Stepper Machine

A stepper machine is an effective butt-busting killer workout machine. It  is also known as a stepper machine, step machine, mini-stepper or stair climber. Mimicking the motion of climbing stairs, a stepper machine consists of two platforms that require you to step in place, at a speed and difficulty rating of your choice. Painfully simple. 

How to use a stepper machine?

While how hard you work out on a stepper machine is up to you - you can quite literally work your backside off or go for a gentle climb - it is important to use the machine properly if you want to achieve maximum benefit. 

Start by warming up with some gentle stretching and set the machine at a low resistance and a manageable speed while you acclimatise. 

The next step is to perfect your form while you climb. Engage your core, stand up straight and put your best foot forward. As you’re doing so, make sure you really push through your heels to move the step, otherwise you’re not engaging your glutes as effectively as you need to. Make sure to pump your arms in order to properly simulate the sensation of climbing a set of stairs; this should also keep you stable and reduce your chances of mis-stepping or falling off the machine. 

If you get bored of being on a road to nowhere, you could try incorporating intervals into your workout to shake things up. Don’t forget to cool down when you’ve stopped stepping to avoid muscle soreness or stiffness. 

Types of Stepper Machines

There are several different types of stepper, with something to suit every exerciser, depending on the space they have available and their budget.

Stepper 

This one does what it says on the tin - requiring you to step in place for as long and as hard as you want to. Most stepper machines will have a console keeping track of how stairs you’ve climbed, or calories you’ve burned. Some will offer additional features, like armrests with resistance built in, so you can challenge your upper body while you’re working your lower body off. 

Mini-stepper 

The same but on a smaller scale, a mini-stepper is handy to keep under your desk or your bed, as long as it’s under your feet once in a while too. It’s compact, portable and affordable and you can team it with dumb bells or arm weights to maximise your workout. 

Stair climber 

A stair climber, or stair master as it’s sometimes known, comes in the form of a set of stairs that revolves in order to ensure that you elevate your performance and keep climbing. Slightly bulkier than a stepper machine, stair climbers offer several different workout programs, with built-in intervals. 

What are the benefits of a stair stepper machine?

The benefits of stepper exercise are full body. While the main focus - of your pain, at least - is likely to be in your hamstrings and glutes, aerobic steppers offer a comprehensive workout for all of your body, from your quads to your core. 

Not only that, but steppers are low-impact and joint-friendly. Unlike running, nothing about the motion of stepping jars your joints, so they’re suitable for those with a history of injury or weaker joints. In addition to all the muscles targeted by a stepper, a workout on one of these also offers a huge amount of benefit to your overall cardiovascular health. You can’t afford to step past it. 

Are steppers good for weight loss?

As with any cardiovascular workout, steppers can assist with your weight loss, but it’s very hard to lose weight from exercise alone. It sounds boring, but the best way to lose weight is to move more and eat less. If time on the stepper is part of that move more, it will definitely make an impact. In addition to weight loss, a stepper will tighten up your thighs and glutes. It might not make a difference on your scales - remember muscle weighs more than fat - but a workout on the stepper will make you look and feel leaner.

Is a stepper machine better than a treadmill?

Whether or not a stepper is better than a treadmill depends on who you are, and what you want. If you are looking for a high-intensity workout intended to burn maximum calories, you might find a treadmill more effective. It will also give you a greater variety of workout options. If you have any joint issues, are looking for a low-impact work-out, or want to really focus on your quads and glutes, you may refer a stepper machine. Both machines offer an excellent workout.

How to maintain and care for your stepper machine?

The more you look after your exercise stepper, the longer it will last. Beyond the obvious maintenance tips, such as wiping it down after use to avoid corroding the metal with all your stair stepping sweat, make sure to dust it to get rid of any dust or debris. 

You should also take the time to inspect the belt regularly (if there is one), lubricate the moving parts (to reduce friction) and keep the machine out of sunlight so that the plastic components of the machine aren’t damaged. For other issues, consult the manual and, if problems persist, contact the company you purchased the machine from, as it may still be under warranty.

Where can you buy a stepper machine?

Before you buy a stepper for your gym or home gym, measure the space you are planning to place the stepper to make sure there is enough room for it, or whether you might need to consider a mini-stepper instead. 

Other factors to consider are how much you anticipate using your stepper. The great thing about these machines is that they’re low impact and easy to operate, which means they can fit in with your lifestyle. Why not make your exercise regime step up while you’re watching TV, or chatting on the phone? 

Next, do your research on brands; there are a number of great options out there and here, at Orbit, we are more than happy to talk you through the pros and cons of each.

Contact us today. Finally, you need to decide whether you’d like us to walk you through the machine in-store or order in the ease of your own home. 

Orbit has great online options and offers fast Australia-wide shipping, as well as flexible payment options. We’re always here to help so what are you waiting for? Step to it. 

Commercial Enquiries

We stock a range of commercial-grade steppers & stair climbers suitable for commercial gym and recreation centres. Head to our commercial cardio page to view the full range or if you have specific questions, please call (08) 6241 3019 to speak to our commercial team.

Frequently Asked Questions