Steppers
Steppers, also known as stepping machines, are a type of exercise equipment that simulate the action of climbing stairs.
They offer a low-impact, high-intensity workout commonly found in commercial gyms and home fitness setups.
The main purpose of steppers is to provide a cardiovascular workout that primarily targets the lower body. They simulate the action of climbing stairs, making them great for toning leg muscles and burning calories.
Many stepping machines also include additional resistance features, which can enhance muscle toning and overall fitness.
How to Use Steppers
Operating a stepper is relatively straightforward:
- Step onto the machine: Start by positioning your feet on the pedals.
- Set your workout: Most modern steppers come with different settings that allow you to adjust the resistance and speed to your fitness level and desired intensity.
- Begin stepping: Push down on one pedal; the other will rise. Alternate your feet as if climbing stairs. Keep your back straight and use the handrails only for balance, not support.
Pros of Using Steppers
- Effective Calorie Burn: Steppers can offer a high-intensity workout that effectively burns calories, aiding in weight loss.
- Lower Body Toning: Stepping machines target the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, helping to tone and strengthen these areas.
- Low-Impact: Stepping is a low-impact exercise, meaning it's easier on the joints compared to some other types of cardio exercise like running.
- Cardiovascular Fitness: Regular use of steppers can improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
Cons of Using Steppers
- Limited Upper Body Engagement: Steppers primarily focus on the lower body and offer less of a workout for the upper body and core.
- Potential for Incorrect Use: If used incorrectly (for instance, by leaning too heavily on the handrails), stepping machines may not provide an effective workout and could lead to strains or other injuries.
- Monotony: Some people might find the repetitive action of a stepper monotonous over time. However, varying workout intensity or combining stepping with other exercises can help alleviate this.
Stepping machines provide a great way to burn calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, and tone the lower body in a low-impact manner.
However, they may not provide a comprehensive full-body workout and can be monotonous for some users. As with all fitness equipment, proper form and usage are key to reaping the maximum benefits and avoiding injury.
As always, it's best to combine stepper workouts with other forms of exercise for a balanced fitness regimen.
Of course, which one is suitable for you depends on many individual preferences.
Stepper reviews and recommendations, ordered according to the date added or modified:
Stamina Avari A400-300 Programmable Stepper
Stamina Avari A400-300 Programmable Stepper is a big, sturdy, and expensive stepping exercise machine.
It comes with plenty of features great machine should have - if you need occasional stepping exercise, this machine is probably overkill for you, but if you need something much more, have this stepper in mind ...
Updated: April 3, 2023.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-S0979 Twister Stepper With Resistance Bands
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-S0979 Twister Stepper is a very compact and robust stepping exercise machine with a great price tag.
Although primarily used for glutes, inner and outer thighs, and calves, with stretch bands, it can be used for (almost) full-body workouts.
Updated: February 2, 2023.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-S0978 Mini Stepper With Resistance Bands
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-S0978 is a compact but sturdy total body stepping machine intended for basic cardio home workouts.
The resistance bands work the upper body, toning the arms, shoulders, and other muscles. If You are looking for a simple yet effective cardio workout machine that doesn't take much space that can be used for warm-ups before weights or for longer cardio sessions (up to 15 minutes), consider this unit.
Published: February 2, 2023.
MaxiClimber XL-2000 Hydraulic Resistance Vertical Climber Review
The MaxiClimber XL-2000 Hydraulic Resistance Vertical Climber is certainly a promising exercise machine because it helps the user burn twice as many calories as that by a treadmill workout with High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) routines, and helps experience an increase in the afterburn by 45% as claimed by the company.
Where the market is full of motor-powered cardio machines, the MaxiClimber XL-2000 stands out with no motor and is powered by the user’s movements. It comes with the convenience of folding and moving anywhere which is perfect for those who have a small space. Moreover, it’s quite low-priced for the features it offers, and hence it can be considered as one of the best vertical climbers on the market.
Published: November 3, 2021.
Conquer Vertical Climber Fitness Climbing Machine Review
Conquer Vertical Climber is a promising vertical climber machine or mountain climber machine for health enthusiasts, because it’s easy to use and pocket-friendly.
It delivers benefits of both aerobic and anaerobic exercises and also offers a low-impact, high-intensity total body workout. It guarantees results in terms of fat reduction and improved muscle tone if short but regular workouts are done on it.
If users are concerned about a lot of excessive fat, they should do longer workouts to burn more calories. Conquer Vertical Climber can be folded away when not in use, so, it’s perfect for those who have don’t have a large space.
Published: October 4, 2019.
Merax Vertical Climber Review
Merax Vertical Climber is high-capacity and rather affordable climbing exercise machine, designed to provide not only quick cardio sessions, but also full body workouts. Merax Vertical Climber features simple but effective folding mechanism, saving precious spaces, regardless if it is 'just' one more exercise machine in the home gym, or single exercise machine at your home.
Vertical climbers are often underestimated exercise machines, but at the same time, they tone full body, burn plenty of fats and increase strength and stamina.
Published: December 21, 2018.
Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster
Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster is heavy duty portable stepper, made out of cast aluminum. It has the same step height as the Standard Model but features larger cylinders for extended commercial or gym use. It is expensive unit, but very sturdy and durable, supporting users with up to 400 pounds.
Sunny Twister Stepper with Handle Bar
Sunny Twister Stepper with Handle Bar is simple, lightweight and inexpensive home cardio exercise machine. It has very low footprint and requires very little space for use and storage.
It is very simple unit to use and will help the user to increase daily amount of burned calories and to increase strength and stamina.
Maxi Climber Vertical Climber Review
Maxi Climber Vertical Climber has become popular soon among those who want to get into shape quickly and easily at home by engaging all major muscle groups of the users using only their body weight. The machine has been proved to be very effective in achieving the said purposes and at a very reasonable price. It has been designed with short sessions and low impact, and hence, can be used by most people.
Multisports ST-2200 Stepper
Multisports ST-2200 Stepper is great home and gym stepper exercise machine with many features and acceptable warranty. Although very robust and solid, it has relatively low max user weight (225 pounds; 102kg) which may be problematic for larger people - others will enjoy this exercise machine for long period of time...
