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

sit down leg exerciser
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

sitting standing stepper
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

sit down machine
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

sitting or standing under desk stepper
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

recumbent leg exerciser
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

Other Under Desk Exercisers