Obtaining your steps in is an efficient and accessible approach to sustain a healthy lifestyle. According to the Mayo Clinic, the typical American walks 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day or approximately 1.5 to 2 miles — which isn’t sufficient. Circuits around the block with your canine companion, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and walking to an errand instead of driving are just a few approaches to assist you surpass the objective of 10,000 (though this benchmark isn’t everything) — especially if your aim is to be more active or even shed pounds. But if you desire to covertly include more steps from the comfort of your home, incorporating a stair stepper to your fitness regimen could be the solution.
While they aren’t as trendy as stationary bikes or treadmills, stair stepper machines have numerous advantages and can provide a muscle-strengthening workout. “Aside from the fact of it being an arduous workout, stair steppers are proven to enhance your aerobic conditioning, muscular stamina, as well as fortify your bones and joints while burning a plethora of calories,” states Anthony Crouchelli, C.F.S.C., the vice president of talent and content at Liteboxer. Possessing one in your abode is superb not just for your low-impact days but also for high-cardio days when the weather outside doesn’t allow a jog or bike ride, he adds. More encouraging news? Stair steppers won’t create nearly as much noise as a treadmill — excellent for apartment living, points out Crouchelli.
Stair stepper machines are available in a variety of dimensions and prices, and offer different levels to accommodate your requirements. If you need an idea for a workout, Crouchelli proposes a 20-minute routine he dubs “Tempo and Hills.” Commence at 50 percent of your maximum velocity and increase by 0.2 every 30 seconds, working your way up to your top speed.
Once you reach that upper limit, employ the identical 0.2-technique every half a minute to descend to your initial 50-percentage rate. Recur this sequence for the entirety of the exercise.
With such a wide array of stair climbers available, choosing the optimal one can prove challenging. Refer to the following guide for the highest-rated stair climber machines based on feedback from customers.
Sunny Health & Fitness Rotating Stair Climber Machine
AMAZON
This uncomplicated stair climber machine provides two distinct ways to achieve your daily step goals: steep ascents and quick, shallow steps. It remains stable thanks to a stabilizing ring at its base and boasts an adjustable handlebar, allowing multiple individuals to comfortably enjoy the machine. Notably, this particular stair climber machine incorporates a lateral side-to-side motion that enhances the fluidity of the stepping action and engages different muscle groups compared to other climbers.
“We desired a stair climber but lacked the space for a conventional one. This product resolved our predicament,” expressed one reviewer. “The design is truly impressive and the construction is of high quality. Within minutes, it gets your heart racing, and you can modify the resistance to intensify your workout,” they added.
Body Power 2-in-1 Elliptical Climber Trainer
AMAZON
Similar to an elliptical machine, this apparatus offers a seamless, oval footpath and synchronized handlebars; however, it also incorporates climbing movements to provide a comprehensive full-body workout. By employing their “curve crank” technology, the brand successfully eliminates any dead zones or segmented steps that may arise with other step-based machines, ensuring a continuous and smooth motion.
“I am thrilled with my purchase of this piece of equipment,” shared a satisfied customer. “It encompasses all my expectations. The operation is seamless, silent, and occupies minimal space. I utilize it for a few minutes in the morning and in the evening while watching the news. (A better alternative to sitting on the couch!) Although it has only been two weeks, I can already sense an improvement in my energy levels and muscle tone,” they revealed.
Sportsroyals Climbing Machine with Resistance Band
AMAZON
This compact climber not only moves up and down but also allows for rotational movement, effectively engaging your cardiovascular system. It utilizes a robust hydraulic system and incorporates a V-shaped frame, enhancing its load-bearing capacity (up to 330 pounds). The wide, non-slip foot pedals with shock absorption ensure a comfortable and stable workout experience. Despite its relatively simple appearance in comparison to other options on this list, it features a sizable LCD monitor that displays the duration, step count, and calories burned. Moreover, for individuals with limited storage space, this climber is sufficiently compact, easily fitting under furniture, in closets, or in corners. Additionally, it comes with resistance bands to facilitate upper body exercise.
“After merely seven minutes of maintaining a moderate to rapid pace, fatigue and a burning sensation become noticeable,” remarked an enthusiastic supporter.
This compact staircase ascender is a sturdy construction with robust resilient vibrations. The act of traversing upwards and downwards also incorporates lateral motion, which greatly enhances an individual’s core,” they persisted.
Bowflex Max Trainer Series
AMAZON
For a more substantial piece of equipment, this machine is a combination of an elliptical and a stair climber. It provides eight levels of resistance and two exercise programs to offer you a challenge regardless of your fitness level. The brand asserts that you can achieve the cardiovascular benefits of interval training in just 14 minutes.
“I’ve possessed the Bowflex Max Trainer for a little over a month now. The advertising claims a complete workout in 14 minutes. I can’t reach 14 minutes!” stated one reviewer. “It’s awesome. It fully exercises my entire body. This is low-impact on the joints. It’s enjoyable to use. It’s easy to use,” they shared.
Doufit Steppers for Exercise Machine
AMAZON
This adjustable exercise equipment offers two types of workout modes: a basic step workout and additional resistance bands to pull for comprehensive body conditioning. A digital monitor tracks steps, calories, and your exercise duration — so you can indulge in a captivating book or Netflix show while you perspire. This equipment is ideal for individuals seeking a gentle-intensity, non-strenuous option. Additionally, it’s collapsible to conserve space when not in use.
“I bought this machine to sculpt my body and gradually reintegrate exercise,” shared a customer. “When I assembled the stepper, which was effortless, I didn’t anticipate getting a satisfying workout because there’s only one resistance and it didn’t appear heavy-duty, but I was mistaken. I adore it! This stepper is durable, and it truly challenges me,” they said.
Proform Carbon HIIT H7
PRO-FORM
Crafted with a 10-inch vertical and 5-inch horizontal path, this stair climber machine enables you to fortify muscles and elevate the intensity. It merges the stepping path with potent, upper-body punching actions — emulating stair climbing and boxing — which permits you to engage your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, biceps, and triceps simultaneously. It’s equipped with iFit, an interactive workout platform with studio classes, some of which grant trainers the ability to regulate your personal resistance level. As it stimulates your legs with stair climbing, the handlebars will encourage your upper body and arms to initiate punching, generating a comprehensive full-body HIIT workout.
Stamina SpaceMate Collapsible Stepper
AMAZON
This stair climbing machine may possess a sleek design, but don’t be deceived. The robust steel framework offers ample support, the handlebars covered in foam provide a comfortable grasp, and it features a convenient monitor that records your step count per minute, the total number of steps taken during the workout, workout duration, and calories burned. Adjustable hydraulic cylinders enable a seamless motion, and its portability and collapsible nature make it effortless to transport and store.
“I had reservations about purchasing a product of this nature due to concerns it would remain unused,” confessed a reviewer. “I compelled myself to engage with it for five minutes daily initially, gradually increasing the duration by one minute every week. I adore it, and it renders my legs akin to gelatin upon completion,” they added.
NordicTrack FS14i FreeStride Trainer
NORDICTRACK
While the cost is a significant commitment, this cutting-edge machine surpasses the capabilities of just a stepper: It also functions as an elliptical and treadmill. It boasts Bluetooth functionality, an HD touchscreen (enabling you to stream studio classes), and also syncs with iFit’s exceptional, instructor-guided content. Take advantage of the various global scenarios — conquer a climb in Greece one day and embark on a run in Thailand the next — allowing you to escape while engaging in exercise.
“The classes and instructors are marvelous, and I have traversed the globe while working out,” remarked one user. “These are worth every dollar they cost, and even though my spouse had to assemble them, the instructions were simple to follow. I am genuinely a NordicTrack enthusiast!” they added.
Maxi Climber Vertical Climber
AMAZON
If you desire to merge bodyweight resistance, aerobic activity, and muscle-strengthening motion, this machine is the ideal choice. It offers a comprehensive, low-impact workout that is gentle on the knees and ankles. If assembling equipment is not your cup of tea, this stepper arrives 90 percent pre-assembled and ready to use within minutes. Craving further insights into your well-being? Download the companion Fitness App, which not only tracks your progress but also offers supplementary programs, routines, challenges, and even recommendations for meal plans.
“Alright, this seemingly uncomplicated machine will DEMOLISH YOU!” acclaimed one user
“”I am a passionate cyclist, [engaging in] 75-100 miles a week, and a highly active lady. My spouse desired to acquire this product because of the excellent appraisals and compact design. This contraption will provide you with a challenging experience, it took me a few months but I am now able to utilize it for 20 consecutive minutes, it has significantly enhanced my cycling performance. Honestly, I believed I would effortlessly adapt to it, [however] the initial time I employed it, I couldn’t even endure three minutes, felt like a complete coward. Highly recommended if you are seeking a comprehensive workout with limited space!” they disclosed.
