Tips for choosing a stepper for your home, reviews from owners

Stepper: description and principle of operation of the simulator

The name of the device comes from the English step, which means “step”, and gives the right to call the stepper-trainer a stepper in Russian. It simulates walking up the stairs. By regularly exercising on this cardio machine, a supporter of a healthy lifestyle makes up for the lack of walking and compensates for the harm caused to the body by sedentary work and general inactivity.

Imitation of walking is carried out by alternately resting the right and left feet on the pedals in the form of two platforms slightly larger than the size of the foot.

According to the resistance system, steppers are distinguished between mechanical and electromagnetic. The first ones have a simple design - two hydraulic cylinders, which, when you press the pedal (step), compress, and when you return your foot up, they unclench. Electromagnetic steppers are equipped with a magnetic loading system and a control panel.

Mechanical steppers have modest dimensions and affordable prices. Electromagnetic ones are distinguished by a whole range of additional functions, as a rule, they are equipped with a system for loading the muscles of the arms and torso, they record the number of steps, walking speed, the user’s pulse and other important indicators, but they take up a lot of space in the room and are expensive. So people walk on electromagnetic exercise machines mainly in fitness clubs, and choose mechanical ones for training at home.

Based on the presence or absence of load regulation on each leg, steppers with dependent and independent pedal travel are distinguished separately. In the first steps, they are equipped with one fastening, which causes the same load on both legs. The latter allow you to load them in different ways, which is difficult to overestimate in case of injury or pain in the joint, but a simulator with independent movement has a higher price.

According to the method of performing movements, steppers can be classic, balancing, or rotary. We'll talk more about each variety and which stepper is better below. First, about the benefits and advantages of the simulator.

What muscles are involved?

Although the stepper is a cardio exercise machine, it is also important to know which muscles work during training.

The benefits of the stepper are not limited to the development of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

It makes you work and thereby improves the shape of several muscle groups:

• shins;
• hips;
• gluteal.

Imitating walking on a simulator with vigorous movements in the knee joints loads the muscles of the front and back surfaces of the thighs and legs. The muscles on the stepper do not sway much, they increase in volume slightly, but they become stronger, take on a beautiful appearance and improve in terms of functionality.

Important! A stepper with a rotating handle, in addition to the legs, puts a load on the torso muscles, especially the abdomen, and with expanders or levers - on the arms, chest and upper back, also indirectly straining the abs.

Benefits of classes

Both a large unit in the gym for fitness and a compact stepper for the home are equally good at helping not only to “pump up” a beautiful athletic figure. Other advantages of this cardio machine:

• increases muscle tone and endurance;
• trains the heart and blood vessels;
• improves the functioning of the respiratory system;
• improves coordination;
• has a beneficial effect on the vestibular apparatus;
• makes it possible to lose excess fat and normalize weight;
• helps prevent or defeat cellulite.

Below we will look at the benefits of a gym with a stepper in detail, and now about the effectiveness of the exercise machine for those who need to lose weight.

How many calories are burned

Training on a rotary, balancing or any other stepper with an emphasis on burning fat and improving metabolism requires following five recommendations:

1. Start with a training session lasting 10 to 15 minutes, not including warm-up time.
2. Gradually increase the training time on the simulator to an hour or at least 40 minutes at low intensity - heart rate up to 110 beats for beginners, up to 130 for athletes with average physical abilities.
3. Use the exercise machine 3 times a week. This schedule gives the highest efficiency.
4. The preferred training time is morning. The benefits of a stepper for a person losing weight are greater during the transition from passive rest to wakefulness.
5. Follow the correct nutritional system, recommended specifically for people who lose weight in the fitness room.

With the specified schedule and intensity, 500 calories will be burned in an hour of steps.

In what cases are classes contraindicated?

Exercising on a simulator requires much more effort than ordinary steps from home to the store and back or while walking.

This serious load will cause harm instead of benefit:

• for diseases of the joints or spine;
• after injuries that have not been fully cured;
• for diabetes, chronic diseases of the lungs, kidneys and other internal organs;
• after a stroke or heart attack;
• for viral diseases and colds with fever;
• in late pregnancy.

Important! Elderly fitness enthusiasts and beginners with a large percentage of excess weight should definitely consult a doctor about whether physical activity using this exercise machine is risky for them.

How do steppers work and how are they useful?

What is the name of the walking machine? It is called a stepper or stepper. This is a cardio machine that simulates climbing stairs. The name is quite understandable: “step” is translated from English as “step”. Just like other cardio equipment, the stepper helps provide a person with the necessary volume of natural movements. The exercises are primarily aimed at working the muscles of the thighs, buttocks and legs.

One of the advantages of the simulator is its ease of use. It is also relatively inexpensive and takes up little space. For home use, people most often buy mini-steppers, which are attractive due to their compactness and functionality.

A walking simulator is most often purchased to lose weight and improve figure tone. In fact, the benefits of the stepper are not limited to this. The in-situ walking machine is also useful for the following:

• Strengthening the heart and blood vessels;
• Development and stimulation of the respiratory system;
• Activation of the back and abdominal muscles.

Useful properties of the stepper

For the heart, blood vessels and lungs

Exercising on a stepper as a cardio exercise machine is certainly beneficial for the health of the heart, blood vessels and lungs, as it improves blood supply to the heart muscle, strengthens blood vessels and trains the respiratory organs.

If your goal is to strengthen the cardiovascular system, you should train on the stepper for a short time - about 15 minutes, but at a high pace, with maximum heart rate acceleration already in the first sessions.

If the simulator is not equipped with a pedometer and heart rate sensors, calculate its maximum frequency for you using the formula (220 - V) * 85%, where 220 is your heart rate at birth, V is your current age.

To find out your lower heart rate, instead of 85%, multiply (220 - V) by 65%.

If the heart rate during training on the stepper is below the minimum value, the load is too low, if it is above the maximum, the load is too high.

Increased muscle tone

The exercise machine makes your figure slim and beautiful, giving you pleasure from moving and toning your body. At the same time, a stepper with a rotating mechanism, levers or expanders trains the muscles of both the lower and upper body. An electromagnetic stepper, on which you can adjust the load, is useful, as well as a mechanical one without such an option.

Reducing the appearance of cellulite

Exercises on a stepper, no matter what type of exercise machine is chosen, are guaranteed to “accelerate” blood through the vessels of the legs, eliminating the main cause of cellulite.

The effectiveness of the fight against crust is intended to be increased by:

• cosmetic procedures;
• use of anti-cellulite cream;
• wearing a special suit.

Skin health is also positively affected by the removal of toxins from the body through sweating.

Increased strength and endurance

The exercise machine increases explosive power if you walk quickly, and walking to burn excess fat develops strength endurance.

Particularly useful are steppers with a rotating handle, expanders and levers that allow, in addition to the legs, to fully use the arms and torso.

Steps on the simulator are also needed to develop coordination, which brings joy from sports and active recreation. Here the balancing stepper is more effective than others.

Strengthening the immune system

Constantly exercising on a stepper means providing the body with physical activity and proper or complete blood circulation. This is what has a positive effect on the immune system, providing a general strengthening effect on the body.

The opposite effect is only possible with too exhausting training. Using a leg machine, like strength training equipment, can overload your muscles and ligaments. Monitor your heart rate and dose your load to avoid overwork.

Figure correction

The benefits of the stepper for weight loss have been proven by practice, but only under the condition of the intensity of the load recommended above, the duration and frequency of doing the exercises at home or within the walls of the fitness room. It is also necessary to eat right.

Important! Some adherents of a healthy lifestyle do not lose weight due to the characteristics of the body that cause obesity. But even if the fat remains, exercise on the machine will bring enormous health benefits, make your figure very good in its own way, and improve your mood and self-esteem.

How to properly exercise on a walking machine in place?

The correctness of training depends on technique, methodology and duration. The intensity is selected taking into account the person’s preparedness. At the initial stage, it is recommended to conduct classes at home about 3 times a week.

Here it would be useful to apply a special formula to calculate the standard. It is not recommended to exceed it. Its dependence occurs on age, weight and physical fitness. Pulse recording must be carried out without fail.

If its value approaches 200, then it is recommended to take a break for 20-30 minutes. Beginners should use the stepper for no more than 10-15 minutes. In the future, the time can be increased by 5-10 minutes.

There are 3 popular types of classes:

1. Standard. With this method, the step is carried out in the usual manner. Here you can change the tempo and force of pressing. All movements must be performed smoothly and progressively.
2. Half a foot. It is recommended to place your feet with emphasis on your toes. The step should be sharp and intense. Walking occurs with an unfinished step.
3. Heavy. Movements of the body and limbs should be made slowly and with strong emphasis on the pedals. At the same time, tension will be felt in the joints and muscles.

Stages of training

The entire training consists of several stages:

• Mandatory muscle warm-up for 10 minutes (it is recommended to choose only comfortable and high-quality sports shoes to avoid injury).
• At the initial stage, it is recommended to feel the surface of the pedal and control the balance and pressing force for further calculations of the optimal load.
• It is best to place your feet completely (for long periods of exercise, you can try the half-foot view).
• It is recommended to maintain correct body structure during exercises (no need to straighten or bend your legs too much, or lift them too high).

Types of steppers and their features

Having found out how useful stepper simulators are, we move on to choosing a device based on personal preferences, wishes and budgetary possibilities.

Let's start by considering the types of steppers according to the method of performing movements:

1. Classic or standard - it is distinguished by its rather large mass and special stability. The design of the exercise machine includes a vertical rod with handrails, which eliminate the risk of loss of balance and help you take steps with a straight back.
2. Mini-stepper - characterized by maximum compactness. Consists of one platform with two pedals. Some devices are additionally equipped with expanders for simultaneous stress on the legs and arms. The advantage is the most affordable price and small dimensions, allowing you to store it under furniture and take it on car trips. Disadvantages are the small trajectory of the athlete’s movements and, as a rule, the absence of a load regulator.
3. Rotary stepper - assumes the presence of a rotating two-handed handle - a lever for moving the body simultaneously with steps, developing the muscles of the pelvis and abdomen.
4. Elliptical or orbitrek. It is often not classified as a stepper, since such a unit is a combination of three simulators, simulating the movement of a skier (the role of ski poles is played by large levers) and allowing you to step forward and backward, like on a treadmill. In addition to the load on almost all muscle groups, the advantage of the orbitrek is that the load on the knee joints is close to zero. Disadvantages: high cost and large dimensions.
5. Staircase is an original, newest exercise machine, similar to a mini-escalator, with comfortable handrails and a multimedia control panel. Pros: a large range of useful functions and a high degree of comfort. The downside is the huge price.
6. A balancing or “rock and roll” exercise machine is similar in compactness to a mini-stepper, but differs from it in the design of the pedals, which transforms the athlete’s movements from an imitation of walking into an energetic dance. Forces the body to balance, including the muscles of the torso and arms, and intensely trains the vestibular system.

Let's move on to tips for choosing the best mini-stepper or the most suitable other type of exercise machine for home workouts.

How effective is a stepper for weight loss?

Cardio training is extremely important for weight loss. Why? It's simple. The main fat burner in the body is oxygen. And the greater the volume of blood pumped through the heart muscle, the more it enters our body and the faster the subcutaneous fat “melts.”

The intensity of the heart depends on cardio loads, and the stepper is quite capable of providing them in the required volume.

the effect of the stepper on weight loss here.

This is also a unique chance to walk up the stairs without leaving home. But the before and after results from training to burn extra pounds can only be obtained if three conditions are met:

1. constancy,
2. adequate load,
3. correct exercise technique.

How many calories are burned during exercise?

For half an hour of moderate intensity walking on a stepper, you burn about 300 calories. Minus another 100 calories if you engage your arms and upper body with levers, resistance bands or dumbbells.

Rules for choosing a simulator

Having decided to choose a stepper, you need to determine for yourself:

• what is the maximum amount of money you can allocate to purchase a simulator;
• how much free space in the home gym is there for the device - either you can choose a large stepper for the home, or only a balancing or mini-stepper will fit in the room;
• Is a simulator sufficient for you as a means of performing exercises, or is there an opportunity and desire to purchase a machine with changeable settings and functions for monitoring training parameters (pulse, calorie consumption, number of steps, speed of movement, etc.).

Our rating of steppers for the home will help you with your final choice.

Comparison with other cardio equipment

In addition to the stepper, cardio equipment includes a treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical and rowing machine.

What are their similarities and differences and which is more effective if you have set a goal to lose weight?

• Treadmill. It can, like a stepper, be used to lose weight and burn extra calories, and strengthen the same muscles of the lower body, especially the calves. However, it is more suitable for developing cardio endurance, and also, due to the strong impact load on the vertebrae and joints, is contraindicated for people with osteochondrosis, flat feet and problems with ligaments and joints of the legs.
• Exercise bike. Not the best choice for weight loss - when working, almost half the muscles of the body are inactive, almost the entire upper part. Especially if the modification is horizontal, although this same feature makes such cardio indispensable for people who have back problems. Much more than for those losing weight, it is suitable for those who return to sports after a long break or injury - for example, an ankle. We conducted a detailed comparison between the stepper and the exercise bike.
• Rowing machine. It can be a good helper in getting rid of extra pounds. It combines two types of exercise – aerobic and strength. Includes almost all muscles of the lower and upper body. However, unlike the stepper, which combats women's problem areas, this kind of cardio is considered masculine - women avoid active rowing exercises for fear of “pumping up” their shoulders.
• Ellipsoid. Almost designed for weight loss. It includes the whole body in the workout, while sparing the joints and, unlike the stepper, is recommended even for very fat people. If your goal is to become slimmer, there is no better option. However, the catch, in contrast to the stepper, can be the high price of cardio and its impressive dimensions. Therefore, most often the ellipsoid is available for training only in fitness rooms.

Everything you learned today about steppers will allow you to answer the question - is this the cardio machine for you? To buy a home, weigh your financial capabilities and the size of your home, analyze your health status and, if in doubt, consult a doctor.

Also, determine your training goals and weigh your determination to adhere to the schedule and consistency of training. If everything is decided positively, start taking steps towards your health and monitor your results after training.

Rating of the best models

The best classic steppers:

1. Horizon Dynamic 208. Takes up relatively little space, informs about training parameters, and has 12 load levels.
2. BRADEX Cardio Twister SF 0033. Counts steps and calories, features maximum safety (comfortable handrails, non-slip pedals), 7 load levels and a reasonable price for a home exercise machine.
3. House Fit HS-5027. A non-bulky, budget standard device, stable, with comfortable pedals and handrails. The stepper comes with four dumbbells.

Best mini steppers:

1. Body Sculpture BS-1122. Weighs about 6 kg, stable, with wide anti-slip pedals, step adjustment function.
2. Torneo Ritmo S-112B/S-112W. It has a favorable price, but not at the expense of quality - nice design, smooth pedals, the presence of a cadence sensor and timing of the duration of classes.
3. Atemi AS-1320M is a mini-stepper with expanders, parameter sensors and a beautiful design.

The best rotary stepper is Cardio Twister (Cardio Slim). It is characterized by durability, has a comfortable handle and non-slip pedals, 7 load levels. The simulator comes with a disk with sports programs and a description of diets.

The best balancing models:

1. Sport Elite GB-5106/0722-03 Rock-N-Roll. It is highly durable, counts steps and calories, and measures the duration of exercise.
2. HouseFit HS-5023. Equipped with a reliable foot clamp and expanders.

The best orbiter is Hop-Sport HS-025C Cruze. Smooth movement of pedals and levers, many parameter sensors, 8 load levels, good compactness, durable platform - all this for the average price of a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter (about 14 thousand rubles).

How to choose a stepper for your home - tips

• It is recommended to clearly define the purpose of purchasing this product (functions, type and price);
• For beginners, a stepper with a soft and comfortable steering wheel is best;
• the construction material must be of high quality - this will not only allow you to use it for a long time, but also not get unexpected bruises and abrasions due to breakage;
• models with an electronic display are much more effective, as they help monitor the intensity of training;
• models with expanders must have dense and strong coated cords that do not injure your hands with a non-slip coating;
• It is recommended to buy options with commercially available batteries.

Ellipsoids

Exercises on an elliptical trainer help work out and tone the muscles of the thighs, buttocks, arms, shoulder girdle, back, abdominals and entire body. In addition to muscles, it can be used to train endurance. The heart of the elliptical device is the flywheel, which can be front or rear, heavy or light. The presented models differ in step length: the optimal option for the home is considered to be up to 40 cm. Advanced devices have the ability to adjust the angle of the pedals.

EVO FITNESS STELLA

The EVO FITNESS STELLA magnetic elliptical trainer is designed for exercising at home. The main emphasis in it is on the muscles of the buttocks and thighs, excluding overload of the knee joints. The frame design is able to provide an optimal position of the hands in relation to the handles, and the torso in relation to the pedals. The equipment is suitable for users of almost any size and height. The load control system is reliable. It is able to ensure uniform load distribution when moving. There is a display that displays the main parameters of the lesson:

• model name: EVO FITNESS Stella;
• price: RUB 13,990;
• characteristics: step length – 33 cm, distance between pedals – 20 cm, load levels – 8, flywheel weight – 7 kg, user weight – up to 120 kg, display – monochrome LCD, there are transport rollers, weight – 27.9 kg, dimensions – 107x66x152 cm;
• pluses: availability of adjustment relative to the floor level, convenient console, reasonable cost;
• cons: none.

Oxygen

Another great option for weight loss and body shaping is Oxygen Pelican II EL. It has a high-strength frame, sensors on the handles for measuring heart rate and mechanical load adjustment. The LCD display shows your workout time, current speed, calorie consumption and heart rate. The device is capable of performing a fitness test. For ease of movement, Oxygen Pelican II EL is equipped with transport rollers:

• Model name: Oxygen Pelican II EL;
• price: 22190 rub.;
• characteristics: dimensions – 124x71x165 cm, weight – 35 kg, step length – 31 cm, flywheel weight – 8 kg, load system – magnetic, drive – rear, load levels – 8, user weight – up to 130 kg, display – black and white LCD 5";
• pluses: durable design, availability of an ergometer;
• cons: expensive.

Sport Elite

The Sport Elite SE-602 exercise machine has a magnetic load system, transport rollers, and floor unevenness compensators. To measure pulse there is a heart rate sensor that is built into the handle:

• model name: Sport Elite SE-602;
• price: 14430 rub.;
• characteristics: dimensions - 121x63x162 cm, weight - 41 kg, flywheel - rear, weight - 7 kg, load levels - 8, user weight - up to 100 kg, step length - 31 cm, has a display, power supply - 2 AAA batteries;
• advantages: affordable cost, convenient platforms;
• cons: small maximum permissible user weight.

Home stepper

Stepper home cardio exercise machine
Many will ask - where can I get the necessary time for regular trips to the fitness center or gym? The answer is quite simple - buy a regular home stepping machine. The following walking machines at home: a stepper, an elliptical, an exercise bike or a treadmill will help pump up your legs and make them slim. Moreover, in this case, it is not at all necessary to buy rather expensive and massive exercise equipment that takes up significant space in our not so large apartments - it is enough to purchase such a completely effective sports equipment as a stepper, and by exercising on it regularly, you can achieve amazing results!

It's no secret that working out on a stepper takes a lot of strength and energy, which can be replenished with the help of energy bars. We recommend taking a look at PANIAPTEKA(dot)ua - one of the best ratios of price and quality. More details: https://paniapteka.ua/special-food/sport/batonchiki.html

Contraindications to training

Like any sport, such training on a simulator has some limitations and contraindications.

People with diseases, especially chronic ones, should definitely consult a doctor before using:

• various limb injuries (dislocations, fractures or sprains, as well as painful bumps, calluses and hygromas of the foot);
• post-infarction condition or stroke;
• chronic heart, kidney or lung diseases;
• It is not recommended to use the simulator for expectant mothers in the last stages of pregnancy;
• high temperature or heat;
• diabetes or blood pressure problems.

? Very high quality treadmills out of rating

Are you looking for a treadmill for a home with a budget above 100,000 rubles? We have identified the most modern and technically advanced models, whose characteristics are not inferior to commercial treadmills.

The highest performance among home treadmills - Sole Fitness F85 (2019)

This treadmill is in our store

Sole Fitness F85 (2019)

F85

updated for the 2021 model year - this is the top home treadmill in the high price segment. The current price is 150,000 rubles.

The manufacturer Sole Fitness is an American brand that has established production in Taiwan. Note that the company offers a two-year warranty on its products. F85 is the top model in the line of home treadmills, it has the highest technical characteristics.

⭐ Advantages and features of Sole Fitness F85

• Stylish ergonomic design
• Very spacious running surface measuring 152 by 56 centimeters
• High build quality, wear-resistant running belt
• The most powerful engine 4 horsepower
• Technical characteristics are as close as possible to commercial models
• Great option for high-intensity workouts at home

? Main characteristics of Sole Fitness F85

• Engine power: 4 l. With.
• Length and width of running belt: 152 x 56 cm
• Tilt angle change: up to 15%
• MAX treadmill user weight: 182 kg
• Warranty: 24 months
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 211 x 84 x 145 cm

? King of Treadmills - Matrix TF50XIR

This treadmill is in our store

Matrix TF50XIR

TF50XIR

is the ideal choice of exercise equipment for your home if your goal is high-intensity cardio training, reliable equipment and a prestigious brand.

The manufacturer is the American brand Matrix, which produces premium professional and home exercise equipment. Product warranty – 2 years. The price is a lot for many buyers, but the simulator is worth every 300,000+ rubles spent on it.

⭐ Advantages and features of Matrix TF50XIR

• Manufacturer Matrix is ​​a premium brand
• The highest quality and reliability of components and finishing materials, stylish and ergonomic design
• Built-in modern 16" tablet with entertainment options
• Maximum technical equipment

? Main characteristics of Matrix TF50XIR

• Engine power: 3.25 l. With.
• Length and width of running belt: 152 x 51 cm
• Tilt angle change: up to 15%
• MAX treadmill user weight: 181 kg
• Warranty: 24 months
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 106 x 90 x 192 when folded and 206 x 90 x 158 cm when assembled

If you are looking for a premium product with multimedia capabilities, these tracks will not leave you indifferent. They are distinguished by an interesting design, impeccable quality of components, have the highest technical characteristics and are very reliable.

Clothes and shoes

You must choose equipment for Nordic walking that is comfortable, breathable, does not restrict movement and, of course, corresponds to specific weather conditions. Sneakers must be of high quality, with a sufficiently flexible sole and orthopedic insole.

For winter walks, thin thermal underwear and winter overalls are suitable. And in the summer you can wear anything: a tracksuit, trousers, shorts, a T-shirt, a T-shirt, etc. To avoid causing trouble or causing calluses, always wear several pairs of socks, preferably cotton ones.

How to properly run on a treadmill to lose weight

For proper treadmill running, you need to monitor your heart rate, which should not exceed 120-130 beats per minute.

The optimal training duration is 40-60 minutes. Before running, be sure to warm up.

Several types of running training are used to lose weight:

• with intervals (alternating fast and slow running);
• for endurance (about 10 minutes the athlete develops maximum speed);
• uninterrupted movement at one comfortable speed.

For better productivity, experts recommend alternating all three types of movement and be sure to monitor your diet.