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 ... Read more

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.