Mini Stepper Benefits
When it comes to a mini stepper, there are several reasons it’s getting a lot of hype. From convenience to health benefits, here are some pros to adding a mini stepper to your routine.
Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of a mini stepper is that it is convenient and accessible. This equipment is compact and pretty lightweight, and it comes in at a fraction of the cost of a full-sized stair stepper or other big machines, like treadmills or ellipticals.
Movement
We could also use a little more movement in our days, whether that’s dancing in the kitchen or hopping on the mini stepper while you watch an episode of your favorite show. Because the mini stepper is easy to stash away and pull out on a whim, it’s a great way to incorporate short bursts of movement throughout the day.
“They can be incredibly handy for those who sit at a desk all day and just need to get their legs moving a bit. Mini steppers are easy to slide under a desk, and you can literally step your way through a conference call. It won't replace a full workout, but it's a nice way to keep moving,” said Mike Julom, an ACE-certified personal trainer and founder of ThisIsWhyImFit.com.
Lower Body Strength
If you want to build strong legs, a mini stepper can help. While experts recommend incorporating a variety of different types of movement each week, a mini stepper mainly focuses on the lower body to build strength.
If you want to build strong legs, a mini stepper can help. While experts recommend incorporating a variety of different types of movement each week, a mini stepper mainly focuses on the lower body to build strength.
“Mini steppers primarily target your leg muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. Using these muscles can improve lower body strength and muscle endurance,” explained Michael Hamlin, NSCA, CSCS, a personal trainer and founder of Everflex Fitness.
Cardiovascular Exercise
Mini stepper workouts aren’t just great for building lower body strength. The repetitive movement can also get the heart rate up, boosting your cardiovascular fitness.
“Mini steppers can provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout,” Hamlin told Dailybreak. “They mimic the motion of climbing stairs, engaging your leg muscles and increasing your heart rate. If your goal is to improve cardiovascular fitness, a mini stepper can be a helpful tool, especially if you're unable to engage in higher-impact activities due to joint issues.”
Low-Impact
Using a mini stepper is considered a low-impact activity, so it can be a beneficial exercise for people with joint sensitivities or other injuries.
“Mini steppers offer a low-impact exercise option, making them suitable for individuals with joint concerns or those recovering from injuries,” said Adam Cardona, owner of Elite Healers Sports Massage. “The controlled stepping motion minimizes stress on the joints while still providing an effective workout.”
Mini Stepper Drawbacks
While a mini stepper can be a great way to incorporate more movement into your day, it does come with some limitations. From balance concerns to limited muscle engagement, here are some concerns experts have over this trendy exercise.
Restricted Movement
The mini stepper is primarily working the lower body in a repetitive way, so it’s better to incorporate it into a wider fitness plan that engages a variety of different muscles throughout the week.
“Mini steppers mainly focus on the lower body muscles. As such, they may not provide a comprehensive full-body workout. It's essential to complement mini-stepper exercises with upper-body exercises for balanced strength and growth,” Cardona advised.
Balance
It might look easy online, but it does take some focus and core engagement to keep your balance on a mini stepper machine. Because these machines typically lack handles, balancing while stepping can be tricky. Be sure to warm up properly before starting to help with your balance, or consider finding a model that includes a handle to keep yourself steady during the workout.
It might look easy online, but it does take some focus and core engagement to keep your balance on a mini stepper machine. Because these machines typically lack handles, balancing while stepping can be tricky. Be sure to warm up properly before starting to help with your balance, or consider finding a model that includes a handle to keep yourself steady during the workout.
Repetitive
The repetitive motion can be attractive to some users, who want to step, step, step while taking calls or watching TV. But for others, mini steppers can feel more like a chore.
“Some people might find the repetitive nature of the stepping motion boring over time, which can lead to a lack of use,” Hamlin said. “In addition, this very small simple movement is exactly that (small and simple). The body needs a lot more than just little baby steps for exercise and if that is your only workout throughout the week, it's likely that you aren't doing everything to keep your joints healthy.”
Machine Quality
Before you purchase a mini stepper for your home, make sure to compare multiple models and read reviews to find a higher quality option. Cheaper machinery may compromise on quality, which can impact your workout and may increase risk of injury.
“Another thing to note is that not all mini steppers are created equal,” Julom warned. “Some of the cheaper models can be a bit wobbly, and the resistance might not be as consistent. This is something that's very noticeable if you've ever used a high-quality stepper at the gym and then tried one of the budget-friendly home models.”
The Verdict
Ultimately, a mini stepper might not be right for everyone. People with balance issues may find it difficult to use this equipment, and the repetitive motion can be boring for some users.
However, a mini stepper can offer a good workout in addition to other forms of exercise throughout the week. It’s small and portable, convenient for people with limited space, and you can watch TV or listen to podcasts to make it more exciting.
If you do decide to use a mini stepper, be sure to warm up properly, and invest in a higher quality product to minimize injury risks.