Keeping Tight and Toned – The Top 3 Stepper Exercise Machines of the Year
It can be hard to get to the gym after a long day at work, and often a lack of motivation can prevent us from attending for days, if not weeks, on end. Not only that, but gym membership can cost the average American over $50 per month – even if you don’t go, the monthly fee must still be paid. With these costs set to rise, an obvious solution is building a functional home gym.
One of the best pieces of equipment is a stepper machine, or as it’s sometimes called, a stair stepper. Small and compact enough to be used anywhere – from under your work desk, to in front of the TV, some models include additions for arm resistance, too.
Offering an intensive lower body workout, they increase cardiovascular endurance, and burn calories. Being a low impact exercise, they are ideal for the overweight, elderly, or those with joint or back issues.
We test every stepper model to ensure that only the best feature on our page, meaning that you can be assured that you’re getting the best quality for the lowest price. Amongst other things, we test for:
- Quality of build – every stepper must use only the highest quality components, and be manufactured to meet, if not surpass, our expectations
- Functionality – our steppers should function perfectly, allowing you to achieve the workout you want
- Value for money – by assessing the quality alongside the price, we can accurately judge whether value for money is offered
- Features – are arm resistance straps included, and is the step resistance adjustable?
- Design – the design of the stepper must work – the footplates, for example, must be of a good size for your feet, and should include a grippy surface to eliminate slipping
We pride ourselves on our thorough analysis of each stepper, and as our reputation depends on the quality of our products, you know that these recommendations really are the top 5 steppers of 2024.
1) Sunny Health & Fitness Stepper with Resistance Bands
First appearances count and on first opening the carton, this looks good. The build quality is excellent, it feels sturdy and made to last. With the resistance bands having a decent tension, this is going to provide a thorough workout.
What We Like
We appreciate the time-saving fact that as you work the lower body, the upper is getting toned, too. It claims to work over 20 muscle groups – we certainly felt every one! The height adjustment is a great idea, and easy to personalize to the size of the step you wish to take, allowing for a more, or less, intensive workout, and your exercise data is displayed on an easy-to-read LCD screen.
What Needs Improving
Occasionally we noticed that the fitness tracker display was a fraction slow to respond, meaning that we sometimes did a few extra repetitions, however, we don’t consider this a deal breaker at all.
Providing a smooth, individualized low impact workout for both lower and upper body, this is a must-have for anyone, fitness enthusiast or not.
$52.99 in stock
2 used from $28.76
2) Efitment Fitness Stair Stepper
This is a smart looking stepper from Efitment, with resistance bands and a solid hydraulic system feels heavy duty enough to cope with the toughest workout. With an innovative motion enabling three styles of exercise – the standard step action, a low impact twist designed to work the waist, and upper body via the resistance bands, this is looking good so far.
What We Like
The twisting exercise option took a little getting used to, but we soon felt our muscles creaking, before starting to wake up. This little beast offers smooth action, nicely grippy treads, and a clear LCD monitor keeping track of every bead of sweat! Feeling perfectly stable, the resistance bands, with soft touch handles provide the upper body with a decent workout.
What Needs Improving
After an intensive 20 minute workout, the hydraulic system can heat up a little – nothing to worry about though, and after a 30 second cool down, it’s raring to go again (to be honest, after 20 minutes, you’d need a small break too).
This beast looks and feels solidly reliable and offers an innovative variety of full body exercise routines - we’re hanging on to this one!
$64.99 in stock
2 used from $27.31
3) FitDesk Under Desk Stepper
Overview
Designed to be used either standing or sitting, FitDesk have produced a fully adjustable stepper that offers multiple resistance levels for a fully personalized exercise routine. Unobtrusive and subtly powerful, this doesn’t feel the need to stand out in a crowd. With an efficient LCD monitor keeping track of your progress, you can exercise whilst working at your desk, thus lowering stress and tension.
What We Like
Offering the option to angle the footplates depending on whether you’re standing or sitting, we like that this stepper allows you to experience the joys of multitasking, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘Step away from the stress’! Sturdy and stable, yet lightweight enough to pop in a bag, and with a super quiet action, LCD display, and large comfortably textured footplates, this is a great little machine.
What Needs Improving
When using the stepper under the desk, we found it easy to get into a rhythm, however, the upright position took a while to get used to – once we did, however, there was no stopping us!
Excellent for both work and home exercise routines, the versatility, build quality and design of this stepper have earned it an easy place on our list.