When it comes to getting in shape, three of the most important considerations, are convenience, cost and portability.
Those three criteria make the mini stepper an effective fat burning cardio machine.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a lower priced, more portable and convenient cardio burner than a home stepper machine. In this article, we review the 6 best mini steppers on the UK market today. We’ll also provide a mini stepper buyer’s guide as well as answering your most pressing mini stepper questions.
Mini Steppers UK Buyer’s Guide
For a long time, the mini stepper market was dominated by low entry and low quality products. In recent years, that quality has improved, but you still have to be careful that you don’t end up with a dud. Here are the six most important things to look out for when you go shopping for your next mini stepper:
Durability – your stepper has to handle the full effect of your body weight over an extended period of time every time you use it. That means that it has to be tough. You’ll find that many mini steppers have a frame that is made from sturdy plastic material. This is okay, but the best frame construction is aluminum or another type of steel. The internal mechanism of the stepper, including the hydraulic system, should run smoothly and quietly.
Compactness – a major benefit of a mini stepper is that it is completely portable, allowing you to take it with you when you travel. You don’t want it to be bulky and it should have a handle so that you can carry it with one hand. Pay special attention to the stepper height, especially if you are planning to use it as an under desk stepper. Ensuring that the step height is 30 cm or less will generally allow you to exercise without banging your knees on the bottom of your desktop.
Quietness – many people enjoy using the mini stepper while they are watching TV or when they are working at their office desk. The last thing you want in these situations is for every step to produce a squeaking noise. Check to make sure that the stepper you are looking at does not produce a noticeable ‘sssshh’ with every action.
Monitor – unless you’re mini stepper comes with support arms, the monitor will be built into the base of the unit. That will require you to look quite some distance down to read your training data. As a result, the monitor screen and LCD digits need to be large enough to be easily seen. You should expect your mini stepper to provide you with running readouts of your distance, step count, calories consumed and time.
Resistance – your money stepper should allow you to adjust the resistance level, or tension, of the stepping motion. Cheaper units will often produce an unnatural, jerky stepping motion and a less than fluid transition between tension levels. Check the reviews to make sure that the stepping motion is smooth and the tension adjustment jerk free.
Extra Features – many steppers come with detachable resistance bands so that you can get in a resistance workout as you are burning calories. Others have detachable side arms to provide you with support when stepping. You can also purchase many steppers that allow you to step in a twisting motion to more directly work the size of your waist. You can also get some mini steppers with remote control units so that you don’t have to bend down to the stepper to adjust the tension.
Reviews
1. SportPlus 2 in 1 Dual Exercise Stepper
The SportPlus 2 in 1 Dual Exercise Stepper provides you with a dual stepping action with the flip of a switch. You can instantly go from a traditional up and down step to a side to side step. This provides variety and a unique way to work all of the muscles of your lower body.
The max user weight on this stepper is 100kg. This is a very compact machine which is lightweight and portable. Wear free hydraulic cylinders are fitted on this machine to deliver a smooth and dynamic movement sequence. A centrally located monitor provides you with a large digit readout of your essential training data, including steps, stride frequency, time and calorie consumption. The large, non slip textured foot pads measure 13 x 32 cm.
The SportPlus 2 in 1 Dual Exercise Stepper is the most functional, high spec and streamlined mini stepper that we came across, providing a smooth, effective workout at a great price.
- Dual action
- Max user weight: 100 kg
- Wear free hydraulic cylinders
- Large, non slip textured foot pads
- Lghtweight
2. Ultrasport Up-Down Stepper
The Ultrasport Up-Down Stepper is a simple yet very functional up/down stepper. It features hydraulic cylinders to provide a smooth up / down action. The oversized, non-slip foot plates provide you with a secure foot hold. This stepper is made from a robust metal frame that, while lightweight, is able to take a lot of punishment.
The monitor on the Ultrasport Stepper is centrally located on the base of the mini stepper. It provides you with a running readout of your training time, step count per minute, scan and calories burned. The max user weight for this mini stepper is 100 kg, while the maximum stepping height is 30 cm.
- Up/down stepping motion
- Centrally located monitor
- Large, non slip foot plates
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Max user weight: 100 kg
3. Mirafit Low Impact Aerobic Mini Stepper
No products found.The Mirafit Low Impact Aerobic Mini Stepper is a well built, compact machine that delivers a smooth, jerk free stepping action. Mirafit are an established manufacturer with a reputation for quality equipment and good after sales service. This is one of the most popular offerings online for people looking for a simple, effective at home cardio workout.
Anti skid pads provide you with a very secure base to work from and the frame is hard wearing and durable. The max user weight on this mini stepper machine is 100 kg. The monitor provides all of the training diagnostics that you need to accurately monitor your workout.
No products found.
4. Body Scuplture Lateral Twist Stepper
The Body Scuplture Lateral Twist Stepper is a very well designed mini stepper that provides a twist and shape stepper motion. This allows you to more directly target the muscles of your glutes, hamstrings and quads while stepping. It also more fully engages the core, especially the obliques and intercostals.
The Body Scuplture Lateral Twist Stepper also comes with a pair of detachable resistance bands. This allows you to work the muscles of your upper body while you are stepping on the machine. You will also burn more calories while using the bands. This is a compact unit with a secure base and a centrally located monitor.
- Twist Step Motion
- Resistance Bands
- Secure
- Centrally located monitor
- Steel frame
5. Sunny Health & Fitness Twist-In Stepper Step Machine with Handles
Sunny Health & Fitness Twist-In Stepper is a unique design from the others on this list, in that it features an upright handlebar, almost like an exercise bike. This is great for more elderly users that might have balance problems, or if you’re recovering from injury and need extra support.
It also features an “inward” stepping motion, which is unique to the regular up-down stepping motion. This promotes working of those especially hard to reach areas usually neglected with basic walking and stair climbing.
It’s durable, steel frame construction provides you with a very secure base to work from. The large foot pedals and hydraulic pistons allow you to seamlessly transition from short to long steps. The only downside with this machine is it’s not as easy to slip under a bed or cabinet, but it’s still reasonably compact.
- Inward stepping motion
- LCD monitor
- Up to 500 calories burned in one session
- Adjustable handlebar
6. ANCHEER Swing Stepper
The ANCHEER Swing Stepper was remodeled in 2018 to provide a more ergonomic, joint friendly and compact design. The twist stepping motion allows you to work deep into the muscles of your quads, hips and glutes while also targeting the core. The smooth and quiet design of this stepper makes it ideal for use in rooms where there are other people.
The LED dislay on this mini stepper is located on the central part of the base. The large digits inform you of your training training time, step count per minute and calories burned. The ANCHEER Swing Stepper is made from alloy steel to provide you with a very secure and durable unit.
This stepper comes with a pair of detachable resistance bands so that you can perform arm curls and other resistance exercises while you are working out your lower body. A centrally located tension knob allows you to adjust your resistance. The ANCHEER Swing Stepper is a functional mini stepper that provides an all over body workout in a compact design and at a competitive price point.
- Resistance bands
- Tension control
- Low impact
- Twist step motion
- Quiet operation
FAQ
Is a mini stepper a serious workout machine?
If you are a person who is used to working out in the gym or running on the streets, then a mini stepper will probably not compare to your normal workout regimen. However, this is an ideal piece of equipment for people who are beginner exercises or who may have limited joint mobility that would prevent them from doing those other types of cardio exercise. Because it can be done while you are engaged in other activities, a mini stepper also makes a great compliment to, rather than a replacement for, other forms of cardio exercise.
How many calories can you burn on a mini stepper?
A sixty minute mini stepper workout while seated will burn around 115 calories in an hour. You can take this up to around 200 calories by standing up when you exercise. If your mini stepper has resistance bands attached, you can add an extra 50 calories in an hour.
Can I tone up my thighs with a mini stepper?
A mini stepper will help to tone up the thighs so long as you use it properly. You need to have it on a setting that is quite challenging and ideally you should be standing up when using the mini stepper. In terms of specifically losing fat from your thighs, you need to know that you cannot spot reduce body fat. So, the exercise that you do on the mini stepper will consume fat calories from all over your body.
Is the mini stepper a good choice for people with joint problems?
Yes, a mini stepper is a good choice for people with joint problems. If you suffer from joint pain or weak joints, low impact exercises are always recommend. Mini stepping is a very low-impact form of exercise and can be done sitting down.
Mini Stepper Machine Benefits
A mini stepper is a low cost exercise option. It will allow you to burn calories while you are watching Netflix or working on your computer. It is also a low impact option for those who are unable to do cardio exercises like running on a treadmill. Mini steppers are also low cost and portable.
A mini stepper will help to tone the muscles of your lower body, they being the quads, glues, hamstrings and calves.
Best Mini Steppers – Our Final Picks
The best mini stepper machine on the 2020 UK market is the SportPlus 2 in 1 Dual Exercise Stepper, with its dual up/down and sideways action, 100 kg max user weight and wear free hydraulic cylinders.
For a good budget choice, we like the Ultrasport Up-Down Stepper, which features large non-slip footpads, hydraulic cylinders and a 100 kg max user weight. It prices around 20% cheaper than the SportsPlus, which is great for those on a tighter budget.
As a third choice, we also like the offering from Mirafit. It has a max user weight of 100 kg, along with a smooth hydraulic position action and anti skid pads on the base for enhanced stability. Very similar to the SportsPlus, and a solid choice overall.
References:
https://woman.thenest.com/exercise-routines-using-ministeppers-4226.html
https://www.regularityfitness.com/mini-stepper-machine/
https://www.realbuzz.com/articles-interests/fitness/article/tips-for-using-a-step-machine-or-stepper/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39UCT-BtMwc
Last update on 2024-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
