You may be familiar with the stepper, a compact fitness machine that doesn’t take up much space and can be used at home. But did you know how useful it can be for your routine? It provides a great workout to help you stay active and work your lower body. Find out about its benefits, the muscles it works, who can use one, the right posture to adopt and how long a session should last.
The stepper and the lower body
A stepper machine provides a good workout that’s easy to do at home. As a cardio and endurance activity, it helps you stay active on a regular basis. It fits easily into a routine alongside massage and a balanced diet.
How does it work?
It is simple, this exercise reproduces the same motions you do when going up stairs. This exercise will allow you to work on your endurance and lower body muscles.
The stepper mainly works the posterior chain. You’ll be using your legs, thighs and buttocks, areas we especially love to pamper! You can also engage your core: tighten your abs while you exercise.
What does a mini stepper work out?
A mini stepper primarily targets the lower body. By mimicking the action of climbing stairs, it engages the glutes, quadriceps, and calves. Depending on your posture, you can also engage your core to help with balance and stability during the exercise.
Who can use a stepper?
Almost anyone can take up the stepper, as you choose the pace, length and intensity of each session. However, if you are significantly overweight or have back or joint problems, particularly in your hips, knees or ankles, always check with your GP before you get started.
How to use a stepper properly
This fitness accessory can be combined with circuit training and anti-cellulite massages. So you can do targeted exercise, cardio workouts with your stepper and then targeted massages with your anti-cellulite CelluBlue Cup for a complete routine! To look after your skin, remember to keep moving, eat a varied diet and massage regularly.
The cooling gel that leaves thigh skin firmer
- Immediate cooling effect: menthol kicks in as soon as it is applied, then skin is firmer under your fingers (keep the gel in the fridge for even more intensity)
- Caffeine & Lipothetic®, a patented active ingredient, at the heart of a formula designed for thighs and buttocks
- Sorbet texture: it absorbs faster and makes the feeling of freshness last longer
Start with 3 workouts a week. Do 30-minute sessions until you get used to it, then gradually increase the length. Some steppers let you adjust the intensity, but don’t overdo it at first or you might lose motivation. The key is to push yourself a little further each session, step by step.
Remember that it’s your legs doing the work, so don’t shift your body weight from side to side – that’s cheating! Swing your arms along with the movement and take care of your back. Stand up straight and keep each step smooth and controlled. Look straight ahead rather than letting your head drop forward. Wear a good pair of trainers and don’t forget to stay hydrated.
To look after your figure day to day, don’t forget to mix up your cardio. You can combine stepper workouts with swimming, tennis or a combat sport, so that your upper body gets a workout too.
Don’t forget to stretch after each workout.
What makes a good stepper session?
How long a workout should last depends on your goals, as well as your age and how fit you’re feeling at the moment.
If you want to work harder, you can aim for stepper sessions of at least 45 minutes at a steady pace. Put some music on or watch your favourite series to keep yourself going!
You can also try interval training, which lets you vary the intensity of your effort. Grab a timer and do 5 minutes of fast stepping, then return to a normal pace for 4 minutes, and repeat.
See you soon for more anti-cellulite tips!
Frequently asked questions
What does a stepper work?
The areas it works are covered in the “How does it work?” section above.
What are the benefits of a stepper?
Its main practical advantage is its size: a stepper is compact, so it can be stored easily and used indoors whatever the weather.
How long should a stepper session last?
See the “What makes a good stepper session?” section above.
Should I check with a doctor before using a stepper?
If you’re unsure whether the stepper is right for you, particularly if you have back or joint pain, check with your GP before you get started.
Is a mini stepper as good as walking?
Both are good cardio activities. Walking is a natural movement, while the stepper offers a workout focused on the lower body, such as the thighs and buttocks, in a more compact space.
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- How to manage cellulite when you have big thighs
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Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Exercises, Anti-Cellulite Solutions.
-26%The cordless massager: 2 900 rotations per minute to stimulate your skin
- A deep mechanical massage: rotations and vibrations, up to 2 900 turns per minute, knead the skin on your thighs, stomach, arms and bottom
- 2 complementary heads: the ball head kneads deep down, then the wave head smooths and tones the surface
- 5 intensity levels on a touchscreen, a blue light, cordless and quiet
The evening slimming treatment for thighs and buttocks
- Targeted night treatment for thighs & buttocks, to massage in every evening before bed
- A formula with Ginger and Remoduline® (a patented active) to apply every evening
- Helps smooth and firm the skin
The cupping tool that replicates pinching and rolling, 3 minutes per zone
- The professionals' technique, at home: you lift, glide, and release, and the tool grips the skin fold like a manual pinching and rolling
- Soft silicone that fits thighs, buttocks, stomach, and arms
- 3 minutes per zone, every day, always with a massage oil so the tool glides
