In this review for leg strengthening exercises home equipment, I will share everything you need to know about the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper and the Twist Stair Stepper.
With the added resistance bands, you can get a full-body cardio workout while using this mini stepper!
If you are looking for portable exercise equipment, these are great options! Lightweight, small, and compact makes it easy to travel with as well as tuck away out of sight.
Review: Leg Strengthening Exercises, Home Equipment
If you are looking for simple exercise equipment that can easily be moved whether it be to another room in the house or taken with you on a trip or even away to college, these steppers by Sunny Health & Fitness are perfect options:
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Band
Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stair Stepper
Both of these are great for balance, strengthening & toning, and easily movable. To make things even better, they are all easy to assemble, with a durable construction, and have non-slip pedals.
In this review, I will discuss how these fitness machines work, how durable they are, some minor drawbacks with them, and where to get the best deal when you buy them online.
By the end of this review, you should have a good idea as to which Sunny Health & Fitness equipment will be best for you.
I happen to own a mini stepper, very similar to the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper w/ Resistance Bands and love it.
Mine is actually 18 years old and still works great!
That’s why I decided to do a review of these mini steppers. They are great additions to include in any workout space.
They are easy to use and will strengthen leg muscles and help tone the body in multiple ways.
Stick around and I’ll share everything you need to know about these products, including some pros and cons.
Do you travel a lot?
Do you have a small home, apartment or dorm?
Never get out of your exercise routines again with these small portable workout machines!
Get fit and healthy in the comfort of your own home with one of the Sunny Health & Fitness stepping machines.
Let’s Get Started!
After exploring the details about these two mini steppers further down the page, I hope you find something that will be beneficial for you.
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands
Best place to purchase: Amazon (Price range: $40 plus)
Foam padded resistance bands perfect for a non-slip grip
LCD console displays count, time, speed, calories, total count, and scan (AA batteries included)
Constructed of industrial-strength steel, for lasting durability
Hydraulic drive system for smooth stepping motions
Large textured footplates ensure a solid non-slip footing
Full body workout with removable resistance bands
Product Dimensions: 16.5L x 12.5W x 8H
Product Weight: 14.5 pounds (Max user weight: 220 lbs.)
Easily assembled, simply unbox and attach the included resistance bands to begin your fitness journey.
This mini stepper is one of the simplest exercise equipment you could use for strengthening and toning the legs, while also providing a full-body workout when using the provided resistance bands.
It’s small enough to take with you where ever you go so you never have to miss a morning workout session again!
It’s a great machine for leg strengthening exercises; home equipment you can rely on, no matter where you are or where you go!
What’s Included?
Removable Resistance:
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper is equipped with removable training bands, allowing the ability to tighten over 20 different core muscles and using low-impact aerobic exercise to help tone your chest, back, and shoulders.
Users can adjust the resistance so that it can be increased or decreased depending on the intensity of your workout.
Utilizing this tool allows the user to engage in different and unique routines in every workout which stimulates the muscles differently and creates a variety of patterns of workouts.
The fitness mini stepper is built with a hydraulic drive system, providing a smooth stepping motion making it easier on the knees.
Slip Resistant Foot Plates:
As a safety feature, Sunny Health & Fitness added oversized textured non-slip foot pads, to ensure safe footing during the most vigorous workouts!
The footplates will accommodate all sizes while remaining grip to ensure safe footing during the most demanding workouts.
Digital Monitor:
With the availability of the digital monitor the user can easily track their time, calories burned, steps and rep count.
The convenient scan mode displays your progress to assist you in tracking all your fitness goals.
Portable:
It’s small enough to store away and out of sight when not in use, and quiet enough to use while watching television or when family members are sleeping.
It makes a great grab-and-go piece of workout equipment. Take along when you travel or go off to college! Never get out of your workout routine as long as you have one of these in your collection of exercise equipment.
To make it even nicer, it’s affordable, durable, and adjustable!
Workout anywhere, at any time!
Pros
1. Durable Mini Stepper
Constructed of industrial-strength steel for lasting durability.
2. Easy assembly
Simply attach the resistance bands and put the included batteries in the LCD monitor and snap it into the allotted space on the stepper.
3. Lightweight, compact, and portable
Weighing only 14.5 pounds makes it very easy to move around from room to room or bring on road trips. It’s compact and can easily be stored away when not in use.
Cons
1. From my research, I found some complaints about the cables breaking, so they might not be as durable as the stepper itself, but there are replacements that can be ordered.
2. After a period, the stepper may start to squeak. According to the manual, when the stepper starts squeaking you should re-lube the bolts. If not, it could cause damage to the stepper.
3. Sometimes, the cables on the wheel may come off. When this happens it will cause the pedals not to work.
If this happens, you should check to see if the cables are off the wheel. If they are, you can put them back on by hand.
What Other’s Think about Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper
Depending on where you look for customer ratings, the ratings seem to fall between 4 and 4 1/2 stars, which is pretty good. From what I read, there are a lot of very satisfied customers who have purchased this Mini Stepper, and only a few complaints.
Below, I will share some brief testimonials quoted directly from reviews, both good and bad, that I found during my research.
Happy Customer’s who gave 5 stars
1.
This is perfect if you want to get some exercise inside your own home or office. It’s easy to just slide it under your bed or desk. Exceptional bargain for the price.
2.
Excellent stepper that makes you stabilize your core muscles with no impact ,
3.
LOVE IT! It’s the perfect little stepper in order to get some exercise when you don’t want to go outside and face the weather OR “walk in the mall”.
4.
Let me tell you, that little baby sure packs a punch! I work up a sweat in 10-15 minutes of stepping on there. Small and practical, can easily be moved around for convenience.
Unhappy Customers who gave less than 5 stars
1.
Somehow, I was expecting this to be able to be used under a desk but it doesn’t seem like it’s possible to do that very well. Maybe I should’ve done more research.
Me:
This customer actually ordered the wrong type of mini stepper if they wanted an under the desk, sitting down, mini stepper. My suggestion would be the ideer life Under Desk Elliptical Trainer.
2.
I was all excited to receive My Sunny Mini Stepper with resistance bands, but instead it arrived damaged. The left foot pedal was cracked and in pieces
Me:
This customer is unhappy because their stepper arrived damaged. This may have happened during shipment. Either way, Amazon would allow for it to be returned for a replacement.
3.
So far seems like a good buy. Easy to use although the set up directions make no sense. I just fiddled around with it for 15 min and then all of a sudden it just started working. Am using it on the hardest setting and I can definitely feel it in my legs
Me:
I can’t personally say anything about the directions being unclear because I don’t have this particular mini stepper. I wouldn’t think there would be much in the way of directions since there is very little that needs to be done to it before using.
Sunny Health and Fitness Twist Stair Stepper
Best place to purchase: Amazon (Price range: $60 plus)
Foam padded resistance bands perfect for a non-slip grip
Adjustable Resistance
Non-Slip Foot Pads
Digital Monitor so you can track your fitness (AA batteries included)
This Fitness Twist Stair Stepper can improve cardiovascular performance, body fitness, fitness training, and fat burning exercise.
Move up and down with side-to-side action, toning glutes, and thighs.
It’s another great machine for leg strengthening exercises; home equipment with a twist-action!
The twist-action also helps with toning the buttocks and achieving a challenging cardio workout.
There is an adjustment knob where you can switch up the step motion height, working your deep muscles without putting extreme pressure on bones and joints.
The LCD monitor allows the ability to keep track of:
Time
Calories
Rep Count
Total Count
What’s Included?
Resistance Bands:
Arm resistance bands help target and engage muscles across your upper body. The bands are removable if you wish to use the stepper without them.
Adjustable Resistance:
Sunny Health & Fitness has made it possible to adjust the tension so that it can be increased or decreased depending on the intensity of your workout.
Utilizing this tool allows the user to engage in different and unique routines in every workout which stimulates the muscles differently and creates a variety of patterns of workouts.
Foot Pads:
As a safety feature, Sunny Health & Fitness added textured non-slip foot pedals, to ensure safe footing during the most vigorous workouts!
Digital Monitor:
With the availability of the digital monitor the user can easily track their time, calories burned, step and rep count.
Pros
1. Using the Twist Stair Stepper from home can limit getting prepped and organized for the gym.
Being able to use this Twist Stair Stepper from home really makes life simpler and saves time from going to the gym.
2. It’s lightweight, compact, and portable.
It only weighs 20 pounds and can easily be moved or tucked away somewhere out of sight.
3. It’s affordable, compared to other exercise equipment.
This particular twist stair stepper is currently $67.28, but keep in mind that the price can change over time.
4. Easy to assemble
The only assembly required is to attach the resistance bands, attach the LCD monitor, and adjust the height and resistance as you need. Very easy process!
5. Adjustable
The height and resistance are both adjustable.
Cons
1. Inward tilting of the footpads may cause discomfort to the lower back.
I found only one complaint about the tilted footpads causing back pain. If you think this may be an issue, there’s always the regular mini stepper mentioned previously. Also, if you decide on this one and don’t like it, Amazon excepts returns with no fuss. 🙂
2. The twist function is the only function; it can’t be changed to straight up and down.
As I said earlier, there are no options for this stepper to be normal straight up and down, so if this concerns you, try the regular mini stepper instead.
3. There is a misprint in the instruction manual stating it is recommended to only use it 15-20 minutes.
When I researched this, it was noted that people had contacted the manufacturer about this and was told it was a mistake on their part. The Twist Stepper can be used for an hour or better without causing it any harm.
What Other’s Think about Sunny Health and Fitness Stair Twister
Depending on where you look for customer ratings, the ratings seem to fall between 4 and 4 1/2 stars, which is pretty good. From what I read, there are a lot of very satisfied customers who have purchased this Twister Stair Stepper and only a few complaints.
Below, I will share some brief testimonials quoted directly from reviews, both good and bad, found during my research.
Happy Customer’s that gave 5 Star ratings
1.
I researched different makes and models and found that this Sunny stepper was rated in the top available for the price. I ordered it on-line and picked it up at the store. The stepper comes out of the box pretty much assembled (you just have to attach the counter and bands). It is sturdy and the foot pedals are large and wide so no slipping off. I was surprised that I worked up a sweat the first time I used it. I get on it for 30 minutes in the morning before work or in the evenings watching TV. The bands add for a more full body work. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend it.
2.
I found this stepper to be of high quality, easy to set up, minimal assembly. I was using it within 5 minutes. What I like the best about this stepper is that I can use it while I am doing desk work, searching the net, entering data on spreadsheets. I step at a lower speed but consistently while accomplishing other things.
3.
This is a great workout machine very sturdy and very quiet. With the step motion and twist along with the arm pull system you get a really great workout. It has a digital display steps, calories burned and a tension control so you can control the kind of workout you want. Doesn’t take up a lot of room when I use it I get a really good workout. Great product, very affordable. The foot pads are generously sized I wear a women’s size 11 and there’s plenty of room.
Unhappy Customers that gave less than 5 Star ratings
1. The Inward tilting of the foot pads caused lower back pain.
I suppose this may be an issue for some people, especially if they have suffered from any kind of back injury. Personally, I wouldn’t won’t the steppers with the “Twist” for that very reason. I think it might irritate my old back injuries.
2. There is a misprint in the instruction manual that stated to limit workout sessions to 15 or 20 minutes. Although, the user contacted the supplier about this and it was found to be a mistake on their part. They said the stepper can be used for an hour or longer if necessary.
3. One complaint stated that the resistance reduces significantly after using it a few times and could not get it to tighten back up.
Amazon is very understanding, even after the return window is closed. If something like this were to happen I would recommend contacting Amazon about the problem. It might just be a random issue and something the manufacturer needs to know about so they can investigate the problem.
I personally have not had this problem out of my mini stepper and it is 18 years old, but it’s not a Sunny Health & Fitness brand either.
Out of reading tons of reviews, I only found this one complaint about the resistance, so it must not be a big problem.
My Thoughts on These Mini Steppers:
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Band
Sunny Health & Fitness Twister Stair Stepper
My NordicTrack mini stepper is a favorite of mine! I’ve had it for at least 18 years if not longer!
I don’t own the newer versions discussed in this review, but from my research, Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper and Twister Stair Stepper have a lot of positive customer ratings and testimonials.
I remember researching my mini stepper and reading a number of positive reviews online, which led me to buy it.
The two mini steppers I reviewed for this article are updated models and sound like they may be more durable and better constructed.
Although, I am super impressed that mine still works after all of these years! The hydraulic drive system still works great and the resistance still adjust as I need it too, however, mine doesn’t have an adjustable height setting. That’s a pretty awesome feature of these new models.
Lubricate the Stepper When Squeaks Start
Every so often my mini stepper gets squeaky, but all I have to do is flip it over and spray some WD-40 around all the joints and moving parts. I suppose it just depends on how often the mini stepper gets used.
Be sure to place the mini stepper on cardboard or some sort of washable mat when lubricating the stepper so the oil won’t stain your carpet or flooring.
Also, I have never had an issue with the cable coming off and having to put it back on for it to work. As mentioned earlier in one of the “unhappy customers” section, but now I know if it does happen, it’s an easy fix.
My biggest complaint about my mini stepper would be the LCD monitor not staying put. When I move it from place to place or try to adjust the resistance the monitor always falls off.
It’s not a big deal because I can put it right back on, but it aggravates me. Maybe the updated models won’t have this issue.
From what I read, the LCD monitor snaps into place on the Sunny Health & Fitness steppers, so I think it might be better made now.
Tones Legs & Tightens my Glutes and Butt
For leg strengthening exercises home equipment, I have to say I love my mini stepper. It strengthens and tones my legs and tightens my glutes and buttocks.
I can’t say much for the upper body because I don’t use the resistance bands very often. I seem to balance myself easier without them.
Now that I’ve done more research, I will have to look up some workouts that involve using them. It sounds like they can really benefit the upper body and arms.
Watch Television & Start Stepping!
That’s right! When I’m watching my favorite shows on television and exercising on my mini stepper, I do a lot more steps and for longer, usually 45 minutes to an hour, without even realizing it!
Just the other day I did 2871 steps in 43 minutes and burned about 400 calories!!
When I’m watching television, it’s like I forget that I’m exercising, but there are times when I just listen to some upbeat music.
I like to wear my Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer, hold a 3-pound weight in each hand, and act like I’m running on my mini stepper. Talking about breaking a sweat!! You will, no doubt!
As I’m working out on my mini stepper, I can feel it working my lower calves, inner thighs, and butt muscles. Overall, it’s a great exercise session.
It can help you get a shapely and toned body as well as a full-body workout when using the resistance bands.
My preference…
If I were to purchase a new mini stepper today, I would choose the;
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands.
Simply because I’ve had some back problems and don’t think the Twist Stair Stepper would be good for me.
You may benefit the most from the Twist Stair Stepper, especially if you are trying to work off the muffin top belly. If you don’t suffer from back problems, I highly recommend trying it.
As I said earlier, when you buy products from Amazon, it is really easy to return something that you don’t like or aren’t happy with and try another product
Final Words
I would highly recommend these products for people that want to strengthen and tone their legs, thighs, glutes, and buttocks. I personally love mine and would rate it 5 stars!
I am actually considering purchasing the Twist Stair Stepper just to try it out.
Having a regular mini stepper and a twist stair stepper will allow some variety to my workouts. I love shopping on Amazon because it’s so easy and hassle-free to send things back when it’s something I’m not happy with.
The credit is almost instant as soon as they get the product you return!
For the money and benefits these steppers provide, I believe they are great options to include in any workout space.
Keep in mind that they are small, compact, and portable as well.
I’ve actually used mine in my workout room, in the living room, bedroom, and in a hotel room when traveling. It’s so easy to move around, even easier when you remove the resistance bands!
Don’t take my word on it though, check them out on Amazon and read some reviews. There really are a lot of happy customers who own Sunny Health & Fitness products.
If the reviews weren’t good, I wouldn’t be doing this review. 🙂
Where to Buy It
Authors Note
I hope you found this “Leg Strengthening Exercises Home Equipment Review” helpful and easy to understand. I would love to know your thoughts and opinions.
Which stepper sounds most beneficial for you?
Have you used any Sunny Health & Fitness workout equipment before?
Please share your answers in the comment section down below. If you have any questions, I will be glad to answer them as best as I can.
I live in North Carolina and I recently graduated in May 2017, from Davidson County Community College with a degree in Network and Cyber Security. I love working on websites and doing research which brings me here.
I didn’t know much about fitness and everything involved in it to be fit. I soon realized that being in my 40’s and staying in shape is going to take a lot more work and support. That’s when I decided to build my website around my personal problem areas, with hopes that I will not only get rid of mine, but help others as well.
Hello Friends,
Thanks for visiting my page! My mini stepper really gives me a great workout and I love sharing what works for me, hoping that it works for you as well.
I hope you enjoyed this article and come back for more. Please explore my other reviews. My most recent review was on FitIndex Smart Scale.
Let me know your thoughts and opinions. I love getting feedback.
This is a great, thorough review! I will keep this in mind for the future. It would be great to have a portable stepper that you can take anywhere. Even for having in the house, as it wouldn’t take up as much room as a full-size stepper that you find at the gym. Thanks for the helpful info!
Hello Carla,
I’m glad you enjoyed this review. Yes, it is great having a portable stepper. It’s so easy to tuck away when not in use and light weight making it easier to move from one place to another. My workout room is pretty small and doesn’t have space for any more large exercise equipment. My mini stepper works out perfectly for the small space that I do have.
Dear Devara
Thank you very much for your fantastic website. It is amazing that you show people how to choose dream-like fitness equipment. I hope more people will know about your website and follow your guidance.
Kind regards,
Andrey
Hello Andrey,
You’re welcome, and thanks for the feedback. I’m glad you enjoyed my article on this review. I would really love it if you would share my site with your friends and family.
I look forward to hearing from you again in the near future.
I love reading your in-depth articles. They’re always very informative and straightforward.
Back to the subject, I think both the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper and the Twist Stair Stepper are great options to have at home and on the go. As a matter of fact, I was thinking of getting something to work out at home instead of going to the gym. Since I’m not a morning person, I go to the gym in the evening after work. It’s packed at that time as you can imagine.
About the steppers, will I be able to get a full body workout? Or would I have to complement my routine with other exercises? Also, is it low-impact? I don’t have any injuries, but I was thinking of getting one for my mother as well. She told me she would like to do something at home. I was thinking of getting her a stationary bike, but maybe the stepper could do the trick.
Oh, one more thing. Do these steppers come with any warranty? I guess they do, but I thought I should ask.
Thanks for your excellent post. I will make sure to share it with my friends. Have a nice day.
Hello Enrique,
Glad you came back to my site for more good reads. I’m so glad you find my articles informative.
I understand about trying to work out in an over-crowded fitness center. I had my favorite workout equipment and hated it when other people were using it when I got there. There are some advantages to working out at home.
The mini steppers are very low impact, therefore easy on the knees and lower back.
To answer your question, using the provided resistance bands at the same time of using the mini steppers can get you a full-body cardio workout, although you may still feel the need to add other exercises into the routine.
In order to get a full cardio workout, you must use it with less resistance and faster motion, almost like you are running. The harder the resistance, the slower you will move, building more muscle strength, but not so much cardio.
I believe these steppers would be great for your mother, especially since the tension can be adjusted. I would recommend the regular mini stepper for her, rather than the twister stepper.
I couldn’t find any information concerning a warranty, so I’m not sure if the manufacturer offers one, but if there is a problem with the stepper, I recommend contacting Amazon Chat. They are very helpful and most of the time they allow you to send the product back for a replacement even it the return window is closed.
I hope this helps to answer your questions.
Please feel free to ask anything else or if you are still uncertain about something, I will be glad to try to help.
Hello Friends,
Thanks for visiting my page! My mini stepper really gives me a great workout and I love sharing what works for me, hoping that it works for you as well.
I hope you enjoyed this article and come back for more. Please explore my other reviews. My most recent review was on FitIndex Smart Scale.
Let me know your thoughts and opinions. I love getting feedback.
Best of health & fitness,
Devara
Very informative, found a lot of new workout tech i didn’t know about, keep it up!
Hello Lee,
Thanks for your feedback! I’m glad you found my article informative. Please stick around and explore more of my post here on this site.
I look forward to hearing from you again in the near future.
Best of health,
Devara
This is a great, thorough review! I will keep this in mind for the future. It would be great to have a portable stepper that you can take anywhere. Even for having in the house, as it wouldn’t take up as much room as a full-size stepper that you find at the gym. Thanks for the helpful info!
Hello Carla,
I’m glad you enjoyed this review. Yes, it is great having a portable stepper. It’s so easy to tuck away when not in use and light weight making it easier to move from one place to another. My workout room is pretty small and doesn’t have space for any more large exercise equipment. My mini stepper works out perfectly for the small space that I do have.
Thanks for visiting and for the feedback.
I look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Best of health,
Devara
Dear Devara
Thank you very much for your fantastic website. It is amazing that you show people how to choose dream-like fitness equipment. I hope more people will know about your website and follow your guidance.
Kind regards,
Andrey
Hello Andrey,
You’re welcome, and thanks for the feedback. I’m glad you enjoyed my article on this review. I would really love it if you would share my site with your friends and family.
I look forward to hearing from you again in the near future.
Best of health,
Devara
Hi, Devara,
I love reading your in-depth articles. They’re always very informative and straightforward.
Back to the subject, I think both the Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper and the Twist Stair Stepper are great options to have at home and on the go. As a matter of fact, I was thinking of getting something to work out at home instead of going to the gym. Since I’m not a morning person, I go to the gym in the evening after work. It’s packed at that time as you can imagine.
About the steppers, will I be able to get a full body workout? Or would I have to complement my routine with other exercises? Also, is it low-impact? I don’t have any injuries, but I was thinking of getting one for my mother as well. She told me she would like to do something at home. I was thinking of getting her a stationary bike, but maybe the stepper could do the trick.
Oh, one more thing. Do these steppers come with any warranty? I guess they do, but I thought I should ask.
Thanks for your excellent post. I will make sure to share it with my friends. Have a nice day.
Hello Enrique,
Glad you came back to my site for more good reads. I’m so glad you find my articles informative.
I understand about trying to work out in an over-crowded fitness center. I had my favorite workout equipment and hated it when other people were using it when I got there. There are some advantages to working out at home.
The mini steppers are very low impact, therefore easy on the knees and lower back.
To answer your question, using the provided resistance bands at the same time of using the mini steppers can get you a full-body cardio workout, although you may still feel the need to add other exercises into the routine.
In order to get a full cardio workout, you must use it with less resistance and faster motion, almost like you are running. The harder the resistance, the slower you will move, building more muscle strength, but not so much cardio.
I believe these steppers would be great for your mother, especially since the tension can be adjusted. I would recommend the regular mini stepper for her, rather than the twister stepper.
I couldn’t find any information concerning a warranty, so I’m not sure if the manufacturer offers one, but if there is a problem with the stepper, I recommend contacting Amazon Chat. They are very helpful and most of the time they allow you to send the product back for a replacement even it the return window is closed.
I hope this helps to answer your questions.
Please feel free to ask anything else or if you are still uncertain about something, I will be glad to try to help.
Looking forward to hearing from you again soon.
Best of health,
Devara