Sunny Health Fitness Mini Stepper w/ Resistance Bands - NO. 012-S

This is a sturdy and well-made little machine. I like everything about it. I had some issues with a missing washer when I got the machine, because Amazon had carelessly thrown the machine into a box. I called the customer service number on the manual and was amazed at the good quality of the customer service. A rep answered the phone promptly, spoke perfect English, and was very helpful. He explained I could use the machine without the washer and ordered a replacement part for me. I'm astonished that any company still exists that produces a solid, sturdy, functional, affordable little machine like this one and with good customer service to boot. This is how things used to be in the 1960s! I'm happy with this little machine. It's compact, easy to store, well-made, and a pleasure to use. Very simple, very functional. The display that shows steps, time, and calories is clear and easy to read. Definitely a nice workout "snack".

A few years ago I started working from home, and while that's awesome, it also caused me to spend a ridiculous amount of time sitting at my desk, as there's no reason to get up to go to the copier, or consult with a co-worker, etc. I can't always go for a 15 or 20 minute walk several times a day, so I wanted something I could do indoors, and something I could do frequently throughout the day during quick work breaks, to counteract all that sitting. Anything I could think of to do on my own (with no equipment) didn't seem like enough. But I have a tiny apartment and really didn't have room for much in the way of equipment. I knew if it was something that could be folded up to fit in a closet or under the bed, well, it'd probably stay there. I needed something that could sit right in the middle of the living room in plain sight, without being 'in my way.' This was it, and it's perfect. I get up from my desk every hour to hour and a half or so and do 5 minutes on this stepper. Five minutes isn't a lot to some people, but I'm out of shape so it's a pretty good workout for me (the way I have the tension set), and it gives me moving breaks all day long to break up all that sitting. Of course it could be used for longer sessions, but the point for my purpose wasn't to do a 30 minute cardio workout just on this, but instead to have some way to easily take 5 to 7 breaks during the day and really get my muscles moving and my heart pumping for a few minutes, to counteract all that sitting. This definitely does that. The stepper came almost completely assembled, you just have to tighten a pulley cable with a knob, and the instructions explain it easily. The resistance bands with handles are adjustable for your height and/or how much resistance you want them to have. They are also optional, you can do the stepper with or without them. I actually usually don't use them. I have some discomfort in my right knee, and was worried this would be a problem with the type of movement on this machine. Using the stepper while standing completely upright does cause some pain in my knee (tho I may have the tension a little high, too). Sometimes I wear a knee brace, which does help - but I also discovered another trick I like. I put the stepper in front of a sturdy table and lean forward with my hands on the table, sort of the same position you'd be in if you were riding a bike. When I use it that way I have no knee discomfort, and as a bonus, I can do more steps in the same amount of time, because it's a little bit easier. So overall, I love it, it works great, I've had no problems with it at all. It's very sturdy and feels well built, but it's not too heavy to move around if you need to reposition it. I'd recommend it for anyone, but especially if space is a concern, and even if you're out of shape and can't do much exercise at one time (like a full 30 minute hard core cardio workout) - because with this, you can do just what you can, all throughout the day, and build up.

Update: The company reached out to me and offered me a different version. The next version up from this. It is wonderful. It has larger foot pedals that are a little further apart, but also works in a V shape movement instead of straight up and down and it allows my thighs to work around one another. A++ on customer service. I am 325lbs and the weight limit for this is 350lbs but it made a cracking sound when I tried to use it almost immediately. There is also no way to widen the steps for those of us with large inner thighs, therefor its very hard for me to use as my legs are forced together unnaturally since I am larger. It sucks because I know I'm obese. I know I need to fix it. But they literally make nothing that really works for larger people, and I sure as hell am not subjecting myself to the gym and the evil people there who are so judgmental. Hopefully someday they will actually make at home equipment for those of us who are larger and ready to make a change. This is not it though. Back to looking for online videos with arm weights and resistance bands. Sigh.

This stepper is exactly what I wanted--a small machine with simple mechanics at a value price. It fits under my bed for easy storage and weighs about 15 pounds, so it's easy to move around. It has a simple counter that keeps track of your steps (and has a few other modes, like calories, etc. but nothing too in depth). It came preassembled, and the only assembly you have to do is make sure the pulley line is on the wheel underneath the machine, then tighten the tension knob to the desired resistance (which is easy to adjust anytime you want to change it) and attaching the arm resistance bands to the frame. In reference to some common questions/complaints I've seen, here is an FYI about the this machine. 1. It is a STEPPER, not an elliptical--meaning you step up and down, not glide back and forth. 2. It does require you to maintain your own balance while using it (unlike an elliptical). It is actually better for your muscle tone and core muscles to keep your own balance while exercising. However, if you have a medical issue that impairs your balance, this might not be a good machine for you. 3. You MUST use it standing up. Because you put your full weight on the pedals to pump them up and down, this machine would not work for someone sitting at a desk or in a chair. 4. The arm resistance bands are optional and do not effect the function of the stepper pedals. They are mounted to the frame of the machine and the length is adjustable. They are simple rubber type stretchy resistance bands, similar to bungee cords. 5. The step counter has been accurate for me, but I consider the other modes (calories, etc.) to be estimates. If you need more in depth exercise tracking, I would suggest a personal device (Fitbit, etc.) or looking for another machine at a higher price point to include the bells and whistles. 6. There is no way to adjust the incline of the pedals, or increase the step height (how far up and down the pedals go) beyond the 8" or so in the machines range of motion. Again, if this is important, you should probably look at a higher price point. Personally I find the incline and step height works well for me. 7. The machine seems durable to me, and I use it about 5x a week, for 20-30 minutes. If you work out much more than that, you may want to invest in a more expensive, bigger machine. 8. The weight limit for the machine is 220 lb, per the instruction manual. 9. The instruction manual is well written and clear instructions are given for assembly and maintenance. Instructions are given for parts to oil if the machine begins to squeak. 10. The machine is very quiet. You do hear air pushing from the cylinders as you step up and down, but it's not loud. I use the machine while my baby naps with no problem. 11. The pedals are 11 1/4" long from inside the toe guard to the edge of the pedal. I wear women's size 9 and have plenty of room. 12. Despite its simple design, this machine does give you quite a work out (similar to climbing stairs). It's definitely cardiovascular exercise, and you definitely feel it in your calves, thighs and gluts. Maintaining balance also gives my core muscles a work out, and you can use the arm bands too if you want. Like any exercise, it depends on the amount of effort you put in. I would highly recommend this stepper for anyone like myself, who wants an affordable machine with a small footprint to get some easy exercise at home. I'm a 30-something mother with small children, so going to the gym isn't convenient for me. I'm not a fitness guru, my goals are to get more cardio and shed a few pounds. For around $50, you can't beat the price for the amount of exercise you can get from this little stepper.

Easy to assemble and easy to use. Gets the job done and seems pretty sturdy!!

One of the arm bands came broke. It’s a very light weight workout even on full resistance. I have to add a band around my thighs to try to get a burn. After a while on it I start to feel the workout. I only have a certain amount of time to workout everyday and I find myself using too much time trying to get the build up that my time is up when things are finally getting started. I don’t regret the purchase.. still good to throw in the mix of my other workouts!

This stepper is everything I've ever dreamed of and more. It's not just a machine, it's a lifesaver wrapped in a compact package. It's the answer to all my fitness prayers--affordable, simple, and effective. From the moment it arrived preassembled at my doorstep, I knew it was meant to be. The way it fits perfectly under my bed, ready to be pulled out at a moment's notice. Its weight of only 15 pounds makes it a breeze to move around, allowing me to bring my workout wherever I go. The simple counter that keeps track of my steps is like a guiding light, reminding me of how far I've come with each movement. The resistance is easily adjustable, catering to my every whim and challenge. And the arm resistance bands? They're like the cherry on top, adding that extra kick to my workout routine. To address any doubts or concerns, let me tell you this--this machine may be small, but it packs a powerful punch. It requires balance and strength, pushing you to new limits and sculpting your muscles with every step. It may not have all the fancy features of a high-end machine, but it gets the job done in the most satisfying way possible. For me, this stepper is not just a piece of equipment, it's a game-changer. As a busy mother, it provides me with the means to achieve my fitness goals without leaving the comfort of my home. And for the price? It's a steal. Trust me when I say, you won't find a better deal out there. So, if you're like me and in need of a reliable companion on your fitness journey, look no further. This stepper is the real deal, offering a workout that will leave you feeling empowered, strong, and ready to take on the world. Don't hesitate, make the investment in yourself and see the results unfold before your eyes. You won't regret it.

This is more difficult than I gave it credit for when I bought it! I use in during the cold weather months when I do way too much sitting due to snow and ice outside. I like using it for leg strengthening, getting my heart rate going and also balance. It's a sturdy little piece of equipment that gets the job done. Well worth the money spent!

prosta obsluga, ciche i wygodne uzytkownaie, za ta cene swietny produkt

Très robuste et simple d'utilisation. Dommage que les bandes de résistance soient un peu trop courtes. Le temps dira le reste.

Very good. Its portable enough to fit in small places and works good. You feel it through the whole body after a few seconds. A good buy.

This is a great machine for getting a sweat on. Yiu can set the step height, so if you're tall or short, want it easy and quick or more difficult and slower, you can easily configure the height needed. I'm 6ft and I've it set to quite a high step height. It's smooth, quiet and stable. The rubber stoppers on the feet are maybe a little plasticky, so it might be better to use it on carpet, or a mat, rather than on laminate or hardwood. I've used it on wood flooring and it feels like repeated use might either mark the floor or the stopper itself will crack. However, there's no sign of that happening yet so it might not be the case. Time will tell. It will really work the legs, be warned! There's good resistance in the stepper, meaning you have to power through the steps. The hand grips are comfortable and fit bigger hands comfortably. If you have giant hands, then maybe not so comfortable. The tension in the arm exercisers is a fraction of that in the stepper, so they're fairly easy. But they help keep the rhythm and balance, so maybe they have a wider use beyond just exercise. This is a very good mini stepper!

Me gustó mucho, se siente firme y resistente, sí la recomiendo