Brookstone Stepflex Compact Fitness Center fits into your life
Written: Aug 31 '05 (Updated Aug 31 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Compact, inexpensive way to get heart healthy stepper exercise.
Cons: $100 you don't have to spend if you already walk/run at your target heartrate.
The Bottom Line: Compact heart healthy exercise for inside your home. If you run or walk at target heartrate 4 times/wk, you won't need this. If you don't, it's a good option.
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| nwinston's Full Review: Brookstone Stepflex Compact Fitness Center |
Exercise excuses? Me?
What flimsy reason can I think up today for avoiding a run or a walk at my target heartrate? My usuals include:
- it's raining
- it's too cold
- it's too hot
The one excuse that goes double duty for avoiding the gym as well as a run or walk:
- the kids are home and I can't leave them alone
What about in-home exercise equipment?
A good way to get around all of the above excuses (as well as some I've been too lazy to think up yet) would be to buy a piece of exercise equipment for my home. But any idle person worth their couch can counter an exercise machine purchase with 2 reasonable arguments:
- expense
- space
Most equipment takes some serious dedicated real estate and starting prices can equal a small mortgage payment.
Brookstone must hate me
When my cousin started her exercise program (diabetes diagnosis wake up call), she challenged me to match her workouts. I had just purchased a Brookstone Stepflex Compact Fitness Center. No space and money arguments were applicable. This stepper is $99. And the little torturer takes less than 2 feet square of carpet away from my very long golden retriever.
What can a midget machine do?
Surprisingly, this baby stepper can kick me in the gluteous area that needs to be worked out. The Stepflex stair climber adjusts from teensy steps to 10" giant steps with a simple dial control. If you're in great shape, start with high steps to reach your target heartrate quickly. If you can't breathe, dial the steps back a few notches. The resistance cords attached to the stepper pull your muscles into shape with as much effort as you give out. You can do one arm at a time or choose both if you're a time-saving person like myself. The bands give you a more intense workout when used while stepping.
Comfort and durability
Ease of use is obviously important to me, given my endless ability to generate effort saving excuses! If you've used a fitness center quality stepper or elliptical machine, you will have to concentrate more on your balance on the Stepflex. Not having the handles or frame to hang onto makes a big difference. But focusing on balance isn't necessarily a bad thing, just a change from the big spendy machines. The Stepflex foot beds are plenty large for me and have non-slip grippers on them. The base of the machine is made of steel and seems durable. It's very stable while I'm stepping.
Cool tech features?
Stepflex isn't the most techie machine on exercise row. But it does have a couple of tricks more than I expected from such a tiny tot. The computer comes with a button cell battery and tracks your exercise time. It also estimates calories burned and tracks number of steps.
How small is it?
As mentioned above, this device takes less than 2 feet square. I store my StepFlex behind my couch but it would also fit under your bed, desk or coat closet.
Bottom line
If you already exercise regularly at your target heartrate, either at a gym or by going out for a run or walk, you don't need a home machine. But if you'd like a compact machine, this is a good inexpensive alternative for home use. As far as my cousin's challenge goes, my cousin is currently ahead. I plan to catch her when my kids go back to school.
Company website
www.brookstone.com - search for Stepflex
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
nwinston
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Location: US
Reviews written: 272
Trusted by: 239 members
About Me:
Loving my boys and the summer weather in Oregon!
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