Steppers, sometimes called stair climbers, mimic the movement of walking up stairs. The motion is low impact because your feet never leave the pedals. Dozens of manufacturers make steppers of all sizes and price ranges. Mini-steppers usually retail for less than $100, while full-size in-home steppers can cost up to $4,000. Steppers that can handle user loads of 275 lbs. are the more expensive, larger machines.
Considerations
Most fitness equipment manufacturers set weight limits on their product models to protect both you and the product, since excessive weight can cause premature wear or breakage. According to Treadmill-ratings-reviews.com, many manufacturers overstate their weight limits by 50 to 75 lbs. The website recommends finding a model with a weight capacity at least 50 lbs. more than your current weight. This may not be practical with steppers, since even high-end models usually have weight capacities of 300 lbs., but these are the best choices if you weigh over 275 lbs.
StairMaster
StairMaster is the brand most think of first when talking about steppers and step mills. Direct Focus, Inc., formerly called Bowflex America, acquired the StairMaster brand in 2001. StairMaster machines are well-built, and have a lot of features and advanced technology. They are also expensive. The stepper model featured on the StairMaster website as of January 2011, the SC916, has a published weight limit of 300 lbs., and sells for $3,900.
NordicTrack
NordicTrack sells a few steppers, along with its line of treadmills and elliptical machines. The NordicTrack steppers are a mix between an elliptical machine and a stepper. They are more affordable than the StairMaster model, but also have weight limits of 300 lbs. The Freestrider 35S retails for $1,000, and the FreeStrider 35 Si for $1,900. The Si includes the iFit live module, powered by Google Maps, which lets you experience trails from all over the world and watch your progress on the display.
Other Options
Not all manufacturers publish weight limits. Stamina makes an inexpensive, in-home unit called the SpaceMate Folding Stepper that retails for a little over $200, but the company does not provide a weight limit. In this case, consider the weight of the machine itself: the Stamina stepper weighs 45 lbs., so you may not be comfortable on a machine that is so light. Trying one out at a store is the best bet for determining if any stepper is durable enough for you.
Member Comments