When it comes to aerobic workout machine, a stepper machine is a really good bet to reduce your fat while helping you maintain a great physique. A stepper comes under the low-impact bracket and can be used by people of all ages.
The stepper machine offers you a complete leg and butt toning session that can help you get that body you’ve always wanted.
Stair climbing is a popular activity which can give you a lot of aerobic benefits. You will find a lot of people working the stairs in popular public locations including weightlifters and supermodels. But if you prefer working out indoors in the comfort of your home gym then look no further than a stair stepper machine.
Top Steppers For Home Use in 2024
| Rank | Product | Picture | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Stamina 40-0069 SpaceMate Folding StepperItem Weight : 45 poundsShipping Weight: 43.8 pounds |
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| 2 |
Gazelle Supreme Step MachinesItem Weight: 57.5 poundsShipping Weight: 68 pounds |
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| 3 |
Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster, BlackItem Weight : 14 poundsShipping Weight : 16 pounds |
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| 4 |
Wagan EL2273 Mini Stepper MasterItem Weight : 16 poundsShipping Weight: 26.1 pounds |
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| 5 |
jfit Under Desk & Stand Up Mini Elliptical/StepperItem Weight : 32.3 poundsShipping Weight: 32.3 pounds |
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Best Commercial Grade Steppers 2021
| Rank | Product | Picture | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Precor CLM 835 Commercial Series Stair Climber with P30 ConsoleItem Weight : 250 pounds |
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| 2 |
ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer ProItem Weight : 225 pounds |
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| 3 |
Bowflex Max Trainer M7 Cardio MachineItem Weight : 326 pounds |
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| 4 |
Sole Fitness Sc300 Hybrid Stepper/elliptical MachineItem Weight : 397 pounds |
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| 5 |
StairMaster SM3 StepMillItem Weight : 223 pounds |
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What is A Stepper Machine?
This is a machine which enables you to work your lower body through stair climbing. There are different types of stair machines which we will discuss further ahead in the article. A stair stepper targets all parts of your lower body to give you a thorough workout. This machine is one of the best ways you can get aerobic exercise done and without much impact in the comfort of your own home.
It is usually compared to the elliptical but this machine gives you more of a burn and occupies much less space than an elliptical. The best elliptical versus the best star machine would have the budget in favor of the latter as well.
What are The Types of Stepper Machines?
There are two broad classifications of stepper machines.
Pedal Type Stepper Machine
This is the simpler version and has fewer moving parts while being cheaper as well. What you get here is a machine that has pedals which you exert force on alternatively to simulate the process of climbing steps. You have control over the resistance of the pedals which you can increase for a more thorough workout. You can also step faster to make the workout harder.
Step Mill
This most closely resembles an escalator in that there are steps that move on a conveyor belt which you keep climbing. When you compare this with real stair climbing, this is the one that comes closest to it. This is less common than the earlier one because of cost but offers a much more authentic experience when you use it.
When it comes down to it, both machines are equally great at giving you a workout, but it really is a toss-up between how much space and money you are willing to set aside for it. Just remember to choose a machine which has a variable step height or if fixed, then choose one that you are comfortable with rather than blindly getting one that you might find difficult.
What are The Benefits of Stepper Machines?
When I look around in the gym, stepper machines are one of the most neglected machines around. This is a problem because a stepper machine gives you several benefits that not many other machines can. Let’s look at some of them.
Stepper Machines Workout All Over
Contrary to popular belief, stepper machines can work all the body and not just the lower half. When you climb stairs, your whole body works in unison to get you through.
Aerobic and Cardio Workout
When you use the stepper, you will find that it gives you the best workout aerobic and cardio wise. Also, this combined with the fact that it occupies much lesser space than all the other machinery, it’s hands down the best equipment for your home gym.
Great for Weight Loss
A stepper machine is one of the best pieces of equipment for weight loss. Since it works on all of your body and combines aerobic with cardio benefits, you will find that you lose weight much more quickly than with other machines.
How to Use A Stepper Machine
This is one of the easiest machines to work out on and this is because it follows a natural motion of you climbing stairs. It might take some time to get used to but definitely not as much as few of the other machines.
- A stepper machine usually consists of the core of the machine and rails by both sides. What you will do is place your hands on the side-rails for support. Don’t grip it like you’re preparing for parallel bars, rather just hold it firmly.
- Now start stepping with the machine. You can begin slowly and then pick up the pace as you get comfortable with it. Also, you can keep holding on the rails and let go once you’re comfortable.
- Your body should ideally be upright and slightly leaning forward to cushion your knees and your lower back. You should be wary of quick and short steps on the machine, which can throw your body off-balance and be dangerous.
- You need to make sure that your whole foot is on the pedal or the step when you work out. This makes sure that your thighs and buttock muscles are also engaged without just your calf. If you can go for 10 minutes without stopping, then you have achieved a proper workout.
A lot of people have asked the question if the stepper machine is good for your knees. Steppers are a low-impact exercise, and you should take note of certain precautions to get more out of it. When used without understanding the right posture or height of the stair, there can be some side effects including back and knee pains. But this is the same for any other exercise machine out there, just remember to read the manual properly and get help from a trainer or a friend in case you want to check your form.
What Muscles Do Steppers Work?
A stepper works the whole body but it primarily focuses on major muscles present in the lower body. The muscles targeted by the stepper are quadriceps – the major part of your thighs. This is where you will first feel the burn. Hamstrings – this forms the back portion of your thighs and will grow when you take bigger steps. In short, steppers work all the major lower body muscles along with sufficient workouts all over the body. Considering that your form is good, steppers can firm up your butt and reduce your love handles quicker than most non-impact exercises.
What is Better Stair Stepper Or Elliptical?
There have been a lot of questions of this nature and the honest answer is that a comparison is not so simple when it comes to these two machines. For example, using figures from reliable sources on the internet, we find that an elliptical burns a bit more calories in an hour than the stepper. But there are more considerations when it comes to exercise machines.
For instance, when we consider cardiovascular ability, even though the elliptical machine improves your profile significantly, a stepper goes much beyond that and in a shorter period of time. With a stepper, your cardiovascular ability increases in just about 9 weeks of using it, and by as much as people who have been running regularly.
Stepper Exercise for Weight Loss
Needless to say, the stepper is a great machine for losing weight and safely. This is because it promotes great cardiovascular improvements and not at the cost of your joints. It does not stress different parts of your body like running or jogging does. People have reported that it works great for weight loss and have posted a lot of photos of their before and after pictures after their stint on the stepper. The results are pretty spectacular and serve to highlight the amount of goodness a stepper can do for you.
What are The Stepper Machine Workout Routines?
The best thing about stepper machines is that you have no set routine that you need to follow to get all the effectiveness. Just maintaining good form on the machine and being consistent with your training routines will give you benefits that you will be proud of. Take a look at best at home gym ideas which can give you extra workouts tips when it comes to stepper exercises.
Final thoughts
When it comes to a good non-impact cardiovascular workout, there are very few things that can compare to a stepper machine. When correctly done and consistently, a stepper machine can give your whole body a great workout and you won’t feel the after effects of it the next day with sore joints and painful limbs.
Getting the right stepper machine for you can solve a lot of fitness problems with you. All you need to do is make sure that you are consistent with it and you will reap benefits that come your way!
