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If I’ve learned one thing from reviewing trendy home gym equipment, it’s that living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fitness goals. The Merach stair stepper offers a light cardio workout in a compact package, but even the most space-efficient exercise equipment can pose storage challenges in tight quarters. And if you dissemble your machine and store it out of sight after each workout, it’s going to be that much tougher to actually stick to your new habit. The time and effort required to reassemble the equipment can quickly turn into an excuse to skip workouts altogether.
The Merach stair stepper measures 33.9 inches long by 22.1 inches wide by 52.4 inches high when fully assembled—roughly the footprint of a small dining chair, but considerably taller. What matters is that it folds vertically, making it way more manageable. To minimize assembly in between workouts, simply unscrew the two top screws and fold the stepper vertically. You’ll be able to transition from storage to workout mode in under a minute, making it much easier to stick to your workout routine.
I’ll also note that at 26.5 pounds, it’s certainly portable, though not exactly effortless to carry around your apartment. Wherever you choose to store your stepper, I’d aim for as close to your workout area as possible.
The bedroom closet
Since this is going to be most people’s go-to idea, I am pleased to report that the Merach stair stepper should be able to slide into most apartment closets. My closet is as small as it gets, and here’s how my stair stepper stacks up.
Credit: Meredith Dietz
When folded, the narrow profile makes it easy to slide behind hanging clothes or tuck into a corner, hopefully without disrupting your whole wardrobe system.
Under the bed
Because my bed lifts up for storage, this solution isn’t ideal for me. However, if you’re able to slide your stair stepper in and out from under your bed, this is a solid option. Depending on the size of your bed, you may have to remove the handle bars to make enough room. Here’s my stair stepper lying alongside my queen bed for reference.
Credit: Meredith Dietz
The major perk of this location is your machine will be completely out of sight while remaining easily accessible. Measure your under-bed clearance first to ensure a proper fit, and consider using furniture sliders to make retrieval easier.
A kitchen nook
Your stair stepper might be able to fit in one of those pesky gaps between appliances and walls in your apartment. For me, this is great for 1) using up a space where few other things fit, and 2) keeping my stair stepper readily available for quick workout sessions.
Credit: Meredith Dietz
Aside from sticking my broom in there, this is the first time I’ve managed to store something in this crevice.
That awkward corner
Every apartment has awkward corners that tend to collect miscellaneous items. Rather than letting these spaces become cluttered catch-alls, designate one as your fitness storage area. A folded stepper can blend seamlessly with other stored items while remaining organized and accessible.
Credit: Meredith Dietz
Credit: Meredith Dietz
The bottom line
To make the most of your storage strategy, establish a consistent routine around setup and breakdown. Consider timing your fold-down process with other daily activities, like tidying up after dinner or preparing for the next day.
Another thing to consider is the traffic flow in your apartment when choosing storage locations. High-traffic areas might not be ideal for frequent equipment movement, while secluded spots might make you forget about your workout routine altogether. Try to strike a balance. For more, check out my favorite stair stepper workout routine here.
