Okay. Time to talk steppers.

[Baitball Blogger]

Since it is going to get cooler, I can go back to taking long walks. But I think it's a good idea to buy a stepper. Something that isn't too big, but is effective. Does anyone have experience with them? Treadmills are too big. But steppers are small enough to put away easily. I'm just not convinced they can take the beating.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. I have one that I never use, except to hang clothes on.

I've been going for walks and will keep doing so regardless of the weather (there is no bad weather, only bad clothing). I just bought new cross-country skis in anticipation of too much snow to walk in. I'm trying to figure out how to dismantle the stepper so I can give it away.

[Baitball Blogger]

4. Steppers are tiny now.

This is a bad picture, not a quality one. But it will give you an idea.

Cross-country skiing is boss! I did make the mistake of taking my skis off to try to walk back across the snow and learned why skis are necessary to get across snow in the first place!


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stamina-Mini-Stepper-with-Monitor/28132535?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. The one I have is much larger and has hand rails

and electronic gadgets you can count your steps and heartbeat and all that stuff. It's actually called a stair-climber, so it's more like climbing than walking. My old knees can easily tolerate walking and skiing but this contraption is harder on them than it used to be. The small stepper seems to be more like a walking simulator. The problem with all that indoor gear is that using it is kind of boring and I probably wouldn't do it.

[hlthe2b]

6. As an owner of a treadmill, nordictrack x-country skier AND a Versa-Climber--all which I do use

at least occasionally, I can say there is NOTHING better than getting outside, even for casual walking. I DO use my equipment (more in the wintertime, though I do try to do a little bit on each piece regardless, just to keep the different muscles a little bit engaged). That said I just think outdoor workouts at ANY intensity are so much more superior, not only physically but mentally.


So, I have a lot of $$ in my equipment (some of which was given to me by those moving away), but really? Walk and use some light hand weights or exercise bands and walk the stairs--or maybe some indoor workout videos on occasion. That would be my recommendation.

[forgotmylogin]

2. If you have something that can serve as a small platform...

just a couple inches high, you can exercise in place stepping up and down on it.

I used to do Wii Fit, and this was a large part of the routines.

[exboyfil]

3. I do steps and kicks standing on the floor

while swinging light weights with my arms. I don't have much room in my house except in the basement, and I already have my rower down there.

I can get my heart rate up to 110-120 average bpm from a resting 58 bpm.

[Baitball Blogger]

5. Keeping track of heart rate is a good idea.

Do you take your pulse manually? Or do you have one of the arm wrap pressure gauges?

[exboyfil]

7. Fitbit

Probably not entirely accurate, but I have checked resting by having my nurse at work check it as well.

I got the Fitbit about two years ago, and I have been very happy with it. My goal is to get 25K steps in a day (these includes steps measured from rowing, doing my step exercises mentioned before, walking, and jogging).

[Baitball Blogger]

10. I'm hoping that the answer is, less chances of tripping.

I have bad knees.