You may or may not know that large and small stair steppers are cardio machines that give you an aerobic workout by allowing you to burn calories and improve endurance. Mini steppers are miniature versions of these machines, naturally, and typically are just two pedals that sit on the floor. However, mini steppers also work your leg muscles, are portable and are far less expensive. Here is how your new mini stepper works.
Firstly, you can lower or raise the resistance of the pedals by turning a dial on your adjustable mini stepper. This is usually near the front on the base of the unit, and can lower resistance by being turned left. Turning the dial right or clockwise increases the challenge as it tightens and increases the resistance of your mini stepper. However, you should consult your owner’s manual as the model of your mini stepper may work differently.
You might find that you mini stepper comes with resistance bands too. These allow you to work your upper body while you step on the pedals. With some mini steppers, you can change the resistance by replacing heavy bands with lighter ones, and the thinner the band is, the lower the resistance will be. Your height also affects the level of resistance as it affects how taut the bands are. Changing the bands is usually a simple task of unhooking the bottom of the bands from the rings near the pedals and then attaching lighter ones. Make sure you hold the other ends of the band in your hands as you stand on the machine.
If you want to change the intensity of your work out, most mini steppers do not allow you to lower the resistance of the pedals, and many only come with one set of bands so that you cannot lower their resistance either. However, you can change the intensity by changing your speed. Step at a slower speed to reduce the intensity of your workout, and vice versa. Mini steppers do not give you all of the same benefits as other cardio equipment as they are inexpensive, no-frill machines, so this is often the only way to control how hard you are working.
Finally, there are considerations to make. Pedal exercisers and full-sized stepper machines are adjustable. Full-sized stepper machines have control panels that allow you to alter the resistance and pedal exercisers are like mini bikes. They may be more of an option for you if the mini stepper doesn’t appeal, as they are about the same size as mini steppers, but you pedal them with your feet or hands instead of stepping on them. Most mini steppers are not adjustable and some do not come with resistance bands. If your mini stepper doesn’t have an obvious dial at the bottom, then there probably is no way to loosen the resistance. Do not attempt to adjust the shocks yourself, and consult your doctor before starting any vigorous exercise plan.
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