Staying seated for extended periods of time, such as while you're working at your desk, can wreak havoc on your health, according Dr. James A. Levine of the Mayo Clinic. Keep your body moving at work even when you're sitting at your desk to keep your muscles warm while burning calories at the same time. A mini stepper fits under your desk and allows you to work your legs while you work on your computer or talk on your phone.
Place the mini stepper on a rubber mat or place heavy books behind the stepper, between the stepper and the back of the desk. If you don't brace the machine, it could start to move across the floor while you are using it. The mini stepper should sit close to your chair to allow your knees to work close to a 90-degree angle.
Lock the wheels of your desk chair if you have one that rolls. Sit on the edge of your seat with your back straight.
Turn on the mini stepper if necessary. Some use manual resistance controls and don't require batteries or a power supply, while others use a digital display to show the current resistance level as well as relevant information, such as how long you've been stepping or how many steps you've taken.
Put your feet on the mini stepper; each foot should be placed in the center of the step. Press down with one foot and then lift while you press down with the other foot. Use a full range of motion, raising your knees as high as possible to engage your thighs and buttocks.
Tips
Some desks have low drawers that prevent you from raising your knees while stepping under your desk. If possible, remove the drawer to allow your legs a larger range of motion.
Stepping often throughout the day, even at low resistance, can help you burn more than 350 additional calories. This can result in weight loss of up to 36 pounds per year.