Sure, running is great cardio, but now and again, it’s nice to change up how you exercise. But how do you find a way to change things up, while still managing to effectively get a fantastic workout? Making that shift is easier than you might think thanks to stair steppers.
If you’re somehow not familiar, stair stepper machines are built to help you exercise through stepping. An inherently functional exercise, using a stepper will help work multiple muscle groups at once by targeting all parts of your lower body, including calves, hamstrings, quads, and more — all in a low impact way that won’t put a strain on your body, in the same way, running might.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up seven of the best stair steppers around to help you step up your exercise routine —our picks, below.
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stair Stepper
BEST OVERALL
Those looking to start getting their step on should check out this stair stepper machine from Sunny Health & Fitness. Complete with handlebars to hold you steady, non-slip pedals, and heavy-duty construction, this model works not only your lower body but your core as well thanks to its twist-based action. Additionally, the LCD monitor provides all the critical workout information you need, such as time, calorie count, and more to keep you on task and marching away.
2. ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer Stair Stepper
BEST HIGH END
For those who want a gym-quality machine in their one, this stair stepper from ProForm is pretty close to what you’d find in a pro setup. The 212-pound machine can run you through a staggering 24 levels of trainer-controlled digital resistance to heat things up. Additionally, the machine is a hybrid of both stepper and elliptical, providing a total-body workout experience. And, to push you even further, the PromForm machine includes trainer-led workouts you can access right from the unit’s display panel. It’s certainly an investment, but one with a great reward if you have the funds to do so.
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3. MaxiClimber XL-2000 Vertical Stair Stepper
BEST MID-LEVEL
With its strong aluminum frame, longlasting roller for intense use, and overall quiet experience, this vertical stair stepper from MaxiClimber is a great mid-level purchase at under $400. With armbars and a stepper, you’ll get a full-body workout thanks to its bi-directional ability. Addiontallly, the integrated rollers make the stepper easy to move around the house once you’ve completed the easy assembly. Plus, with the MaxiClimber mobile app, you’ll get all kinds of workouts to help you get the best workout you can.
4. Bowflex M3 Max Trainer Stair Stepper
AMAZON’S CHOICE
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Bowflex before (there’s a solid chance you’ve seen one of their cable ads before), but just because it’s “As Seen on TV” doesn’t mean it’s not a worthwhile product. With Amazon’s Choice designation, this stair stepper has an impressive 4.5-star rating with over 500 reviews for those who might be on the fence. A combination of both an elliptical and a stair stepper machine, it’s a great two-for-one, bang-for-your-buck option that’s sure to help you shed calories. Great features like a generous footbed, zone indicators, backlit displays, included workout programs, and more, there’s a lot of great value in an even greater package.
5. Body Power Stair Stepper
BEST HYBRID
This machine from Body Power combines the circular motion of an elliptical and the up and down motion of a stair stepper machine to create a more effective, efficient and powerful workout. The result of this blend is a total body workout with zero impact for those who have injuries that might cause them pain. Furthermore, the machine has a buttery smooth spin, thanks to the flywheel in the base. The display makes it easy to see workout information at a glance, and the included media stand makes it easy to prop up your favorite book or even an iPad while you go to work.
6. Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stair Stepper
BEST VALUE
Those who are tight on space or don’t want to invest a considerable amount of money into a step machine can rest easy knowing that this mini stair stepper from Sunny Health & Fitness is a great value purchase. The built-in LCD monitor helps you to keep track of your progress as you step and climb. The included training bands are removable if you desire but are also there should you want more of an upper-body workout as well. Plus, other elements like the adjustable height and wide non-slip pedals only further add to its already strong value.
7. Hifashion 2-In-1 Foldable Vertical Stair Stepper
BEST FOR SMALL SPACES
Apartment dwellers who still want to get in a good workout should especially check out this stair stepper machine from Hifashion. The folding ability of this stepper makes it easy to stow away when you don’t need it and pull it back out when you do. Plus, the machine includes a seat to allow you to use the foot pedals like an exercise bike for either warming up or as a secondary function. It’s value on top of value that’s bound to be extremely helpful when you’re tight on space and can’t invest in big, bulky equipment.