adjustability you can’t set the machine in a way that optimizes your workouts to reach your fitness goals.

Pedals

Though it may seem like an obvious feature, you will actually need to pay attention to the movement that the pedals on a machine use. Some machines simply go up and down, while others use a twisting motion.

These different types of movement will affect different parts of your body. Some will focus on the legs and cardio and some will focus on your core muscles.

You also want to make sure the pedals are comfortable on your feet. If your feet start hurting as soon as you start exercising you likely won’t be using the mini stepper much at all.

Your Weight

How much you weigh is a big factor. Cheaper mini steppers tend to come with smaller weight capacities. Most affordable steppers support a weight up to 250lbs (some go higher than that).

The more expensive and higher end steppers tend to be able to support larger amounts of weight.

Warranty

Another thing that could affect which stepper you choose is whether or not it comes with a warranty. One stepper may have a better price but if it doesn’t come with a warranty and it breaks or doesn’t work, you are better off going paying the extra money for the warranty.

Reviews of Our Favorite Mini Steppers

Now we are going to look at some of the machines available to help narrow down your choice.

The mini stepper that comes with resistance bands from Sunny Health & Fitness is a top choice. With the inclusion of the resistance bands, this mini stepper offers a lower body, core, and upper body workout.

Plus, you get a good, versatile piece of equipment at very fair price as far as gym or exercise equipment goes.

This machine uses an up and down stepping motion, and its resistance level is adjustable. This means you can customize your workout to fit your personal needs and preferences.

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Another top choice that comes from the Sunny Health & Fitness company is its twist stepper.

Unlike their mini stepper mentioned above, the twist stepper pedals move, not just up and down, but also at an angle, or in a side to side type of motion.

This angled movement will help you work your muscles for better toning and sculpting and get you in a cardio workout for better heart and vascular health.

The duality of this machine is great for those just starting out in improving their fitness or for those that want to add a little more to their routine.

The handlebars on the twist stepper are adjustable so you can find the perfect fit.

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One of the most notable things about the Fitness Stepper from Efitment is that it comes already assembled. This means you can start working out as soon as you get it out of the box!

Efitment designed their machine with a hydraulic system that ensures a quiet workout, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing anybody while you get your fitness on.

It comes with a digital monitor that helps keep track of calories your burning, how many steps you take, and how long you have been working out.

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