Best Mini Steppers for Cardio Workouts

Review & Comparison, Last Update September 20, 2024
The benefits of using a stepper are endless. It can simulate stair climbing exercise to help you burn calories, strengthen your legs, tone your muscles, improve cardiovascular health and build up stamina. However, only with a mini stepper, you can exercise where you want and how you want. Reading a book? Working at your office desk? Give your legs a brief exercise session! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Weight Capacity
Features
Construction
Dimensions
Warranty
 
PROS

The stepper is made of durable aluminum alloy, so it can withstand extremely heavy weights.

CONS

The silicon-based lube might leak out, so we recommend you to use a protective floor mat.

OUR VERDICT

The Xiser mini stepper is a premium piece of sports equipment that can be used both in a gym and at home. 

detailed parameters
Weight Capacity

400 lbs

Features

Adjustable resistance

Construction

Aircraft aluminum alloy pedals and frame

Dimensions

21" x 14" x 4.5"

Warranty

5 years

PROS

It offers an effective workout but doesn't put an extreme impact on your bones and joints.

CONS

This mini stepper can support up to 220 lbs only. 

OUR VERDICT

Simple and reliable, this stepper is an excellent choice for those who had an injury in the past.

detailed parameters
Weight Capacity

220 lbs

Features

LCD display, Adjustable resistance

Construction

Steel construction

Dimensions

17" х 16" х 11"

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This exercise machine comes with elastic bands that can work out your upper body as well.

CONS

It isn't very comfortable for rather short users. 

OUR VERDICT

If you are looking for an exercise machine to get a full-body workout, this twister stepper is the best choice.

detailed parameters
Weight Capacity

250 lbs

Features

LCD display, Resistance bands, Adjustable resistance

Construction

Steel construction

Dimensions

19.7" х 17.3" х 18.2" 

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The elliptical features a wide base for increased safety and stability. 

CONS

The built-in computer may become a bit inaccurate after a while. 

OUR VERDICT

This is one of the most comfortable steppers for home and office use. You can choose whether to train in a sitting or standing position.

detailed parameters
Weight Capacity

250 lbs

Features

LCD display, Adjustable resistance

Construction

Steel construction

Dimensions

24.5" х 17" х 11.4"

Warranty

1 year

PROS

It has a handlebar which can help you keep your balance as you work out.

CONS

Because of the handlebar, the stepper takes pretty much space even when unfolded.

OUR VERDICT

A sound choice for fitness beginners! It will help you work out your muscles, burn fat, and boost your endurance. 

detailed parameters
Weight Capacity

220 lbs

Features

LCD display, Resistance bands, Adjustable resistance

Construction

Steel construction

Dimensions

48" x 17" x 19"

Warranty

1 year

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Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster

Decent Build Quality

The Xiser Commercial Stepper is a truly amazing portable trainer. It’s produced from aircraft cast aluminum alloy and comes with an incredible lifetime warranty. We would like to point out that it has no welded components, meaning there is no weak point.

This stepper works using patented hydraulic cylinders. That is, when you push the pedal, the cylinder contracts, and when the weight goes to the other pedal - it's released. The hydraulic cylinders are connected by pipes filled with silicone fluid, therefore, even when you step as hard as you can, the machine works smoothly and quietly. No wonder, this powerful stepper can support cosmic weights up to 400 pounds. Despite all this, it weighs only 16 pounds and is easy to move around.

Review of Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster

Three Levels of Training

This stepper is a super strong and durable professional-grade trainer. It’s well built and can withstand years of regular use, so it’s a perfect choice for a commercial or home gym. Since the machine offers 3 modes (Walk, High Speed, Run), you can not only climb steps but also do lots of different things, even dance or simulate sprinting. A simple knob on the frame allows you to switch between these modes easily and smoothly. 

The stepper is very easy to put together. All you need to do is just attach two cables to the base and align the hydraulic pistons. No tools are required. So you can unpack the machine and start stepping straight away.

Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster in the use

Can It Aid in Weight Loss?

A big yes! This compact stepper is very effective in burning calories. However, if you want to achieve the best results, you should train regularly and the proper way. Of course, you can speed up your weight loss routine by sticking to a healthy diet. 

The  X-iser anaerobic trainer targets your muscles in the buttocks, calves, hips, and thighs. You can easily adjust the resistance for more workout options. This stepper allows you to perform spinning exercises as well as high-intensity interval training. This way, you can increase blood circulation and burn fatty deposits, making your skin smoother and tighter.

Detailed review of Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster

For More Effective Workouts

To make your training even more effective, you can combine exercises on a mini stepper with a kettlebell or dumbbell lifting.

Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster application

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $473.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B002KTLS96

 

Loctek FP1 Exercise

Excellent in All Respects

In search of a perfect stepper for home use, we couldn’t skip the FP1 model by Loсtek. It’s just excellent in all respects! For less than 70$, you can get an effective machine allowing you to burn 350 - 450 calories during 40 minutes. The stepper has adjustable resistance, so you can always challenge yourself more and consequently burn more calories, up to 600 - 700 calories during the same 40 minutes. Considering all this, the FP1 Exercise Mini Stepper Machine is a great choice for fitness newbies who want an elliptical trainer that will develop along with them.

Review of Loctek FP1 Exercise Stepper Mini

A Handy Display

The stepper is equipped with an LCD monitor that keeps track of your entire workout. It shows you useful information like calories burned, the number of overall steps you’ve taken, and the time you’ve spent on it. The digital screen is quite large and easy to read.

Loctek FP1 Exercise Stepper Mini in the use

For Maximum Benefit

This exercise machine will provide you with numerous health benefits. It offers a moderate workout helping you improve your cardiovascular fitness, tone your body, and lose weight. Exercising with this mini stepper activates the same muscles needed to climb stairs or walk, and as you know regular training sessions are extremely useful for those who want to keep fit. Moreover, the steppers are often recommended to people recovering from musculoskeletal disorders. 

The FP1 gives a low impact on your joints and bones, ensuring that your body won't experience jarring shocks. Note that the stepper is not designed for heavy use and is capable of supporting a weight of up to 220lbs only.

Detailed review of Loctek FP1 Exercise Stepper Mini

A Few Words about Convenience of Use

This elliptical trainer has a sturdy and stable base that takes little space, so you can stash it in any tight corner for storage.

Loctek FP1 Exercise Stepper Mini application

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B018ETEWS4

 

Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper

An Exclusive Stepper

This mini stepper from Sunny Health & Fitness is hugely popular among the users worldwide for a good reason. It can give you a great heart and leg workout and help you build a sexy body. The machine offers a twisting motion, meaning you can move side to side or up and down, just like on a full-size elliptical. This way, you will be able to target your leg muscles differently, tighten your thighs and glutes, and alter your whole workout. The stepper comes with the resistance bands so that you could perform an upper body workout as well. It features adjustable resistance, thus you can increase or decrease the intensity of your training. An excellent full-body exercise machine!

Review of Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper

Pros and Cons

This stair climbing machine is well-built, sturdy, and robust. It’s manufactured from heavy duty steel. The large footplates are very comfortable and come with a slip-resistant surface. 

The elliptical is equipped with a small meter display that shows your workout stats (scan, time, count, strides/min, calories) and lets you track your fitness progress. The screen is conveniently located and well readable. 

The stepper is quite light, compact, and silent, so it could easily find a home under your office desk or anywhere in the house. However, despite a large number of notable advantages, we’ve also noticed some disadvantages. It’s not very convenient for short users since its pedals might seem somewhat too large. Also, you should oil the machine from time to time, otherwise it’ll start to creak.

Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper in the use

How to Start Exercising

Our muscles are like rubber bands. In case we spend all day sitting at a desk, those rubber bands become extra tight. Needless to say, if we immediately start stepping at a rapid pace, our unstretched muscles might get pulled apart. To make your workouts safe and effective, it’s necessary to warm-up your muscles before training. You can do some stretching exercises or perform a few isolated movements to get your blood flowing. Yet, if you work at an office and don’t have an opportunity to do so, just step at a slower-than-normal pace during the first five minutes of your training session.
Detailed review of Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper

Weight Limits

The stepper can support a weight of up to 250 lbs, so almost everyone can pedal on it.

Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper application

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $89.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0016BUR7I

 

Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer

Comfortable At-home Workouts

Stride your way to a curvier body with the Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer! This compact elliptical can work wonders for your body while you’re watching TV, reading a book, sitting on your comfy couch, or working at your standing desk. This versatile stepper offers a forward or reverse motion, thus you can target different muscles. It provides low impact and smooth movement, so you can feel like you’re climbing a cloud. For that reason, it’s an awesome choice for those who can’t do heavy exercises or need to rehab. 

The elliptical is very simple to put together; the assembly will take you only a few minutes. It’s made of robust stainless steel that will stand the test of time. A pair of wide pedals is produced from durable plastic and has a grippy surface ensuring your feet won’t slip during intensive workouts.

Review of Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer

Functionality

Equipped with an LCD screen, the machine monitors the duration of your workout, the strides you take per minute/for the entire workout, and the number of calories you burn. By knowing this information, you can analyze your training sessions, increase the resistance level, and set new fitness goals. The tension knob is located directly below the screen, and you just need to rotate it in order to customize the resistance.

Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer in the use

Efficient Workouts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting at least 150-200 minutes of aerobic workouts weekly. For more health benefits, combine stepper exercising with walking, running or swimming. It would be also great if you add strength-training that work all major muscle groups to your fitness routine.

At first, start with moderate 15- to 20-minute sessions, and increase the duration as you become stronger. You can even perform multiple sessions during one day. Professionals recommend you to control your heart rate (you can track it with a pulse oximeter) during your workouts. Of course, aerobic exercise elevates your heart rate, thereby increasing your stamina and strengthening your heart. However, once you exceed your maximum recommended heart rate, you should immediately stop and have a break. Your body will recover in a few minutes, and then you can continue the exercise, but at a slower pace.

Detailed review of Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer

Stylish Design

This elliptical machine is manufactured from sleek steel and durable plastic. It looks amazing, and the great news is that you can choose from classic black, lime green, and bright orange options.

Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer application

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00AQ7ZNEA

 

Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper with Handle Bar

For Fitness Newbies

It's not a secret that novice athletes often experience some problems with their sense of balance when they start their stepping routine. Actually, you can easily lose your balance as you shift your weight from one foot to the other. For this reason, Sunny Health & Fitness company has released this supportive twister stepper. It's fitted with a handlebar to help you maintain your balance as you work out. The handlebar is fully adjustable and can be tuned to anyone, regardless of their height. As for the footplates, they are comfortable, large, and sturdy, so they fit people of various foot sizes and shapes. Moreover, the pedals can slightly twist sideways to help you tone your thighs and buttocks. The stepper provides low-impact workouts and is very gentle on your bones and joints. 

The elliptical has one more notable advantage - a large LCD display located right on the handlebar (it will always be before your eyes as you stride). The display provides accurate data on workout duration, calories burned, and total steps taken. Due to this feedback, you can track your progress and set new challenging goals.

Review of Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper with Handle Bar

Heavy-duty Design

The stepper is rated for 250 pounds, it’s very durable and stable since it’s produced from sturdy steel. Yet, the machine is quite light and takes a little space; it’s also pretty easy to move around. Although the handlebar can be removed for storage, you won’t be able to tuck it under your table. The best option would be to keep the machine in a closet.

Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper with Handle Bar in the use

Useful Tips

We would like to get across how to train effectively and safely.

First of all, it’s not recommended to install the exercise machines in rooms with excessively bright artificial lighting. It’s better to train in a slightly illuminated and well-ventilated room.

It's necessary to keep correct posture during your workouts. Your feet must be completely parallel to each other. You should keep your head straight and your shoulders back. Also, don’t put too much pressure on handrails, otherwise your training session won’t be very effective.

And of course, watch what you eat before and after workouts. Finish your meals at least one hour before exercising. Professionals suggest eating carbohydrates - they can boost your performance and allow you to work out longer. Within 30 minutes after exercising, it's a good idea to fuel your body with protein-rich food because it can help your muscles recover and grow.

Detailed review of Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper with Handle Bar

Comfortable Footplates

The pedals come with a non-slip surface to make your workouts safer and more comfortable.

Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper with Handle Bar application

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $85.51
Stock In stock
ASIN B001IDZHF6

 

What is a Mini Stepper

If you want to get your body active, you don’t need to head to the nearest gym anymore! Elliptical machines, treadmills, bike trainers can provide you with effective workouts in the comfort of your own home. You can use these training machines when you are watching TV or listening to music, but only a mini stepper allows you to exercise your legs and work with minimal interruption to the activity you are focusing on. It’s a compact piece of exercise equipment that can be used almost anywhere. It simulates stair climbing exercise, targeting muscles in your buttocks, hips, calves, and thighs. A mini stepper is also a great way to get aerobic exercise, improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, increase endurance, and improve your sense of a general well-being. The stepper usually consists of two pedals that move up and down. The machine is very compact, lightweight, and can be easily moved around or tucked away under your bed or office desk. To help you narrow your choices, we have selected the best steppers available on the market. This piece of sports equipment will surely help you become healthier!

What Features to Compare

Weight Capacity

First, you should consider the weight capacity of a mini stepper to make sure that it can accommodate your weight. Typically, most steppers can support up to 250 lbs. However, there are some models with a higher weight limit. They won’t tip and can withstand extremely heavy weights.

Comfort

Also, when choosing a mini stair stepper, you need to pay attention to the pedals. Large pedals with a non-slip surface will keep your feet secure and stable. If you want to track your progress and stay motivated, we recommend you to choose the stepper with a display. It can show you the number of steps you’ve taken, the speed you’re going, how long you’ve been using the machine, and the number of calories you’ve burned. A versatile mini stepper may also offer a handy set of resistance bands allowing you to conduct a range of upper body exercises. If you want to achieve a great toning effect on your thighs and buttocks, choose the model with a twist action feature.

Construction

Durable mini steppers are made of heavy-duty alloys or steel. Of course, almost all models have plastic parts, yet make sure that the frame is constructed of metal.

FAQ:

Q: What are the benefits of a mini stepper?

A: It’s a well-known fact that people who perform cardio exercises tend to live longer. And a stepper does provide you with a great aerobic workout that can improve your cardiovascular health, boost your immune system, and build up your stamina. Better yet, a mini stepper is small and light, so you can bring it to your office or anywhere else you'd like to have a brief exercise session. A mind-boggling fact is that using a stepper for two hours a day rather than simply sitting or standing at your desk will help you lose more than 40 pounds in a year. Aside from effective calorie burning, a mini stepper tone your leg muscles, and although it doesn't provide the same toning effect as larger machines, it offers a lower resistance and is much more gentle on your joints. Moreover, some models boast a twist action feature reducing the pressure on your knees.

Q: What body parts does a mini stepper target?

A: Mini steppers mainly target leg muscles, but there are some models with elastic bands that can also work out your upper body. 

Q: How many calories can I burn on a mini stepper?

A: According to the Health Status calorie calculator, a 150-pound person burns about 500 calories after one hour of exercising on a mini stair stepper. Wearing a weighted vest or wrist/ankle weights while stepping can increase the intensity of your workouts and help you burn even more calories.

Q: Can a mini stepper provide a good workout?

A: Yes! Using the mini stepper while sitting can help you train your calves and quadriceps, but if you want to work your glutes as well, you should exercise standing. To make the best of your workouts, you need to do an interval training and gradually increase the resistance. Note that fitness instructors recommend a minimum of an hour a day exercise.

Q: How to tone thighs using a mini stepper?

A: To tone your thighs, exercise at a slow pace for the first five minutes. Start with 15- to 20- minute sessions at first because overtraining might lead to injuries. Also, give 24 hours’ rest and recovery time between your workouts. As you become stronger, increase the duration and the resistance to make the stepper more challenging. You can vary the resistance throughout your training to keep your muscles guessing. Mind that pressing the pedals to their fullest extension will trigger your quadriceps and hamstrings, not thighs.

Sources:

1. Using Your Exercise Stepper at Home, FITDAY.

2. Jesica Salyer Treadmills vs. Steppers, Hearst.

3. Nina K. Do Mini Steppers Give a Good Workout? Hearst.

4. Rebecca Jones What Muscles Does the Mini Stepper Tone? The Nest.

5. Nicole Vulcan How to Use a Mini Stepper to Tone Thighs The Nest.

6. Linda Kaban Leg Muscle Warm Up Exercises, LIVESTRONG. September 23, 2015.

7. Frank Yemi Can a Mini Stepper Help With Weight Loss? LIVESTRONG. June 29, 2015.

8. Stan Mack What Are the Effects of a Stair Stepper Machine? Chron.

9. Beth Rifkin How to Use a Mini Stepper to Tone Thighs, Chron.

10. Aerobic exercise: Top 10 reasons to get physical, Mayo Clinic.

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Publish Date: 2017-05-18 09:35:18