How to Use the Aerobic Twisting Stepper

Having some basic exercise equipment in your home means you can get in a workout when the kids are napping or you're watching TV. One simple piece of equipment to have in your home is a mini stepper machine like the Brookstone Aerobic Twisting Stepper machine. Use the machine to twist and step to get a cardio and lower-body workout or add arm movements to get a more comprehensive upper and lower-body workout, plus the cardio.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the stepper about 1 foot from a wall or a waist-high horizontal support, so that you can hold onto the wall or support as you get started. Since the stepper has a twisting motion, it can be a little challenging to get onto it and get moving.

    • 2

      Step onto the footwells, placing one foot on each footwell. Hold onto the wall or support as you begin pressing one foot down as the other foot rises. The machine will turn on as you begin stepping, but if it doesn't start, press the "Power" button. The machine will also twist to the left and right as you step. Step for a few minutes to gain your balance and confidence.

    • 3

      Press the "Power" button to view the various functions available on your machine. The "Steps" function will show how many steps you've taken during this workout; the "Timer" function will show how long you've worked out; the "Calories" function will show an estimate of how many calories you've burned; and the "Info Scan" function will toggle between each function throughout the workout. The "Steps/Minute" function, meanwhile, will show the rate at which you're stepping, or the number of steps per minute.

    • 4

      Lean down and grasp the resistance cords to start adding in an arm workout.

    • 5

      Grasp the handles in an overhand fashion, with your palms facing downward. As your right foot elevates, straighten your left arm and raise it from a level of about hip-height to a shoulder-height level, targeting the muscles of the shoulders and triceps. Lower the left arm as you lower the right foot and then repeat the motion with the right arm and the left foot. Continue moving in this manner until your arms and shoulders feel fatigued.

    • 6

      Keep your palms facing downward, but this time raise both arms from a position at the sides of your thighs to a "T" position -- with both your arms out to your sides, as if your torso and arms were creating a "T." This should create tension in your shoulders and upper back. Lower your arms slowly and carefully and then repeat the entire motion until your arms become fatigued.

    • 7

      Move your hands into a position with your palms facing upward and tuck your elbows in to your sides, with your forearms also facing upward. As you elevate your left foot, raise your right palm toward its shoulder. This will create tension in the biceps muscle of the right arm. Lower the arm to the starting position as you lower your opposite foot and then repeat the motion with the opposite arm and foot. Continue doing the biceps curl until your arms become fatigued.

    • 8

      Perform the arms exercises as long as you can manage, but attempt to continue the stepping motion for 20 to 60 minutes to complete a beneficial aerobic workout.