Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » stepper

Sunny Health & Fitness Mini-Stair Stepper/Twister | Adjustable, Space-Saving & Affordable

Steve — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 02:08:10 +0000

What distinguishes this device from the plethora of other mini-steppers on the market? The Sunny Health & Fitness Stepper incorporates a twisting motion to work additional muscles and make your workouts a bit more fun. This is also one of the best reviewed steppers in its class.

The Mini-Stepper/Twister provides low-impact, moderate intensity strength work and mild cardio exercise without extreme pressure on the joints. Adjustable resistance makes it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.

The heavy-duty sturdy steel construction and over-sized slip-resistant footplates insure safety and comfort.

The “problem” with mini-steppers, when compared to stair climbers and more expensive steppers, is the relatively short stride length. Mini-steppers are good for targeting legs, hips and thighs but not the best option for for burning calories and losing weight.

Of course, the major advantage of mini-steppers is the small footprint, making them ideal for apartments or other tight spaces. This model is uncommonly stable and sturdy and requires no assembly.

The Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stepper comes with exercise bands to incorporate an upper-body workout.

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Folding Mini-Stair Climber | Brookstone Compact Fold-A-Way Cardio Stepper

Steve — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:54:32 +0000

This simple stair stepper from Brookstone offers an adequate cardio and lower body workout and folds away for easy storage when not in use.

The telescopic shaft is a distinguishing feature that can be adjusted to your exact height and accommodate multiple users.

The base is relatively small when compared to more robust and expensive steppers and can lead to some instability when in use. Another con is the lack of side handle bars.

The multi-function LCD console monitors heart rate, pace, training time, distance and calories burned. The computer can also track total steps or all workouts combined for a full week. The monitor automatically shuts off after five minutes of inactivity to preserve the battery life.

Pulse sensor-grips built into the handles monitor your heart rate without the need for straps or wires. However, pulse sensors are generally not as accurate as chest strap heart-rate monitoring.

In our view Brookstone products tend to be overpriced. The tag on this product is a notch high but this is still an affordable basic stair stepper with some nice extra features.

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Mobia by Nautilus Review | 3-in-1 (Stepper, Treadmill, Elliptical) Home workout

Steve — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:20:39 +0000

Combining the climbing motion of a stair stepper, the low-impact benefits of an elliptical trainer and the forward movement of a treadmill, the Mobia by Nautilus aims to take the health benefits of “walking” to a new level.

Nautilus, owner of Bowflex is sometimes criticized for over-hyped, gimmicky fitness equipment, but Gizmodo called Mobia the “iPod of Treadmills”, in part because of the clean white and black aesthetic and sleek, intuitive console.

This machine is designed for 3-in-1, high efficiency walking, not running — the maximum speed is just 4 mph.

Mobia’s independently moving “treadles” let you walk forward like a treadmill while stepping up like a stair climber. These two actions combined provide a core-strengthening cardio workout that’s easy on the ankles and knees. When you step on a treadle it depresses under your weight, absorbing impact and providing the feeling of walking in sand.

In a study conducted at New York’s Adelphi University, Mobia modality burned up to 2 times more calories in 30 minutes than a treadmill at the same speed.

The display tracks 5 functions: Speed, Distance, Time, Total Calories and Heart Rate.

The Mobia comes with a Telemetry Chest Strap that wirelessly monitors heart rate and the specialized Nautilus Nutrition Plan and Introduction to Fitness Guide. Maximum wight capacity is 300 lbs.

*Update: 1/11/12: Mobia by Nautilus may no longer be available. See links below.

More Info & Price Comparisons

Visit the Nautilus/Bowflex Website

Compare to the Bowflex Treadclimber (*highly recommended alternative to Mobia)

The FIRM Workout Wave Kit | Body Sculpting, Speed Slimming Board & Step Combo

Steve — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:56:24 +0000

Millions have seen the engaging infomercials for this innovative and fun fitness system. No longer and exclusive TV offer, The Wave Kit is now available from many online stores.

Manufactured by The FIRM, a trusted name in fitness, The Wave adds some excitement to your workouts while toning the thighs, abs and glutes — and working the core with every move you make. The routines effectively combine cardio and strength training using “Speed Slimming” intervals.

The Wave is a double sided personal “gym” that allows for both rocking, wave riding motions and stepping exercises in one durable, compact design.

With the curved side down you can rock side to side or turn 90 degrees and walk back and forth (see the video below). The curved side up provides a stable, anchored surface at an optimal height for step exercises.

The three interactive DVD workouts include Ride The Wave (10 minutes), Rock It Off! (40 minutes), and Speed Slimming Sculpt (30 minutes).

The kit also includes an accessory mat for stability and protection and a Weight Loss Success Guide Book.

The FIRM Wave Kit Product Details

Innovative personal workout system
The Wave double sided rocking/stepping unit
Over 100 total body sculpting & toning exercises
3 interactive DVDs: Ride the WAVE, Speed Slimming SCULPT, and Rock it OFF
Weight Loss Success Guide Book
Compact, easy-to-follow system

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The Wave Video Demonstration

Dual Action Elliptical Stepper Combo | Stamina 55-2065 Elite Programmable Low-Impact Exercise Machine

Steve — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:42:05 +0000

The Stamina 55-2065 merges the benefits of both an elliptical trainer and a stepper into one unit for upper and lower body toning and a low-impact cardiovascular workout.

This sleek and relatively compact model employs a heavy duty flywheel-resistance and belt-drive train to operates quietly and smoothly.

The elliptical mode blends stair climbing, cycling, skiing, and walking into a single exercise. In forward motion, quadriceps, buttocks, lower abdomen, hips, and thighs are targeted. Reverse motion works hamstrings, lower buttocks, hips, thighs, and calves.

The stepper mode works the same muscle groups with a vertical motion. Switching between modes is surprisingly quick and easy.

In either mode, foam padded dual-action handlebars add an upper-body workout to strengthen arms, chest, shoulders, and back. Both modes are low-impact and easy on the knees and ankles when compared to a treadmill.

The fully programmable console includes 12 preset workouts and the ability to design and save four personalized routines. The display tracks time, height, weight, RPM, speed, distance, fat percentage, calories burned, metabolism rate, and heart rate.

The heart rate sensors are built into the stationary handlebars. We recommend using a separate heart rate monitor, as built-in hand grip monitors on exercise machines are often inaccurate.

Other features include a water bottle holder, foam padded handlebars and wheels for easy transport. Dimensions: 46″ x 30 3/4″ x 52″, 137 lbs.

More Info & Price Comparisons

The Stamina 55-2065 Dual Action Elite Programmable Elliptical / Stepper
See other Elliptical / Stepper Combos
The Stamina 55-2065 on eBay

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Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper | Compact Stair Climbing Exerciser

Steve — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:42:35 +0000

As the economic downturn continues we’re keeping an eye out for low cost, reliable equipment that does what it’s meant to do, without excessive features — or cost.

Those familiar with hydraulic steppers know the experience is just not the same as climbing aboard a high-end elliptical or motorized stair stepper at the gym. This stepper is no different, but the inclusion of handlebars and an adjustable independent stepping motion make the Stamina SpaceMate worth consideration for those on a budget.

We also like this stepper for the space saving folding design and no frills monitor that tracks the most important stats — steps per minute, total steps, calories burned and session time. The steel frame provides a surprisingly smooth and sturdy workout and the foam wrapped handles and over-sized textured footpads add comfort and security.

It also includes protective pads to avoid floor marks and skidding and wheels for easy transport. Assembly is about as quick and painless as any piece of good exercise equipment that we’ve seen. It weighs about 45 lbs and folds down to 38-1/2 inches long x 16-1/4 inches wide x 9-1/2 inches high.