The Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stepper - NO. 045 is a compact and lightweight step machine that is so portable and convenient that it can fit under your desk or in your closet. This twist stepper a great choice for those who want a cardiovascular workout, but don't have the funds or space for a traditional elliptical. But can it twist you into shape?
This article will review the twister stepper machine so that you can decide if this is for you.
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What Is A Twist Stepper?
Overview
A twist stepper review starts with a definition. Image how your legs and calves feel after climbing a flight of stairs. Those are the muscles worked by a traditional stepper.
This exercise machine is unique in that it add a slight twisting motion while you step. This motion helps tone the buttocks and the thighs in addition to the workout received from the steps and it is low impact since your feet do not leave the pedals.
Unlike a treadmill, exercising on this compact stair stepper does not put unnecessary strain on the joints.
In addition, it comes with elastic resistance bands that can be used to exercise the arms, shoulders, chest, and upper back.
As with most products from Sunny Health & Fitness, it is very competitively priced. Competing steppers with similar features are almost always more expensive. It also comes with a 90-day warranty.
Now, let's take a closer look at the brand, the features, the design of the product, twist action, and other stair stepper benefits. Let's start by watching the Twist Stepper No. 045 in action!
How To Use A Twist Stepper?
Although you can sit and pedal, the best way to use this stepper machine is standing. You can keep it at the office under your desk and pull out when needed. At home, you can move it anywhere since it is so portable.
Start slowly so that you can learn how to balance.
The company recommends using the stepper no longer than 15 minutes at a time.
You adjust the height and resistance of the exercise machine by turning the adjustment knob located on the machine. Use the resistance bands to work the upper body. Expect a full-body workout!
What Are Key Features Of The Twist Stepper?
This product is designed for simplicity and affordability.
Nonetheless, it comes with a handful of features that most people will find useful while avoiding the unnecessary bells and whistles and that more expensive step machines have.
Some of these features are incorporated as design elements and others come in the form of optional attachments.
Twist Stepper Design
Durable - Those who are worried about design quality can put away their fears because this small stepper is a surprisingly well-made and durable machine. It can last for years with hundreds of uses as long as you stay below the weight limit and put a little effort into maintenance.
Some customers have complained that it begins to squeak after the first year, but also that they were able to fix the problem with WD-40.
Construction - The stepper is manufactured primarily from heavy-duty steel. There are a few plastic components on the inside and those will be the ones that eventually break down with time and use.
Luckily, replacement parts can be purchased online for a low price and making the repairs is very simple.
Oversize Foot Pads - The foot pads are intentionally oversized to allow people of all foot sizes to use the machine. They are designed to be comfortable and safe.
Each pedal is textured with a non-slip surface. This ensures you'll stay on your feet even during an extremely tough workout session.
Assembly of the stepper is extremely easy. It's estimated to take anywhere between two and five minutes to completely assemble. It's a one-person job and doesn't require any special tools. The twist stepper user manual is easy follow!
Optional Resistance Bands
Most ellipticals have bars that allow you to work the arms while also walking. Unfortunately, this is a feature that is often lost when using a compact stepper.
Sunny Health has managed to reincorporate this important concept by using resistance exercise bands. The bands attach at the base of the stepper and allow you to work the arms and upper body while walking. You can easily remove the bands by removing the latch at the bottom.
Although it may seem to be a very simple feature, the inclusion of the bands makes it possible to get a full body workout with one small machine.
The stepping helps tone legs, the twisting motion works the thighs and buttocks, and the resistance bands work the arms and upper body. This is all while burning fat during a cardiovascular workout.
It's not going to replace an entire gym, but it's a great alternative when you're at work or you just don't feel like leaving the house.
Onboard Compute And Monitor
Another fairly standard yet appreciated feature is the onboard computer and LCD display. The computer tracks your progress during each session and displays the information on the monitor. It turns on automatically when you begin walking and turns off automatically shortly after you have stopped.
Some of the information that it displays includes distance walked, time spent walking, number of steps, and calories burned.
The display makes it much easier to keep track of your daily routine. It's particularly useful if you are tracking your exercise routine in a journal or fitness app.
Most of the information displayed is perfectly accurate. For example, many people use the machine while tracking their steps with a Fitbit. You'll find that the numbers are the same each time.
The only error that some customers have spotted is with the calories burned. This is usually because the machine doesn't have enough information about their height or body weight to accurately determine how many calories were actually burned.
It uses a very generic formula for determining this number and it should only be viewed as a rough estimate.
Adjustable Stepping Resistance
Adjustable Resistance Levels - It's important that exercise intensity increase over time or you'll find it difficult to achieve your goals. Sunny Health makes it easy to increase intensity by adjusting the resistance and height of the steps. These factors are controlled using a simple knob located near the base of the machine. If you feel like your workout has become too easy or boring, then you can turn the knob to raise the resistance and increase the intensity.
This also makes it possible to create more varied exercise routines using a single machine. For example, you can use the knob to alternate between low-intensity and high-intensity sessions. This is referred to as interval training and it is a highly effective method of losing weight and toning muscles.
Specifications
The machine weighs roughly 20 pounds with a shipping weight of 43 pounds. The dimensions are 19.69L x 17.32W x 18.19H inches. It has a maximum user weight limit of 250 pounds and comes with a 90 day manufacturers warranty.
Twist Stepper No. 045 vs Pink Mini Stepper P8000
The company offers a variety of twist steppers based on the features. My favorite alternative to the No 045 is the shocking Pink Mini Stepper P8000.
Why do you ask? IT'S PINK!!!
Other differences are listed below:
What Are the Pros and Cons of A Step Twister?
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What Are People Saying About the Twist Stepper?
People love the bands to help balance and provide a workout for the arms.
They love the twister stepper in action!
Others enjoy the portability of the stepper. It only weighs 20 pounds.
One customer summarizes "Excellent little stepper for the price point."
Who Does A Twister Stepper Benefit?
If you live in a small apartment, want to exercise at work, or don't have the funds to purchase a traditional elliptical, then this is the perfect machine for you. You can burn fat while toning muscles in multiple regions of the body.
It's lightweight, compact, and very durable. Considering its low cost, it is a great investment and a great way to start a new fitness routine.
If on the other hand, you are looking for bells and whistles, you will have to spend quite a bit more.
Sunny Health & Fitness Brand - Quality
Great products tend to come from respectable and trustworthy brands. Sunny Health & Fitness has been in the business long enough to earn a positive reputation. They have slightly more than 15 years worth of experience selling fitness and exercise equipment. Their headquarters is in Los Angeles, but they sell their equipment across the globe.
They do not manufacture the equipment themselves, which some may look at as a setback. All of their equipment is sourced directly from manufacturers, given this brand, and then sold at very competitive prices. Most of the equipment comes from manufacturers in Taiwan and China.
Regardless of whether or not they manufacture the equipment they still put forth tremendous effort to ensure only the best products carry their logo. All of the product lines that they offer are fully inspected and tested before being listed on their site. They are also well known for their high-quality customer support services.
Overall, they are a great brand that offers quality and affordable equipment from third-party manufacturers.
FAQs
How Difficult Is It To Balance - Could You Fall?
Most people do not have any challenges with balancing and the bands also help with balance. However, if you do feel insecure, position near a wall.
What Is the Maximum Weight Limit?
The recommended weight limit is 250 pounds.
Will It Count Steps?
It comes with an LCD monitor that counts steps as well as calories burned.
Can You Step In Reverse?
No.
Is It Noisy?
No.
Final Verdict - Is A Twist Stepper Worth It?
The Twist Stepper reviews are in. This is a popular selling product on Amazon due to its price and unique twisting action. With more than 1650 customers reviews, this is a good bet if you do not need bells and whistles.
For more information about compact exercise equipment, read, Deskercise? Use Under Desk Exercise Equipment For Health And Fitness.
Learn more about step machines at Best Step Machines Review.