We’ll cut to the chase: you don’t have to get 10,000 steps a day to enjoy the benefits of walking. Per the Mayo Clinic, there’s never actually been research supporting this five-digit goal. Yet, according to a recent previous HuffPost reporting, there is research supporting health benefits from walking around 2,000-4,000 daily steps — namely a potentially longer lifespan. Of course, in the heat, humidity or rain can prevent you from heading out. Luckily, we found a compact stepper with handlebars that can help you get your steps in, comfortably indoors. Sweetening up the deal even further? It’s currently 36% off, its lowest price in weeks.
Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that walking around 4,000 steps a day (less than half the 10,000 standard), “reduced the risk of death from any cause.” That’s… wow! 
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According to HuffPost’s Senior Wellness Reporter Jillian Wilson, the research also found that “walking 2,337 or more steps each day lowered the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, which includes both heart disease and stroke.”
The chair of preventative cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans (who was not affiliated with the study), explained to HuffPost that while aiming for 10,000 daily steps isn’t wrong, it can put undue pressure on your fitness routines or make you feel like it’s not even worth trying to get movement in. “If you can’t achieve 10,000 steps per day, don’t despair,” the expert told HuffPost. “Some activity is better than none. But then, on the other hand, if you can safely achieve those 10,000 steps per day, you may even have greater benefit in terms of mortality.”
Wondering where to start? Try your living room with this handy 16.5-pound device.
Measuring just under 4 feet tall and about a foot wide, this lightweight, compact step machine lets you move without leaving the house. It offers a more lateral, side-to-side movement, with a more fluid, twisting motion, designed to be easier on your knees and joints than a classic up-and-down stair stepper. “…The twisting motion really targets the legs, hips, and core while giving a solid cardio burn,” Edison wrote. “…Definitely a great purchase for staying active at home!” “I love that it gives a full lower-body workout without taking up much room, and the smooth stepping motion makes it easy on the joints,” another said.
With a variety of intensity levels and arm resistance bands, you can target specific leg muscles, do interval training, focus on cardio or opt for a whole-body workout. The quiet hydraulics, anti-slip pedals and sturdy base are designed to hold up to 300 pounds to help keep your movements balanced and seamless.
Shopper Neil writes they like how they can “customize the intensity of my workouts,” making the machine great for “both light cardio and more challenging sessions.” “The stepping motion feels smooth, and I like that it gives a good leg and glute workout in a short time,” they said. “Definitely worth the price and a great addition to my daily fitness routine!”
Plus, the LCD monitor tracks your steps, whether you’re going for 10,000 steps or just want to start with 100.
One shopper calls this “the best part,” noting “I can easily manage and track my steps, which really helps me stay motivated.” “It’s perfect for my daily exercise routine,” they said. “I feel much more energetic and refreshed after every workout.”
“The LCD monitor helps track time and reps so I can stay focused and make even short 10 minute workouts count,” Nicole wrote, saying this machine “makes it much easier for me to stay consistent,” with workouts.
And, unlike other steppers, the built-in handlebar makes this option “much better for someone not so balanced.”
While some steppers feature just the base, this baby comes with an adjustable, built-in handlebar for extra grip and security. “The handlebar makes a big difference compared to smaller steppers I’ve tried,” one shopper wrote. “It adds stability and makes me feel safer, especially during longer sessions or faster stepping,” adding, “the frame feels sturdy, and it doesn’t wobble.”
Because the machine is so easy to use and store, fans say it’s “a great purchase for staying active at home,” and “perfect for squeezing in quick workouts during breaks or while watching TV.”
“I love that I can watch TV while exercising, making the time fly by,” Nikki wrote, with another saying it “leaves a really small footprint in the house,” making it “just what I need for my office.”
Getting a little more movement into your life can make a big impact. Read more 5-star reviews of this compact stepper and grab one for your home on sale.
“I’ve been using this stepper machine for a while now, and I must say, it’s incredibly easy to use! It’s perfect for my daily exercise routine. I feel much more energetic and refreshed after every workout. The best part is that I can easily manage and track my steps, which really helps me stay motivated. It’s a great product that has definitely made a positive impact on my fitness journey. Highly recommend it.” — Amazon customer
“I really like that this is small enough to put away in my closet when I’m not using it. I dont have much space for workout equipment and this is great for my space. I also like the handles, much better for someone not so balanced.” — Allson
“The stepper was super easy to assemble and takes very little space in my apartment. The stepper is perfect for effortlessly exercising in front of the television. It tracks steps, calories burned, and reps per minute. Resistance can also be applied for a more intense workout.” — Mary Willig
“I recently added this stepper gym with resistance bands to my home, and it’s been a fantastic addition. Its compact size fits perfectly in my living room, letting me sneak in quick workouts during downtime. I love that I can watch TV while exercising, making the time fly by. The resistance bands are a great touch for toning, adding variety to my routine. Overall, it’s a convenient and effective way to stay active at home. Highly recommend!” — Nikki Bader
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)