TOP 7 best rotary steppers [Selection Guide + Rating]

Publication date: December 24, 2022.

It's no secret that to maintain excellent physical shape you need to train regularly and competently.

However, the intense pace of life often leaves neither time nor energy for daily visits to the gym.

Fortunately, you can train at home by choosing the most effective training regimen and exercise equipment that provides maximum results.

One of these devices is a stepper - a compact simulator, exercises on which simulate climbing stairs.

Even a quarter of an hour of exercise on a stepper allows you to provide a full-fledged cardio workout, maintain physical fitness, and, if necessary, get rid of extra pounds in the most problematic areas of the body.

Rating of the best rotary steppers

Stepper DFC SC-S085

Advantages:

• Easy to move around the apartment.
• Takes up little space.
• Silent.
• The model is easy to assemble.

Flaws:

• The handrails are slightly loose.
• It squeaks for some users.

Stepper DFC SC-S085E

Advantages:

• Compact.
• Easy to move.
• There are handrails.
• Easy to assemble.

Flaws:

• There is little resistance at the handrails.
• Creaks.

Stepper Sport Elite GB-5112

Advantages:

• There is an expander for the hands.
• It is possible to adjust the step height.
• The workout results are displayed.
• Compact size

Flaws:

• Creaks.
• May ruin the floor - a mat or underlay is required.

Stepper DFC SC-S032Y

Advantages:

• High quality step counter.
• Compact size.
• Light weight.
• Easy to use.

Flaws:

• Light load.
• The load level is not regulated.
• Creaks.
• Small rotation angle.

Stepper Sport Elite GB-5115/​008

Advantages:

• Durable design.
• There are expanders for the hands.
• Easy to use.
• All necessary training data is displayed.

Flaws:

• Creaks.
• There is no independent pedal travel.

Stepper BRADEX Cardio Twister SF 0033

Advantages:

• Calculates the main indicators.
• There is a low-intensity mode.
• Compact.
• Effective.
• Price.

Flaws:

• Fails quickly.
• Heavy, difficult to move around the house.

Stepper Torneo Twister S-211

Advantages:

• Compact.
• Resistance bands included.
• The presence of a rotating mechanism.
• The sensors are working correctly.

Flaws:

• Creaks.
• The load is not adjustable.

Stepper exercises for slimming thighs and buttocks

Stepper exercise machines are recommended for those who want to lose extra pounds, gain a slender figure, and tighten their buttocks. How the process works:

• strengthening (pumping) muscles;
• increased physical activity;
• burning calories;
• skin tightening.

It is advisable to use various types of training, but if you work only on a step machine, then the total duration of a standard lesson should be at least 60 minutes. This time is approached gradually, without thoughtlessly increasing the load.

Approximate program (it is assumed that training on the stepper has already been carried out):

• five minutes walk at a calm pace. Arms bent at the elbows;
• gradual acceleration of the pace (within 4-5 minutes);
• brisk walking (1 minute);
• smooth transition to slow walking (within 3-4 minutes);
• calm step on the stepper (5 minutes);
• respite (1 minute).

A new approach according to the given diagram. In total, per lesson – 3 approaches with full execution of exercises.

When walking, use your arms: work with dumbbells or expanders. Simple exercises:

• biceps curl;
• lifting in front of the body;
• raising your arms to the sides.

Standard steps are taken with a straight body, heavy steps - with the body bent forward.

In addition to losing excess weight, the stepper pumps up the gluteal muscles well. Many women dream of a seductive, elastic butt, for which they exhaust themselves with long workouts. But you need to know that the appearance of the buttocks depends on the width of the pelvic bones, on the shape of the three paired gluteal muscles, which are determined at the genetic level. Therefore, you need to train correctly, prior to pumping up your muscles with basic and aerobic exercises.

It is necessary to train the gluteus medius muscle not only for the attractiveness of the “fifth point”. Training straightens your posture, improves coordination and stabilization of the body during movement, and eliminates pain and arthrosis of the hip joint.

Sample program for the buttocks

1 Week

• warm-up 10 minutes;
• a minute of walking on a stepper (approximately 48-50 steps);
• rest (1 minute);
• walking (60 steps) 1 minute;
• rest (1 minute);
• new approach for 2 minutes (60 steps);
• rest (1 minute);
• walk (50 steps), exactly one minute, rest.

2 week

A complete repetition of the first week's scheme.

3 week

• warm-up 10 minutes;
• walk for a minute (50 steps);
• rest (1 minute);
• walk two minutes (65 steps);
• rest (1 minute);
• walking 2 minutes (70 steps);
• rest (1 minute);
• walk for a minute (65 steps);
• rest;
• walk for a minute (65 steps).

4 week

• warm-up 10 minutes;
• walk three minutes (60 steps);
• rest (1 minute);
• walk two minutes (65 steps);
• rest;
• walk two minutes (70 steps);
• minute rest;
• walk two minutes (70 steps);
• rest;
• walk two minutes (70 steps).

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The result, provided that you practice correctly and regularly and follow the approach scheme, is noticeable within 2-2.5 weeks. Starting with home exercise equipment, you can later master large steppers in the fitness room.

pros

• ease of use - familiar walking movements are performed, understandable even to beginners;
• compactness – the stepper does not take up much space and can be quite suitable for home exercises;
• the ability to adjust the load - you can change the step height, resistance force, training program;
• autonomous operation - many models do not require connection to the mains;
• affordable cost – you can find effective economy class options;
• safety – the likelihood of injury with proper training is low;
• development of both the lower and upper body.

Common mistakes when choosing a simulator

When purchasing, you need to take into account not only the main selection criteria, but also the most common mistakes:

1. The stepper should not be placed close to walls or furniture. Ideally, there should be 1 m of space on each side of the unit, otherwise it will be inconvenient to work on it.
2. You cannot use models with sliding smooth pedals, as this increases the risk of injury during training.
3. You should not buy a stepper with an inappropriate step length. There will be no benefit from it, but it will be very easy to get a muscle strain.

Attention! Many believe that the more programs and modes a simulator supports, the better. In fact, for initial training, the capabilities of simple models are sufficient; dozens of load options are needed mainly by experienced athletes.

Contraindications

It is not recommended to use rotary trainers for people:

• not fully recovered from injury - dislocation, fracture, sprain;
• those suffering from cardiovascular diseases;
• having pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
• who have been diagnosed with chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys, and respiratory system;
• with severe diabetes mellitus;
• those who have had a heart attack and/or stroke;
• with elevated body temperature due to acute respiratory viral infection or influenza.

Stepper exercises are also contraindicated for late pregnant women.

Exercises for losing weight on the stomach and sides

To pump up the muscles of the upper body and shed extra pounds from the sides, they work on rotary steppers with expanders. If the model is classic, then arm exercises with weights or dumbbells are added to the basic walking programs.

Approximate training program with expanders (based on basic stepper exercises):

• walking with arms pulled back;
• stretching arms forward and backward;
• “scissors” (swings in front of the body);
• raising elbows with bent arms)

Start with simple exercises, gradually increasing the complexity and number of approaches. Exercises are performed 18-20 times, the number of approaches is 2-3. The load is controlled by gradually increasing and applying increased effort when performing exercises. The result is a toned figure, “disappearance” of the tummy, and a beautiful silhouette.

How to choose

First, you need to decide for what purpose the exercise machine is being purchased and in what price segment to look for a suitable model. You don't have to buy an expensive option to achieve impressive results. Even simple steppers with a minimal set of functions are very effective for losing weight and maintaining good physical shape.

Availability of handrails for Nordic walking

Nordic walking is considered one of the most effective ways to shape your figure. During exercise, up to 90% of the muscles of the whole body work, which allows you to burn about 300-400 calories in an hour. If you need a simulator specifically for weight loss, this option will be more preferable.

Weight Limit

This indicator indicates the body weight limit for exercise on the simulator. The permissible value must not be exceeded, otherwise the device will fail. Standard economy class models usually support up to 120-130 kg. Professional steppers are designed for weights up to 200 kg.

Additional options (calorie counter, heart rate monitor)

In the fight against extra pounds, a calorie counter will be a useful device. By adhering to proper nutrition, it can be used to easily calculate whether energy consumption is exceeded or not. If yes, then the body will start burning fat. The simulator can also determine the distance traveled, the number of steps, time spent, speed, and pulse. These indicators will help you structure your training correctly.

How to choose a STEPPER for your home

How to choose a stepper?

How to choose a stepper

What to choose: treadmill, elliptical trainer, exercise bike or stepper

Rules, recommendations, tips

When exercising regularly, it is important to follow a diet. The last meal should be no later than 60 minutes. before the start of the lesson.

After training, it is permissible to eat within half an hour, giving preference to low-fat foods high in protein (cottage cheese, egg dishes, lean meat) or complex carbohydrates (whole grain porridge without added sugar, seasonal fruits).

Before training you should not take any medications, and the exercise itself should be carried out no later than 2 hours before bedtime.

It is very important to monitor the rhythm of breathing: if during exercise you have to hold your inhalations and exhalations, you need to reduce the intensity of the load.

Execution technique

Initial position

• Take a standing position on a step of a moving staircase;
• If you are a beginner, grab the handrails with your hands and create a slight support that will help maintain balance but will not cause you to lean in one direction or another, for example, towards your more developed hand;
• Tighten your stomach, straighten your back, but don’t pull your shoulders back too much;
• Create a slight forward tilt of the body;
• Place your working leg on a step higher, turn on the exercise machine, and start walking

Movement

1. Without removing your hands from the handrails, step as you would on a regular staircase;
2. Shift your weight to your right leg, then step onto the stairs, squeezing your hamstrings and glutes;
3. Take it up a notch;
4. Step again, but with the other foot;
5. Hold the handrails with your hands, breathe evenly and deeply;
6. Continue in the same spirit.

Attention

• It is better to perform the exercise without significantly fixing your hands on the handrails. Light support is enough, if the athlete can maintain balance without it, that’s even better. Without support, the movement of the legs will be more natural than with it, so it is worth learning to walk in a simple, even style;
• Keeping your back straight and not protruding your stomach are the main criteria for the effectiveness of movement in this exercise;
• Do not push your knees in until they click; full extension at the joint is not anatomically suitable for most people and requires too much involvement in the work.

Overview of the staircase escalator from Matrix.

Watch this video on YouTube

What muscles are involved?

Aerobic load when working on this simulator, as well as when climbing stairs, is mainly aimed at the lower limbs.

On steppers, when you engage your arms using levers or expanders, the load is placed on the following muscle groups:

• anterior and posterior surfaces of the thigh;
• lower legs and feet;
• knee and hip straighteners;
• gluteal muscles (maximus, medius and minimus);
• iliopsoas and intercostal;
• abs and oblique belly;
• arms, shoulders and latissimus dorsi.

Is it possible to pump up your buttocks?

The gluteal muscles are worked out when walking on the machine in any case

But if you want to pay special attention to this part of the body, follow a few rules

• Make sure you have the correct body position: the knees and toes of the legs standing on the pedals are slightly turned outward (the “heels together, toes apart” pose), the body is tilted forward, the support is on the hands, the lower back is in a slight deflection; pressure on the platforms when walking - with your heels.
• You should exercise 3-4 times a week, every other day for 20 minutes if the muscles are already warmed up after strength training, and about 1 hour if the step session is carried out by independent training.

Scheme of cardio training on a leg machine:

1. warm-up for a smooth entry into training with a gradual 5-minute increase in intensity and a cool-down to exit it at the end with a 5-minute decrease in load;
2. the main 10 minutes of a 20-minute workout are movements at working speed (breathing is not too disrupted and talk coherently);
3. For an hour-long lesson, entry and exit time is 10 minutes.

Attention! The fat burning mechanism does not start if the body perceives training as physical stress. This happens without prior preparation and warming up of muscles and ligaments.

Therefore, you should absolutely not immediately jump onto the steppe and walk at a high tempo.

These simple rules will help you give your buttocks elasticity and relief, get rid of or reduce the appearance of cellulite.

STEP AEROBICS: WHAT IS IT?

If you want to get a healthy and beautiful body, then be sure to do cardio training on a regular basis. This is a great way to get a good figure, train your heart muscle and develop endurance. There are many different types of aerobic workouts that will help you keep your heart rate up and burn calories over the course of an hour of exercise, but one of the most popular cardio options has become step aerobics.

Step aerobics was created in the 1980s by trainer Jean Miller during a period of growing popularity in aerobics and fitness. While recovering from a knee injury, Jean, on the advice of an orthopedic doctor, worked on her joints by stepping on a small box. Successful rehabilitation gave her the idea to create training using elevated walking. This is how a new sports direction appeared - step aerobics, which very quickly became popular all over the world.

Research has shown that step aerobics can help prevent osteoporosis and arthritis. This is also a great way to train your cardiovascular system and burn up to 500 kcal in 1 hour of exercise. Step aerobics has a comprehensive effect on the body, and the shape of the legs, buttocks and abdomen is especially well corrected. Exercises on a step platform help eliminate particularly difficult problem areas, which are located on the outer, back and inner thighs.

STEP AEROBICS AT HOME

Is it possible to do step aerobics at home? Of course you can! If you don’t have the opportunity to go to group classes or your gym simply doesn’t offer step aerobics, then you can train at home.

What do you need to do step aerobics at home?

• Step platform
• Some free space
• Comfortable sports shoes
• Suitable music or ready-made video workouts

Everyone will find sports shoes and a small square of space in the room; free music and ready-made video workouts with step aerobics are freely available on YouTube. The step platform can be replaced with a suitable object 10-20 cm high (for example, a small bench). If you don't have anything to replace it, you can purchase a step platform.

The step platform is sold in sports stores. Its average cost ranges from 100 to 300 rubles. The price depends on the quality of the material, strength, coating, stability. Also, the price of a step platform depends on the number of levels: usually there are two-level and three-level ones (i.e. you can set 2 or 3 heights, respectively).

The optimal dimensions of the step platform: length 0.8-1.2 meters, width 35-40 cm. The height of the step is usually 10-15 cm with the possibility of increasing the height to 30-35 cm. The first 2-3 weeks of training at home is better Set the step to the minimum height to master the basic exercises and adjust the correct position of the feet. Gradually increase the height of the step and complicate the level of training.

When purchasing a step platform, pay attention to its surface. It is important that it is non-slip, preferably with a rubberized top. In step aerobics, movements are performed quickly, so with any awkward movement on a sliding surface, you can simply fall.