If you spent the entire day sitting, you might have felt that your body ached, and you needed to occasionally stand up and move around to get your blood flowing. Sitting for 8 hours causes you to consume less energy, which may lead to belly fat buildup, increased blood pressure, and excessive blood sugar.
Keep your body moving at work, even if you're seated, to keep your muscles warm while also burning calories. The best option is a mini stepper that fits just below your desk and lets you exercise your legs as you work.
Read on to discover the importance of incorporating a mini stepper into your fitness routine at home or at work to stay active even when working to stay fit and healthy.
Benefits of Staying Active
Less sitting and more moving are what you need. Your health can greatly benefit from minimal exercise, especially if you do it consistently. Here’s why work fitness is important:
Staying active helps you with a lot more, such as:
- Reduced blood pressure.
- Boost your healthy cholesterol levels.
- Enhance circulation and blood flow.
- Maintain your weight under control.
- Prevent bone deterioration that can cause osteoporosis
- Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
Mini Steppers in Your Workout Routine
A mini stepper is a movable, mini training machine that can help you lose weight, tone your lower body muscles, and increase your cardiovascular fitness. Here are some reasons why you should consider incorporating mini steppers into your workout at work:
A convenient gym
Mini steppers are lightweight and small enough to fit almost anywhere. In front of your TV in the living room or under your desk. It would be stimulating to use it while brainstorming, so put it in the corner of your workplace. When you incorporate this while working as well, you won't require separate exercise time.
Customizable intensity
The good thing about most of the mini stepper machines is that they come with adjustable resistance settings, allowing you to adjust the intensity of your workout depending on your fitness level.
Joint friendly
Exercises on the mini stepper are low-intensity. They lessen the strain on your joints as you move. So if you're new to lower-body workouts, then this is the best introduction to them. Working out with a mini stepper can be used for recovery, too.
Habit formation
When you start using a mini stepper for your work fitness, it can become a habit when you place this machine where it is easily accessible. Over time, when your body gets used to being active, you can adapt higher-intensity workouts to your routine.
Time-saving workout
Since the mini stepper is always accessible, there is a big chance that you will have more urge to workout as it is always visible. It will reduce the need for additional workout sessions. While you're doing a mini stepper workout, you can still do extra tasks like watching videos or sending emails at work.
Mini Stepper Exercises
In the following exercises, you can combine mini steppers with different gym equipment, such as resistance bands and dumbbells, to target a lot more muscle groups. Now you can perform a full-body workout the way you like.
Equipment Setup
Before anything else, your gym setup must be ready and safe to avoid risks and injuries.
- Make sure your mini stepper is on a flat and stable surface, probably near a wall or some sturdy things nearby for support.
- Double check if the resistance band is tightly attached to the handle to avoid accidents.
- Prepare your water for hydration.
- Put your weights close at hand so you can quickly switch them out as needed.
Mini Stepper Cardio
Basic Step: Begin by putting your feet on the stepper and alternating between stepping up and down. For 3-5 minutes, keep the same pace.
Side Steps: Place one foot on the stepper, then the other, and step off to the side. To work on both your inner and outer thighs, switch sides. For 2 to 3 minutes, perform.
High Knee March: As you take a step, lift your knees higher, activating your core and enhancing your balance. Do this for 2 to 3 minutes.
Mini Stepper Strength Training
A mini stepper can be used for strength training and a full-body workout when paired with resistance bands that can target more muscle groups. Your upper body and core will be challenged, increasing your fitness level and improving your lungs and heart.
These resistance band workouts work perfectly while you're simultaneously using the mini stepper for a lower body workout. So try to do both, as you do for the extra challenge.
Bicep Curl
- Your arms should be at a relaxed angle as you hold the resistance bands.
- While flexing your biceps to raise the resistance band toward your chest, keep your elbows at your sides.
- Try to stretch the resistance bands as far as you can while standing straight.
- With control, lower the resistance bands; then, repeat!
Front Raises
- Hold the resistance bands with your arms relaxed and your palms facing your body.
- Pull resistance bands up and out in front of your body while keeping your arms straight.
- Try to stretch the resistance bands as far as you can while standing straight.
- Lift no higher than shoulder level. Repeat while lowering the resistance bands.
Lateral Raises
- Hold the resistance bands with your arms relaxed and your palms facing your body.
- Pull resistance bands up and out in front of your body while keeping your arms straight.
- Try to stretch the resistance bands as far as you can while standing straight.
- Lift no higher than shoulder level. Repeat after lowering the resistance bands with control.
Consider a Diet
Whether you're doing a 10-minute workout, a full marathon, or even just a quick brisk walk, diet plays an important role in your level of fitness, and you must have a healthy body to be able to achieve it.
Quick advice: Consider including one fruit and one vegetable in each of your meals each day. Add one fresh dish that is high in nutrients to your weekly menu plan. You can gradually increase the range of vitamins and minerals in your diet by adding one each week.
Mini Stepper With Resistance Band
A fitness enthusiast and influencer across social media with the handle @brina_lovelaughlift shared a glimpse of how she uses a mini stepper in her workout routine at home. She shared a video of her routine using a mini stepper with a resistance band at home while playing with her dog.
Your complete body performance and strength can be improved by using elastic bands for resistance. Resistance bands are excellent for targeting and strengthening your upper body and core when stepping, as well as your lower body and heart, when combined with a mini stepper.
Key Takeaway
A mini stepper is the ideal compact exercise machine for your home gym or workplace. A great workout tool that offers convenient health benefits. With the help of this stepper and a sturdy surface, you can stay active wherever you are.
You may still burn fat and improve your bones, whether you're standing up or sitting down. If you stick with it, incorporating a tiny stepper into your daily routine can have a significant long-term influence on your health. Just keep in mind that every form of exercise needs to be balanced with a diet for greater health development.
FAQs
- Is assembly required for a mini stepper?
Yes, most mini steppers require some simple assembly, often involving attaching the pedals and handlebars.
- How many calories can I burn with a mini stepper?
Calorie burn varies, but a 30-minute session on a mini stepper can burn around 150–200 calories on average.
- Are there any safety considerations when using a mini stepper?
Use proper footwear, maintain good posture, and start with a comfortable resistance level to avoid strain or injury.
- What muscles does a mini stepper target?
A mini stepper primarily targets leg muscles, including calves, thighs, and glutes.
- Do mini steppers make noise during operation?
There might be some noise due to the stepping motion, but it's usually not overly loud.