The Bell Fitness 107960 is one of the least expensive mini steppers available, so it's unreasonable to expect the same kind of performance that you would receive from a standard stair stepper.

If you're pressed for space, on a limited budget or simply don't want to invest a lot of money into a piece of home fitness equipment until you're sure that you'll be able to maintain a regular exercise schedule, then the 107960 will do a job. We believe that any exercise is better than none, and this device will provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout.

At a suggested retail price of less than $70, this stair stepper won't break the bank, but used correctly it should still burn calories, raise your heart rate and improve aerobic capacity.

The footplates feature a non-slip grip and feel comfortable as you move up and down. Unfortunately, we experience a small but persistent squeaking sound from the hydraulic joints of the 107960; it sounds like a minor complaint, but a small repetitive sound can drive you crazy over a period of time and provide you with another reason not to exercise. A noisy stair stepper can also annoy other family members or anyone else who happens to be within earshot.

Other mini steppers offer arms that aid balance as well as provide an upper body workout; the Bell Fitness 107960 comes with easily attachable resistance bands. As you step up and down, exercising your calves and thigh muscles, you can use the bands to perform curls or shoulder presses, which will add another dimension to your workouts.

The resistance of the stepper itself is adjusted via a dial on the device. The 107960 also offers a small electronic monitor that displays workout statistics, such as steps taken, time exercised and calories burned.

Aside from the annoying squeak, this unit performed well, but for us, noisy operation is a deal-breaker. As such, we have a hard time recommending the Bell Fitness Mini Stepper 107960.


Pros: Compact, resistance bands allow for total body workout
Cons: Annoying repetitive squeaking sound, little workout variation

Warranty
1 year, frame; 90 days, parts