Mini steppers are small, portable, lightweight and ideal for home use but that doesn't mean they won't deliver big results. Because they are quiet in use and take up very little space, they can be used almost anywhere and anytime -- great for if you want to work out while the rest of your family is watching TV or sleeping. A mini stepper offers lots of benefits but only if you use it regularly. Like all exercise equipment, if you leave it in a closet or under your bed, you won't see many improvements in your fitness.
Improved Cardiovascular Fitness
Improved levels of cardiovascular fitness are strongly linked to increased levels of cardiovascular health. Using a mini stepper challenges the large muscles in your legs and, in doing so, increases your heart and breathing rate. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, you should aim for around 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a week to get fit and stay healthy and using a mini stepper provides a convenient way to achieve this.
Increased Bone Mass
Bone mass tends to decline with advancing age, a condition called osteopenia. In some severe cases, this can lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by brittle bones that are prone to fracture. Using a mini stepper is a weight-bearing exercise, which, in conjunction with a healthy diet, may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and prevent premature bone loss, especially in the postmenopausal period.
Weight Control
A sedentary lifestyle, reliance on labor-saving devices and eating too much can lead to weight gain. Working out regularly can help burn excess calories to prevent unwanted weight gain and, in conjunction with a calorie controlled diet, result in weight loss. Being overweight is strongly linked to a number of medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. As using a mini stepper is a low-impact workout, it is suitable for overweight individuals who may find high-impact activities like jogging uncomfortable.
Considerations
Exercise is good for most people, but some medical conditions may mean you need to exercise in a certain way to avoid making an existing condition worse. Speak to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine and tell him exactly what you plan to do. That way, if any modifications need to be made to your intended exercise plan, you can make them before starting and prevent any unwanted, albeit rare, complications.
References
- American College of Sports Medicine: ACSM Issues New Recommendations on Quantity and Quality of Exercise
- Mayo Clinic: Exercising with Osteoporosis: Stay Active the Safe Way
- Weight-control Information Network: Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight?
- Mayo Clinic: Exercise -- When to check with your doctor first
Writer Bio
Patrick Dale is an experienced writer who has written for a plethora of international publications. A lecturer and trainer of trainers, he is a contributor to "Ultra-FIT" magazine and has been involved in fitness for more than 22 years. He authored the books "Military Fitness", "Live Long, Live Strong" and "No Gym? No Problem!" and served in the Royal Marines for five years.