Best Under Desk Stepper
An under desk stepper, also known as a desk stepper, sitting stepper machine, or a mini stepper, is similar to a stair stepper but much smaller.
Table of Contents
Why These Steppers are Suited for Use Under a Desk
First and foremost, an under desk stepper when used while sitting helps your body when you have to sit for long periods. In fact, these machines exercise you feet, calves, thighs and glutes. Also, they help blood circulation in the legs. And, because of the nature of effort needed, they may be more effective that other under desk machines. Finally, when needed, you can also use them while standing.
Now, the steppers, reviewed here, can indeed be used while sitting or working at a desk. Incidentally, a typical desk has a depth of at least 21 inches. And, the steppers reviewed here have a depth ranging from 15 to 17 inches, which is less than 21 inches. Meanwhile, some of the best elliptical trainers, used while sitting, have lengths that are greater than 18 inches and could be as long as 32 inches. Also, the sturdy and stable pedal exercisers have lengths ranging from 22 to 24 inches.
Next, many steppers, such as those reviewed below, allow you to reduce the vertical movement of the footplates which helps their use under a typical desk. On the other hand, typical pedal exercisers have a high vertical profile making them difficult to use under a desk. However, pedal exercisers with a reduced pedaling circle are more likely to work under a desk.
Best Desk Stepper Reviews
Comparison of 5 Best Desk Steppers
Height
BEOUZO Mini Stepper - Adjustable from 5.5 to 13.8 inches above floor
Sunny SF-S0978 - Adjustable up to 13.6 inches above floor
Sunny NO. 012-s - Adjustable up to 13.5 inches above floor
BalanceFrom Stepper - Adjustable up to 8.8 inches above floor
EFITMENT - Adjustable up to 7.5 inches above floor
Display
BEOUZO Mini Stepper - Time spent, step count, total steps, calories
Sunny SF-S0978 - Time spent, step count, total steps, calories
Sunny NO. 012-s - Time spent, step count, steps per minute, calories
BalanceFrom Stepper - Time spent, step count, total steps, calories
EFITMENT - Time spent, step count, steps per minute, calories
Features
BEOUZO Mini Stepper - Resistance bands when used in standing mode and footplates twist side to side
Sunny SF-S0978 - Resistance bands when used in standing mode and footplates move up and down
Sunny NO. 012-s - Resistance bands when used in standing mode and footplates move up and down
BalanceFrom Stepper - Resistance bands when used in standing mode and footplates move up and down.
EFITMENT - Footplates move up and down
Weight Limit
BEOUZO Mini Stepper - 220 pounds
Sunny SF-S0978 - 220 pounds
Sunny NO. 012-s - 220 pounds
BalanceFrom Stepper - 220 pounds
EFITMENT - 220 pounds
Warranty
BEOUZO Mini Stepper - 1 year frame, 90 day parts
Sunny SF-S0978 - 11 years on frame, 180 day parts
Sunny NO. 012-s - 3 months
BalanceFrom Stepper - 2 years
EFITMENT - None
Desk Stepper Descriptions
1. BEOUZO Mini Stepper
BEOUZO Fitness Stair Stepper - Cardio Exercise Trainer - Stepper Twisting Machine - Stepper Exercise Equipment
Dimensions
First, the stepper is 15.75 inches long, 15.75 inches wide, and the footplates can reach 13.8 inches above the floor. Furthermore, using the stepper's height adjustment knob you can increase or decrease the height of the footplate from 5.5 inches to 13.8 inches. For example, loosening the knob decreases the angle and height the foot plate can move.
So, use this data with paragraph titled "Height for use Under a Desk" in the "Buyer's Guide" (link below), to see if it can be used under a desk. Also, the sit down stepper may be pulled out a bit from the desk to make it easier to use the stepper while working at a desk.
Footplates
Second, the stepper's footplates are 14.2 inches long and 5.9 inches wide. Consequently, the footplates will accommodate a broad range of feet and shoes. Also, these non-slip, non-slide textured footplates are made of PVC.
Movement
Third, this stepper moves up and down and side to side in a low impact twisting motion..
Sliding
Fourth, the stepper has skid-resistance floor protectors. Furthermore, it comes with a mat to prevent sliding and scratching the floor.
Tension
Next, the tension knob makes it easy to adjust your workout from easy to hard. For example, tightening the knob increases the angle and height of footplate motion, which, in turn increases tension. While, loosening the knob decreases the angle and height of footplate motion, which, in turn, decreases tension. By the way, the hydraulic pistons provide a smooth, cushioning, and quiet workout. So, it’s good for your joints.
Use
Also, you can use this stepper while sitting at a desk, or, standing and/or using the removable high resistance bands. By the way, the stepper comes with two resistance bands: one for balance and one for versatile use. Furthermore, the resistance band’s handles are made of easy to grip foam.
Weight
Furthermore, the stepper weighs 20.3 pounds, making it possible to lift and move the stepper to storage or other locations.
PROS
The stepper's footplates moves up and down and side to side.
2. Sunny SF-S0978
Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stepper - SF-S0978
Construction
First, the stabilizer ring at the base of the stepper provides stability and keeps your steps steady without shaking the stepper.
Dimensions
Second, the stepper is 16.3 inches deep, 12.8 inches wide, and the footplates can reach 13.6 inches above the floor. Furthermore, using the stepper's height adjustment knob you can increase or decrease vertical movement of the footplate’s far end.
So, use this data with paragraph titled "Height for use Under a Desk" in the "Buyer's Guide" (link below), to see if it can be used under a desk. Also, the sit down stepper may be pulled out a bit from the desk to make it easier to use the stepper while working at a desk.
Footplates
Third, the large oversized textured, slip-resistant footplates move straight up and down.
Adjustable Resistance
Fourth, the stepper's hydraulic resistance provides a smooth and quiet workout. Furthermore, using the stepper's height adjustment knob to change stepper height also changes its hydraulic resistance.
Weight
Also, the stepper weighs 16.2 pounds.
Workouts
Finally, the stepper not only exercises the legs, but also the upper body when used with resistance bands.
PROS
First, the stabilizer ring at the base of the stepper provides stability and keeps your steps steady, especially when used in standing mode.
Meanwhile, the stepper comes with a 11-year warranty on the frame.
3. Sunny NO. 012-s
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper - NO. 012-s
Dimensions
First, the stepper is 16 inches deep, 12.5 inches wide, and the footplates can reach 13.5 inches above the floor. Furthermore, using the stepper's height adjustment knob you can increase or decrease vertical movement of the footplate’s far end.
So, use this data with paragraph titled "Height for use Under a Desk" in the "Buyer's Guide" (link below), to see if it can be used under a desk. Also, the sit down stepper may be pulled out a bit from the desk to make it easier to use the stepper while working at a desk.
Footplates
Second, the sit down stepper has footplates that are wide, textured and have non-slip features. In addition, the stepper's footplates move up and down.
Pedal Height
Third, the height adjustment knob adjusts step motion height to give you either short or long steps. Therefore, if you want to use the stepper under a table, use the adjustment knob to lower pedal height.
Resistance
Fourth, the hydraulic resistance of the stepper provides a smooth and quiet workout. Furthermore, using the stepper's height adjustment knob to change pedal height also changes the hydraulic resistance.
Weight
In addition, the stepper weighs 14.5 pounds, making it easy to lift and move to storage or anywhere else.
Workouts
Finally, in addition to exercising the legs, the stepper's resistance bands give an upper body workout.
CONS
This sitting stepper machine comes with only a 3 months warranty.
4. BalanceFrom Stepper
BalanceFrom Adjustable Stepper Stepping Machine
Dimensions
First, the stepper is 16 inches deep, 12 inches wide, and the footplates can reach 8.8 inches above the floor. Furthermore, using the stepper's height adjustment knob you can increase or decrease vertical movement of the footplate’s far end.
So, use this data with paragraph titled "Height for use Under a Desk" in the "Buyer's Guide" (link below), to see if it can be used under a desk. Also, the sit down stepper may be pulled out a bit from the desk to make it easier to use the stepper while working at a desk.
Footplates
Second, the anti-slip footplates keep your feet comfortably and firmly planted on the pedals while you work out. Also, the hydraulic resistance design gives a smooth and stable stepping movement.
Movement
Third, the footplates move up and down.
Tension
Fourth, the tension knob makes it easy to adjust your workout from easy to hard. For example, tightening the knob increases the angle and height of footplate motion, which, in turn increases tension. While, loosening the knob decreases the angle and height of footplate motion, which, in turn, decreases tension. By the way, hydraulic resistance gives a smooth and stable stepping workout. So, it’s good for your joints.
Weight
Also, the 15-pound sitting stepper machine is easy to lift and move.
Workout
Finally, in addition to exercising the legs, the stepper's resistance bands give an upper body workout when used in standing mode.
PROS
Having a low vertical profile, this stepper works well for under desk use.
5. EFITMENT
EFITMENT Fitness Stepper Step Machine - S021
Dimensions
First, the stepper is 17 inches deep, 12.5 inches wide, and the footplates can reach 7.5 inches above the floor. Furthermore, using the stepper's height adjustment feature increases or decreases vertical movement of the footplate’s far end.
So, use this data with paragraph titled "Height for use Under a Desk" in the "Buyer's Guide" (link below), to see if it can be used under a desk. Also, the sit down stepper may be pulled out a bit from the desk to make it easier to use the stepper while working at a desk.
Footplates
Second, the stepper's footplates are wide, textured, and non-slip. Consequently, the footplates will accommodate a broad range of feet and shoes.
Movement
Third, the footplates move up and down.
Pedal Height
Fourth, the stepper's pedal height is adjustable. Therefore, adjusting the pedal height, limits vertical pedal movement, which helps you to use the sitting stepper machine under a table.
Resistance
Also, the stepper's hydraulic power provides a smooth and quiet workout. Incidentally, the hydraulic resistance is adjusted by changing the vertical movement of footplates.
Weight
In addition, the sitting stepper machine weighs 15 pounds, making it easy to lift and move the sitting stepper machine to storage or other locations.
PROS
First, the stepper's maximum height is 7.5 inches which makes it easy to user under a desk.
CONS
No warranty. Only Amazon's 30-day return policy.
Under Desk Stepper Buyers Guide
The under desk stepper buyer's guide gives additional insight into under desk stepper's features.
Under Desk Stepper FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Also, check out the under desk steppers frequently asked questions.