Steppers are a great way to exercise your lower muscles and get your cardio and heart rate up. There are a few different types of steppers such as Stair, Mini, Elliptical and Side Steppers. Each aimed at a certain type of exercise routine.
What is the difference between a standard stepper and a twist stepper? Does a twist stepper make much of a difference? Is it worth upgrading if you already have a standard stepper?
To recap steppers are great for cardio exercise and toning lower leg muscles. They are especially great if you’d rather exercise from the comfort of your own home. Many folk use steppers first thing in the morning or after work in front of the TV right in their own living room.
Twist Benefits vs Standard Stepper
Twist steppers are like standard steppers but with a synchronized twist motion. This twist motion adds an extra workout all in the same session.
A standard stepper works and tones your lower leg muscles. But with a twist stepper it also helps to work and tone your mid section, inner and outer thighs. As if you were going round a corner while walking up stairs.
Are Twist Steppers Worth Buying?
Reading some of the reviews on Amazon I’d say yes – depending on what your goal is for an exercise routine. With a good cardio workout, you can burn more calories and lose weight. The twist stepper, when used often, can tone your stomach, mid section, thighs, and legs.
To top it off some steppers come with resistance handles to give you a complete body workout. One of my favorite features of steppers is that it lowers wear and tear on your joints. It’s not much fun being healthy but unable get around in your later years!
Do Twist Steppers Work?
Going through some of the reviews on Amazon people seem to love their twist stepper. At least if they bought a good quality one – note I said quality and not expensive. If you’re not used to steppers then you might want to take it easy to start with.
Some users recommend that you start off slowly if you’re not used to stepping. Making sure you get into the right rhythm and technique while warming up. You want to make sure the twist is at your waist and not between you your knee and ankle which should stay aligned. Practice and warm up gently, then go for a good cardio workout.
Online Reviews & Feedback
Some of the reviews on Amazon and else where that stood out are:
“Purchased this after my v-fit stepper broke 6 months into use. This is my first time with a stepper that twists to the side. Needless to say, I’m never looking back! I feel like this machine has done 3 times the work my old one did in half the time. You can work up a serious sweat on this baby.”
By Kearnico on 10 August 2009
“I’ve always been a bit apprehensive about steppers so when my cousin recommended that a twist stepper works I thought why not… using the stepper every day for a week for 5-10 mins I’ve noticed I am able to fit back into my fav jeans n without a struggle, waist is looking toned too.”
By tas on 24 April 2013
“I’ve got a twist one. I use it almost every day and I love it. Bought it 3-4 years ago but only started using it about 6 months ago. It’s called Lateral twist stepper here in the UK and I would use the bungee cords as well whilst watching the tv, I would burn around 700 calories in one hour (although by that time I would not feel my toes); I used it so much that I broke it so I got another more heavy duty one called Lateral Thigh Trainer which is bigger and harder to use and it gives me a very good workout; I use it for about 30 mins everyday bungee cords and all, and I have to say that my biceps and thighs are shaping up quite nicely. It’s not the only form of exercise that I do, but I can’t live without it. Give it a go!”
eikito – forum posts: 119
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/796477/anyone-ever-use-a-mini-stepper
As you can see there are some real fans out there when it comes to twist steppers. A great way to workout, get healthy and lose weight in the comfort of your own home. Imagine listening to music, watching the news or catching up with your favourite TV shows. All in the comfort of your home, while getting a good workout without the gym!
Before You Buy a Twist Stepper
Before you run off and click some buy button – stop! Not all twist steppers are created equal. In fact, some folks have had some real problems when it comes to build quality.
Things To Watch Out For
When choosing a twist stepper keep an eye out for these issues:
Squeaking! A lot of people found their steppers developed a loud squeaking noise. One that they could not get rid of. In fact not only was it irritating, but that loud enough that their flat neighbors could hear it too!
Another thing to watch out for with steppers are the digital screens. A few people complained that their stepper developed a fault with the digital screen. In some cases, it stopped working altogether – usually within a year of purchase.
Some expressed irritation that their stepper didn’t have a resistance adjustment lever. Meaning they couldn’t adjust the resistance to suit their personal strength. Some who wanted an easy exercise found the manufacturer setting too hard. Others who wanted something tougher (feel the burn) found the default setting useless.
Before you settle on a twist stepper, make sure to check the reviews. Including the refund policy and warranty too. Just something to watch out for to avoid disappointment.
Twist Away!
Are twist steppers worth it? I’d say so, people swear by them but you have to get a half decent one. Spend some time doing your research and you should be very happy with your new twist stepper. Happy twisting!