Steppers are among the proven classics among fitness equipment. Here are the most important facts before you buy! Whether it's the classic mini stepper, twist & swing stepper or balance & side stepper - there's a wide range to choose from when you look around the stepper market. These fitness devices are often available for little money.
Steppers mimic the movement of climbing stairs, which works your legs and buttocks and burns between 500 and 1000 kcal per hour. In addition to the muscles mentioned, the condition is also improved when training with a stepper and the cardiovascular system is stimulated. The most important points to consider when buying are the stability, the display, the maximum load, the workmanship, the resistance and the variation of the stepper.
Range of use:
Steppers primarily train butt and thigh muscles as well as general endurance. Today, however, steppers are on the decline. The selection is therefore rather small compared to the four other product groups. As pure endurance devices, they have now been replaced by cross trainers, since these simulate more natural walking sequences. After several years of intensive use of steppers, athletes used to have intervertebral disc problems. That's why experts today no longer recommend these devices without restrictions due to their unnatural movement. If you already have knee problems, you should not buy a stepper: the impact loads on the knee during exercise can make the problems worse.
Technique tips:
The cheapest devices work with hydraulic cylinders. The degree of difficulty is adjusted with a rotary wheel directly on the cylinder - a simple system. Higher quality devices have an eddy current brake. They run more smoothly and enable more effective and pulse-controlled training.
Practice check:
Mini steppers are unsuitable for effective training. A good stepper should have handrails for support. The footprint should be large enough so that you cannot tip over.
But despite the low price, a good stepper should meet certain requirements. A reliable indicator of good quality is the TÃV GS seal for "tested safety". Here are other quality criteria for a good stepper:
Nothing is more annoying than a stepper that doesn't reliably offer the same resistance at a power level. Heavy-duty and high-quality manufactured hydraulic cylinders are a quality feature that you should put through your paces before you buy. Step into the store quietly for a few minutes. Cheap hydraulic cylinders quickly get hot and lose resistance.
In order to train effectively and to be able to set different stimulation points with one and the same stepper (endurance, muscular endurance, fat burning, aerobic-anaerobic fitness), a good stepper must offer different training levels that can also be selected during the units with just a few movements. This is the only way to ensure a challenging and varied workout.
In addition to the difficulty of the training programs, the height of the steps is also decisive for the quality of a stepper and the quality of your training.
You are already familiar with the phenomenon from everyday life: the higher a step is, the more strength the muscles in the legs and buttocks have to expend to climb this step. Here, too, you should try to find out in a specialist shop which device best meets your requirements.
But always leave room for performance growth: as your form improves, so will your need for the next challenge. A stepper with a large step amplitude is therefore the best choice in the long term. Big steps are also better for the joints than small tripping steps.
Quality in a stepper is not only a question of the training programs. In order to have something from the fitness device for a long time, nothing beats good workmanship. This begins with the selection of high-quality materials and ends with the processing of the edges. In general, a stepper should be smooth-running, stable and, last but not least, quiet.
Whether on carpet, laminate, PVC or parquet - a stepper needs a good footing so that training is fun. A good basic balance of the device as well as height-adjustable feet ensure a secure footing and enable effective training.
Not a must on a stepper, but handles are a nice feature. These turn a simple stepper into a cross trainer in disguise and also allow relaxed training for the upper body at a still low price.
Despite all the technical disadvantages (fewer variants during training, low robustness, lack of display options), such a model even offers two small advantages over a cross trainer: Steppers with movable handles for cross coordination are much quieter and take up less space because no flywheel is required.
What is a stepper?
Like an ergometer or exercise bike, the stepper is a cardio training device that you can use to train your endurance. The movements you make on the fitness machine are identical to movements when climbing stairs. So it's not a stationary bike, which is the case with an ergometer or exercise bike.
Who is buying a stepper suitable for?
If you are looking for a piece of fitness equipment with which you can increase your endurance and calorie consumption without having to leave the house or orient yourself to opening times, then you should buy a stepper. This fitness device saves a lot of space and therefore fits in every apartment.
Can you lose weight with the stepper?
Exercising will definitely help you lose weight because endurance training burns calories. Muscle building in the legs and buttocks is also promoted.
How long should you train with the stepper?
You should plan at least 15 minutes, 3 - 4 times a week of training time if you want to achieve visible success.
How many calories do you burn on the stepper?
With a high cadence and high resistance, you can consume around 700 kcal/h. The energy consumption is lower than with cardio training or running.
Which muscles do I train with the stepper?
Especially thigh, calf and buttock muscles. If you also want to train your upper body, you can buy a stepper with a pull rope. There are different variants with which you can train with different intensity and effectiveness.
Can you lose weight with the stepper?
The training strengthens the thighs, trains the calves and the cardiovascular system. But in addition, as a positive side effect, the daily calorie consumption is increased. This then causes a direct reduction in weight, which when the device is used regularly then also leads to a more attractive appearance. So we can clearly answer the question with a yes.
What do I have to consider when buying a stepper?
Which steppers / mini steppers are there?
These steppers are available:
The stepper is a cost-effective and space-saving way of exercising from home. In particular, people who are new to training can work their way up step by step with the stepper fitness device, but those who are looking for an addition to their training plan are also well-equipped with the stepper.
If you are looking to buy other fitness machines or accessories, look no further! Explore our range of fitness products like treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, exercise bikes, rowing machines, home gym, functional trainer, multi-station, power towers, smith machines, dumbbells, foosball tables, pool tables, and table tennis.
