Bell Fitness Mini Stepper with Flexbands

I received this as a Christmas gift.. After using it ONLY 5x, as I was going up with the right foot, BOOM! It broke.... One of your "screws" snapped off and upon looking at it I noticed it to be hollow.. How can you put cheap hardware products on a workout machine!!?... This could have been very dangerous if I were a "big" person... I think you should look into your products more carefully!!

Bought mini stepper about a year about. Took little space, but could get a decent workout during AM news. Was about 400 steps into morning workout when suddenly, both feet were on "ground" level. Sudden drop was startling. The cable broke. Was not overly tight. So, what do I do with it now? Flex bands are still usable, but not stepper. Very disappointed in the way it held up.

*****UPDATE 4/23/2008*****

After some use, I did notice squeaks as well as the fact that the stepper was leaving black marks on the floor underneath it - guessing the lubricating oil. Those two things are probably related. Also, one day after a bit of a lengthy session, the stepper seemed to lose resistance on stepping. I had to give it a break before it offered any resistance again. Glad I bought it at a sale price, versus the usual price! It was still worth the price I paid, but I don't know if its worth the price it usually is.

PRO's - Relatively small size making it easy to store, works various muscle groups at once, ability to watch tv while using, quiet in comparison to some other work out equipment, resistance bands give good pull and offer an option to work other areas of your upper body while working the lower.

CON's - A bit heavy, step pads make a thunk when hitting the base, pistons get hot after some time.

I was given a ski machine as a hand me down. I had thought I could watch TV and use this at the same time while working out, but found that it was much too loud when using the arm pulleys and the ski's at the same time. Plus, it is not portable, so if I wanted to be upstairs with my husband or children, it was not possible. So, I started looking at mini steppers and mini pedal machines. No sooner did I start looking for them on Amazon, but I got an ad for a local discount store having the Bell Mini Stepper for 20.00 off their regular price! Lets just say Blue Light Special. I went out and scooped the last one up.

So far, its been great. It was much heavier than I anticipated. But the size is about what I expected. It is just small enough that I can probably sneak it under the couch in the living room. I had seen other reviews mention squeaky pistons. I have had no issues with any squeaks yet, but did notice that the bottom of the step hitting the base makes a thunk. I can dull that sound by placing a towel in between, which also gives the step a little more bounce. But, I think that could be affecting the amount of true resistance I am getting.

I believe a reviewer also mentioned it didn't seem like the knob resistance changed the effect much. I myself noticed a difference when I cranked it up higher.

There is a calorie counter/step counter on it as well. So far, so good on that too. It hasn't broken yet. The wires are pretty thin, and the connecter is pretty low grade. So I won't be surprised if its life is short. I, personally, am not too concerned about that.

As it is, most calorie counters on work out machines may not be accurate to what you are actually burning, anyway. Most calculators on work out equipment are calibrated using a weight of 150 pounds when figuring out how to calculate calories burned. As you may know, that amount can be significantly different with the more or less you weigh. So if you can't enter in a weight on the machine, your count is probably going to be different. Plus there are other variable that affect it. Like whether or not you are also using the arm pulleys at the same time.

In the end, this is perfect for burning calories while watching your favorite TV show. You probably won't get an intense cardio workout, but, you will sweat a little and it is certainly better than just sitting on your hindquarters!

I have been using this thing pretty short term so far. So, if I have any issues later on, I will be certain to update my review of the Bell Mini Stepper for everyone.

I got the mini-stepper to replace the walking I do during golf season. I've only used it for about a month and so far it's working out well. In 30 minutes my legs get a good workout and my pulse goes over 90 which I was looking for. The machine is solid and the design seems like it will last. The flexbands don't do much except help with your balance.

I bought this new years eve and I just love it it's very compact. I typically do 100 steps at a time 5-6 times a day right now,which takes about 2 minutes. It's a great workout for cardio,works the front of the thigh and if you bend slightly forward it will work the butt. It hasn't got the best use instructions but there is a phone # for customer service.There is a knob underneath to adjust the tension. I don't have any noises with mine,really quiet.I read on another site to only use for 15 minutes at a time then let the stepper cool off for 15 minutes then resume the workout. I have trouble keeping my balance using the bands, just seems to awkward. You won't be disappointed very sturdy!

I needed something I could get a cardio workout without taking up space.
This is an ideal tool for that purpose. I actually had trouble with my balance using the bands with the stepper. I have since stopped using them and put a high back chair in front of me to hold while my legs get a workout and I get the heart going. I can only handle this for about 15 minutes at a time with a little break in between. Its one of the more difficult exercises I've ever done but I'm building strength everyday.
It is on the noisy side but a little WD40 helps. Once the pistons warm up the noise is minimal. All and all a good buy and you can use it just about anywhere.