mini-topper & step toolbox

natalie

Member
I am looking for an inexpensive step or alternative. I have seen several mention this stepstool/toolbox from Target?? What is this and where would I find it in Target?? I went to Target and could not find it...I think I had something else pictured and couldn't find it...

What about the mini-topper? What is this?? :-hmmm :-hmmm :-hmmm

Thnaks for all your help!!

Nat
 
Hi Nat,

A step (used for step aerobic workouts) is different from the mini-topper or stepstool/toolbox.

The mini-topper (as seen in Cathe's videos) is made by converting a regular size aerobic step into a smaller/mini version, and purchasing extra risers. Many of us who either cannot or did not want to tackle that project (I had trouble with Lego's as a child, so building a mini-topper was never going to happen!) purchased a stepstool/toolbox. It looks like a rubber step stool (like the kind you might keep in a kitchen for reaching on top of high shelves), it's about 13-14in. high, and most of us use it for leg presses, step ups, back lunges, etc. It's only wide enough to stand on with both feet. Neither the mini-topper nor the stepstool/toolbox could be used for step aerobics. it's too tall and too small width/length wise.
I found my stepstool/toolbox at my local hardware store. I'm sure if you went in to your local hardware store and explained you were looking for the "Rubbermaid combination stepstool/toolbox" one of the sales people would know what you meant. That's the only way my hubby got it right! :) They didn't actually have it on hand, they ordered it and I had it a few days later.
Maybe others will have some alternate store suggestions.
As for a step (aerobic), I understand that "some" K-marts are carrying a Cathe video and small aerobic step package. You may want to check that out. If you don't mind paying for the full size step, you can find them online at several places (fwonline.com,fitness1st.com are just 2 sites), they usually run about $80. + ship/hand)

Donna
 
I purchased the "fannylifter" stool from the Firm a few years back and it works perfectly. Mine is wood but I think they make it out of a plastic material now. I'm not sure of the cost but it might be worth checking out. Back then I too had heard of the Rubbermaid toolbox and never could find it at Walmart and Target.
 
Hi, Nat!

I missed your posting on my other "mini topper" thread--sorry--I hadn't been online for a day or two (and having withdrawals! :))

Like Donna said, the mini-topper is too small to do Cathe's step aerobics with. If you ever get the Pure Strength series you will see what it is: a mini version of the step. It was a prototype that never came to fruition as a product you could buy--you can make one, but it certainly isn't necessary! I can't tell you how many people just swear by the Rubbermaid Step/Toolbox for so many exercises, though--and you can't go wrong for the price--only $15 to $20. I went all over and couldn't find one in stock, but they can be ordered. If you would like to see what it looks like, go to www.sears.com, and then in the search box put in the item #7768.

It sounds like you would mostly need a full size step to begin with, if you don't already have one. A great website for fitness products is fwonline.com. You will see the Step Co. Step there (the one Cathe uses--they call it the Original Club Step) for $69.95 plus $9.95 shipping (I have been shopping for a new one myself since I will be cutting up my current one to make a mini topper!). spriproducts.com may have it cheaper, but as you read in the other thread, I cannot access the website for some strange reason. I am anxiously awaiting their catalog in the mail, though, so if it is cheaper I will let you know! I'm sure everyone here will agree that it is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make if you plan on continuing with Cathe. It is used (obviously) in all of her step tapes, and in many of her strength tapes, using it as a weight bench, both flat and in incline position.

Good luck, and welcome to the website! :)
 
Me again, Nat! :)

Sorry, I just saw your other thread asking about steps...I still hope this was helpful, though! By the way, I have had my Step Co. Step for 8 years--it has been used ALOT, and I've never had a problem with it.

Best of luck in whatever you choose!

Denise
 
Thank you so much!! I will take a look at the picture of the toolbox by rubbermaid.

FYI, I was able to go online for spri products and the step I seen on there was the original club step for $74.95 plus $12.00 shipping. The risers were $7.50 each. Hope this helps!

www.spriproducts.com

Thanks again for all your help!!

Nat
 
Thank you Denise!!

I have to admit that when the doctor first told me that I was going to have "get serious" & start building my muscles to improve my knees and back along with changing my lifestyle I was a little depressed...I guess I was thinking I was ok at the age of 32 and sure didn't expect him to say I was out of shape and this was not helping my body at all. After the kindness each of you have shown me and the wisdom you have shared I feel confident that I will be able to accomplish the goals set before me with the awesome support team on this forum!! Y'all are a God send and I thank you all! The funny thing is that now I truly see the need for strenght trainging and proper exercise.

Thanks to all!

Have a Blessed day!

Nat
 
Thanks, Nat! I'm still waiting for the catalog from Spri, so that was helpful.

It sounds like fwonline.com has the cheapest price for a complete step (platform and risers) but Spri has a better price to purchase risers only.

I have to agree with you that this forum is a blessing--everyone is wonderful and very open. I have learned so much and have stayed motivated with the help of everyone here! I know that you will, too! :)

Denise
 
Have you considered simply purchasing several extra risers for your Step Co. Step and using that as your stool? By doing this, you don't need an extra stool or a mini topper. Plus, it doubles as a tall weight bench like Cathe uses in S&H.
 

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