Choosing a fitness machine like a stair stepper is not easy for most. So we have created this buyers guide to help you decipher what is good and what is bad about the most popular steppers, and mini steppers. This guide will direct you to the best machine to suite your needs and requirements - everything from your finance availability to maximum weight allowed on each stair stepper. Plus a lot more.

1. Top Ten Benefits of Using a Stair Stepper &
Choosing the Best Stepper For You
by
Stepup4Fitness.com

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Stepper Buyers Guide. The information contained in this guide is strictly for educational purposes only.
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3. Contents
Why Not Just Do Stair Stepping on Your Stair Case at Home?............................................................................ 4
What is a Stair Stepper and What Does it Do? ....................................................................................................... 4
Top Ten Benefits of Using a Stair Stepper? ........................................................................................................... 4
Stair Steppers and Your Budget - Finding the Right Stepper for You ............................................................... 5
What is the Difference Between a Stair Stepper, Mini Stepper, a StairMaster Stepper and an Elliptical
Trainer? ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
[1] Stair Steppers ................................................................................................................................................... 6
[2] Mini Steppers .................................................................................................................................................... 6
[3] StairMaster Steppers........................................................................................................................................ 7
[4] Elliptical Trainers ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Some Things to Consider Before Your Purchase ................................................................................................... 8
How much floor and ceiling space do you have? .............................................................................................. 8
How easy is it to move your fitness machine?................................................................................................... 8
Do you really want a stair stepper? .................................................................................................................... 8
How easy will it be to assemble your new machine? ....................................................................................... 8
A Motorized or Manual Stepper? .......................................................................................................................... 8
Computerization - What do you need to see? ................................................................................................... 8
Stair Stepper Warranties........................................................................................................................................... 9
Stair Stepper Reviews - What Do Other People Say? ........................................................................................... 9
Where to Go From Here ............................................................................................................................................ 9
How to Get Our Daily Fitness Tips and New Product Releases Directly to Your Inbox .................................. 9

4. Now more than ever it is important for you to focus on your health, your weight and your level of exercise.
There is a global epidemic in the western world that is only getting worse, and that is obesity! Obesity has
been dubbed by scientific researchers, as the 'silent killer' because it is causing
an almost endless list of chronic and killer diseases like cardiovascular (heart)
disease, type II diabetes, (increased risk of) strokes, high blood pressure, liver
disease and many more.
But many times, these are preventable conditions. All it takes a little change in
eating and lifestyle habits, and ANYONE can (usually) prevent these diseases
from occurring.
By making these small, but fundamental modifications to the way you live, you
can really make radical improvements to how you feel, how you look and how
other people perceive you. And there is no better, safer and fun way to boost
your level of fitness and lose some weight, than by regularly working out on
a stair stepper or elliptical trainer.
Why Not Just Do Stair Stepping on Your Stair
Case at Home?
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Stair stepping on your stairs is high impact V's stair stepper machines are low impact on your knee and
ankle joints
If you live in a busy household, you need to move out of the way to let
other people pass you on the stairs (ok, this is not a highly valid reason,
but still holds true)
If you prefer your privacy while exercising, which many people do (men
and women), you don't get that on your home/work stair case (a more
valid reason, yes?)
Stair case stepping can damage your wooden steps (over the course of
weeks or months of using your stairs, you increase the use by over 1000%
or more)
Stair stepping can get boring, particularly if you are not a fitness fanatic, but you can place a step
machine in front of your television and watch your favorite show
A stepper machine will not wear out your carpet!
Whilst there are several effective ways you can exercise at home, to lose weight and get in shape, the stair
stepper offers many benefits compared to most other types of fitness machines and body weight workouts.
Not only is a workout on a stair stepper fun to do and a great way to burn calories and fat, but the advantage
of exercising on one of these is that you will tone every muscle in your lower torso, from your buttocks right
down to your calf muscles.
What is a Stair Stepper and What Does it Do?
A stair stepper is a unique fitness machine that you find in all good membership gyms (commercial models)
and home gyms (or front rooms, kitchens and bedrooms), that mimic walking up a flight of stairs. We've
already compared stair walking to stepping on an ergonomically designed home fitness machine, but to
emphasize again - the advantage of using a step machine is that they use a resistance piston system which
eliminates the harshness to your joints that is caused when your foot hits the bottom of the step. These
are smooth on a stepper, but on a staircase, your knees take all the shock.
Top Ten Benefits of Using a Stair Stepper?
1. Improved Fitness and Endurance
2. Burns Calories and Weight Loss
3. Improved Cardiovascular Health

5. 4. Muscle Toning
5. Low Impact Workouts
6. You Can Exercise at Home (or Work)
7. Inexpensive to Buy
8. Do Not Require Much Space
9. Improved Balance and Stability
10. Increase Your Longevity
There are several types of fitness machines which offer similar benefits of using a stair stepper, but none of
them offer the same versatility. And what I mean by that is that you can't lug a treadmill or stationary bike
around with you, if you wanted to exercise in your lunch time at work. Nor do those types offer you the
option of adding upper body resistance to your workouts. The same goes for a rowing machine; you'd look
pretty silly dragging a rowing machine around with you, if you wanted a lunch time cardio session!
"You mentioned upper body workouts. How do you do that on a stair stepper?"
You may have seen them, but not realized what they are for. But when you add a set of rubber resistance
bands to a stepper workout, you are able to 'hit' every muscle group in your body. This adds to your calorie
burning and muscle toning efforts. In fact, it probably gives you double the benefits of just stepping!
Depending on your goals of using a stepper, you can lose a ton of weight by maximizing fat loss exercises, you
can improve muscle tone and you can really improve how your cardio system functions. By improving your
cardiovascular health through exercise, you will be able to live (depending on other factors like diet and
genetics) free of health concerns.
From doing minimal exercise to taking regular step workouts, you will feel and see improvements in all those
areas in no time at all. All you need to do is have the dedication to follow through with your goals, until you
reach your targets.
Frequent workouts on a stepper will also help to improve your
core stability and your balance. This will improve your posture
and your gait (the way you walk and stand). In fact, it was for
the purpose of rehabilitation that StairMaster Steppers were
originally designed. They do this by improving your core/trunk
muscles. This again can be enhanced by adding rubber
resistance bands to your workout, for a more intense set of
exercises.
Mind you, when we talk about 'more' or 'higher' intensity
workouts, this does not mean that you are going to exert
yourself to the point of danger. Whatever exercise plan or
machine follow or use, you should always work to your own
limits to avoid injury and stress on your body. When, and if the time comes for you to 'up your game', you will
know.
Stair Steppers and Your Budget - Finding the Right Stepper for
You
When you are buying a stair stepper you have to consider the quality of a
stepper and also your available finances to buy one.
A stair stepper is an investment in your fitness and in your health. It is
something that you will hopefully use for many years to come, and one that can
be used by other members of your family and household.
So it's better to buy a high quality stepper that is going to cost a little bit more,
rather than buy a cheaper stepper of much lower quality. There could be
nothing more disappointing and frustrating than returning to the place you
bought your stair stepper after on a few months or a year, looking for a
replacement machine because the last one failed or just wore out!
Many consumers waste lots of money replacing low quality stair steppers every
year, because theirs keeps breaking and cannot be used for purpose.
The following list is a general price range for the most popular types of stair

6. stepper (don't worry if you don't know the difference between each type of
stepper - we will cover that below):
Stair Steppers: $110 - $1,400
Mini Steppers: $55 - $81
StairMaster Steppers: $2,350 - $6,949
Elliptical Trainers: $99 - $1,299
You don't have to choose the most expensive stepper, but you certainly don't
want to buy an inferior or the cheapest one. Quality and durability is what you
will be looking for and you won't get that with the cheapest models. Buying a
quality stair stepper will help you to avoid frustration and more expense at a
later date.
We will help you make the right decision. Once you know what type of stair
stepper you want, we will direct you to our recommended stepper webpage that
shows the top three steppers of that version. Included in that, we will cover the
various budget ranges so you choose the best stair stepper for your money.
What is the Difference Between a Stair Stepper, Mini Stepper, a
StairMaster Stepper and an Elliptical Trainer?
So let's look at each type of stepper and emphasize the good points and the bad points.
[1] Stair Steppers
Stair steppers (excluding Stairmaster) are generally bigger machines,
that you will normally find in memberships gyms. They are also a huge
favorite among home gym owners, and are in the medium-high price
range ($110 - $1,400.00).
Although they tend to be heavier and more stable than say a mini stepper
or mini elliptical trainer (see below), they also boast a higher level of
quality. They have hand rails for safety and some models are connected
to an electricity supply (Some are motorized, while others are manual).
Motorized steppers offer you regulated movement of stepping,
which means that while you press one step down, the other is returned with the help of the motorization.
With a manual stepper, you do all the work; while you push one step down, the other step is returned to the
start position.
What's good about them?
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Solid, sturdy and offers a lot of stability
Durable - This type of stepper will give you many years of cardio
'Manual' versions are generally quieter
Perfect for any home gym, but generally require more space (particularly motorized models)
More suitable for the 'heavier' person, compared to a mini stepper which have maximum user weight
guidelines
What's bad about them?
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Price tag - higher quality means more money
Motorized steppers require more space (manual versions do not)
Too heavy to take traveling
Motorized steppers are noisier
Check out our Top 3 Recommended Stair Steppers
[2] Mini Steppers

7. A mini stepper is what it's name suggests - a 'mini' version of its big brother, the stair stepper. They are
lightweight and portable, most of which do not have side rails (some do), and many of them offer a more
varied workout than a stair stepper.
Some can be used with resistance tubes, which are made of elasticated rubber and are great for adding in a
whole range of upper body exercises. Some mini steppers offer twisting actions or side stepping actions,
which would give you a totally different feeling in your leg and buttock muscles.
What's good about them?
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Lightweight and portable
Price tag - more affordable
You can add resistance bands for upper body workouts
Compact, which means they are easy to take traveling
What's bad about them?
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Depending on the model, they are not usually made of high quality
Some break quite easily and are unreliable
Not as sturdy as a stair stepper
Some models are 'too' lightweight and move during your workout
Not suitable for heavier people
Not very durable if you are using it every day
Check out our Top 3 Recommended Mini Steppers
[3] StairMaster Steppers
StairMaster undoubtedly make the highest quality of stair steppers and
climbers. They are the 'kings' of all stepping machines. Stairmaster have
been around for thirty years, and have been time tested as the best on the
market - if you can afford the price tag. Some operate on a moving
stairway, like the Stepmill, while others are similar to stair steppers and
have two foot plates that move independently.
Choosing between the escalator type and the independently
stepping Stairmaster model is a matter of personal choice. The Stepmill
offers a more realistic stepping action, because you are actually walking up
steps, but this type of machine is a lot larger, requiring more floor and
ceiling space.
What's good about them?
 Highest quality of all stepping fitness machines
 Probably the best workout you will get from one fitness
machine
 Users say Stairmasters are 'addictive', so you will want to be
using them in your weight control plan
What's bad about them?
 Huge price tag makes them un-affordable to many people
 Risk of injury if you fall backwards (but that is unlikely, as
you have hand rails to hold)
 Requires a lot of floor space and head room
 You must be alert while exercising - to know when the next
step is coming
Check out our Top 3 Recommended StairMaster Steppers
[4] Elliptical Trainers

8. Elliptical Cross Trainers are a version of a stair stepper, but offer a back and forth ski action. Just imagine
being on a pair of cross-country ski's - it is the same action. The higher quality ellipticals have ski handles as
well, which work in the opposite direction of each foot as you step/ski. The benefit of these is that they offer
a permanent upper body resistance workout, which means you burn more calories.
But the greatest thing about them is that they are even more kind to your knees, than all the other types of
stepper because there is not really a step at the bottom - it is a kind of circular motion.
What's good about them?
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High calorie burning and a more challenging workout
Low impact which means they won't stress your joints
Smooth action, means you don't get the feeling of 'bouncing' like you do with some steppers
Offers an alternative movement to stepping, which is great if you are not a fan of stair walking
What's bad about them?
 Smaller units are less stable - be sure of the product you are buying, that you won't topple while you
use it
 Larger machines require bigger floor space
 If you are taller or heavier, you should really invest in a high price tag elliptical as some do not suit
your build
Check out our Top 3 Recommended Elliptical Trainers
Some Things to Consider Before Your Purchase
How much floor and ceiling space do you have?
If you are buying a mini stepper, then all you really need to consider is the available storage space, because
you can use them pretty much anywhere. But if you are buying a larger stair stepper, a larger elliptical or a
Stairmaster, then you should measure your available floor space and ceiling height, because because some
machines have a big base and are tall. That means you need to add your height to the top step, and if you
have less height then that type of machine is not for you.
How easy is it to move your fitness machine?
Does it come with wheels on one end (so you can tip it up and push it around)? Do you require more than one
person to re-locate your machine because it is heavy? This is important if you live alone. If you need to move
it in it's assembled state, you may need to consider weight.
Do you really want a stair stepper?
Think about your lifestyle and what you may be doing in six months. Do you think you will get bored working
out on stepper because it's actions are quite limited? Does a stepper really suit your fitness and cardio goals?
If you have other methods of achieving your fitness goals, then a stepper will fit in just fine, but if it is to be
your sole way of losing weight and toning muscles, then you may want to consider the elliptical version or at
least a high quality mini stepper which comes with resistance tubes as these are more resilient and reliable.
How easy will it be to assemble your new machine?
This is especially important if you live alone or are perhaps a female who is not very strong, as some of the
parts can be quite heavy. If you're a versed with lifting heavy things, then this should not deter you - actually,
can you come and help me construct my elliptical trainer please?!
A Motorized or Manual Stepper?
A motorized stepper is more fluent than a manual one. They are similar to the steppers you see in fitness
centers. And they are lower impact than manual steppers.
A manual stepper is cheaper than a motorized one. They are also quieter than motorized steppers.
Computerization - What do you need to see?

9. Whichever type of stepper or elliptical trainer you decide upon, there are a few fundamentals that you will
want the computer or LCD screen to display. They are:
1.
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4.
5.
6.
Steps climbed
Calories burned
Time
Heart rate (do you want one that connects to a heart monitor?)
Distance
Programs - Generally found on more expensive steppers
Stair Stepper Warranties
It's always good to have „piece of mind‟ and know that your new stair stepper is covered by the
manufacturer's warranty. Many of steppers (and elliptical trainers) come with a five year warranty, some even
with a ten or twenty year warranty.
Before you go ahead with your purchase, it's always best to double check if and what type of warranty you
will be covered by. One of the best places to discover this is in the product reviews, where you will learn of
other people‟s experiences.
Stair Stepper Reviews - What Do Other People Say?
It's good to know that many other people have purchased the same item before you. So you will get 'real'
opinions, good and bad, before you click the 'buy button' and part with any money!
You will learn:
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How easy to use the stepper is
How easy is it to construct (if necessary)
Price satisfaction
Durability
Stability - does it move during exercise?
Does it break easily
If the manufacturer customer service was acceptable (in case you do have problems in the future)
Is the workout you get really that good, or would you be better off buying a different one
Did it come with training advice and guidelines?
Replacement product or parts
Where to Go From Here
We hope that you have found this guide useful and has helped you make a decision on which type of stair
stepper you want to buy. We have set up several web pages that show you our top 3 steppers in each of the
four categories. These steppers are at the lower, middle and high price ranges. That way you can further
decide what type and model of stepper will suit your needs as well as your available finances.
Click the links below to view our Top 3 Recommended Stair Steppers:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Stair Steppers
Mini Steppers
StairMaster Steppers
Elliptical Trainers
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