For many people who would like to slim down and tone up at the same time, climbing the stairs is certainly a good 
way of doing both. The climbing helps the person to work out both the legs as well as the buttocks and it burns fats at an amazing pace. Climbing has indeed become a very popular outdoor activity so much so that not just bodybuilders but Victoria Secrets models can be spotted doing it. Many city festivals involve going up and down the stairs. However, al these are activities suited for the outdoors. For those people who would like to avail the benefits of climbing in an indoor setting, the stepper exercise machine is the answer. Because of the amazing capability of these machines in giving a perfect workout, they are found in gyms everywhere and are as popular as treadmills. Check out our complete guide about the best foldable rowing machines.
Types of Stepper Exercise Machines
Two variants of the Stepper Exercise machines are available. These are the step mill and the pedal variation type.
Step Mill
The Step Mill gives the feeling of an escalator to the user. It is also very much like the ‘real stairs’. The user is required to either speed up or slow down the staircase and tries to keeps with the adjustment. Just like in climbing real stairs, it becomes possible to take not one but two steps at one time and therefore this type of machine really helps in burning out the fat in the buttocks and the legs. We have already written a complete guide about the best elliptical machines.
Pedal Variation machine
Despite the efficacy of the Step Mill, the other variation; the pedal-type stepper machine is known to be more
commonly used. This machine is smaller in size and in basically involves pushing down on the pedal and as such, the body of the user does not move much and stays almost still. The user has the liberty to increase the speed as well as the resistance of the pedal and this adjustment accounts for the difficulty levels of the workout. One other feature that distinguishes these machines from the step mills is that in these machines the user has control over the height of his/her step and these cams be made either smaller or larger as the workout demands.
Muscles Targeted
In fact, both the machines described above are extremely effective and target the same muscles in the human body. Whether one would choose a pedal type machine or Step Mill is therefore just a choice based on the personal preference of the user. Sometimes, it depends on which machine is accessible to the user. In general terms, a high step would make the user workout the muscles more as compared to a low step. Both the machines target the following muscles in the human body. These are the muscles that are targeted when a person climbs the stairs in normal life as well:
Thigh: Quadriceps
These are the muscles which are located on the thigh on the front side. These are easy to spot as these are the ones where a person feels ‘the burn’ after the initial workout starts to get tough.
Buttocks: Gluteus maximus
These muscles are located at the back of the hip in the human body. These muscles are involved more as the person climbing starts to take larger steps
Hamstring
These muscles are located at the back of the thigh. Similar to the Gluteus maximus, they start to work much harder as the person climbing starts to take longer or higher steps.
Calf: Gastrocnemius and soleus
These are the calf muscles and are located behind the lower leg. If the user keeps his feet, these muscles would not really get involved and would remain rather inactive. However, the best way to exercise these muscles is to stand on one’s toes. This way, the calf muscles would also get involved and would be able to get a fairly good workout.
Benefits of Steppe Exercise Machines
Stepper exercise machines are ideal for a workout with a low impact. There are many other exercises like running and jogging which would normally put a lot of stress on the back as well as on the legs, however, with the stepper exercise machines, there is no such pressure. The workout on these machines is,therefore, much easier on the body joints. Those people who have hip or knee related problems, as well as those who do heavy exercises, this type of workout,put the least pressure.
Ease of Use
Stepper Exercise machines are extremely easy to use and no proper training is necessary for anyone to use these. They are even safe than 
a treadmill where there is a chance of falling down accidentally. The user is, therefore, able to fully concentrate on his exercise routines. Many people even watch television while exercising on the stepper exercise machine. This shows the safety associated with this type of machines. These machines are ideal for toning the buttocks as well as the legs and the user can burn a lot of calories while doing that. These machines provide a safe, easy and enjoyable way of remaining fit and strengthening the leg and buttock muscles at the same time.
The more modern stepper exercise machines come with an onboard computer which is loaded with many different exercise routines. The number of steps taken the speed of the user, etc. are displayed by the machine. Calories burnt, distance traveled or even, in some machines, the user’s heart rate is also displayed. This allows the user to understand how easy or hard he/she is conducting the exercises.
TOP 10 BEST EXERCISE STEPPER MACHINES IN 2022
| Picture | Name | Feature | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Picture | Name | Feature | Price | Rating |
 | 1. Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster, Black | Light Weight 14 lbs.(Portable) | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | 2. Sunny Twister Stepper with Handle Bar | Adjustable stepping height | $$ | 4.8 |
 | 3. Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer | Reverse-Motion foot pedals | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 4. Sunny Health & Fitness Twisting Stair Stepper with Band, Silver | User weight max is 220 Ibs | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 5. Goplus Air Climber Aerobic Fitness Step Stair Stepper Twist Exercise Machine | size of the stepper is 19″ x 17″ x 9.5″ | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 6. Gold’s Gym Mini Stepper | Electronic monitor tracks steps, time and calories | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 7. FlexiSport Home Exercise Stepper Machine Mini Step Swivel Elliptical Trainer | about 600-700 calories in a 40 minute workout | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 8. HARISON Stand Up Mini Stair Stepper Machine | LCD computer, steel construction | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 9. Sunny Health and Fitness Adjustable Twist Stepper, Pink | Adjustable resistance | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 10. SereneLife Fitness Exercise Machine – Mini Elliptical Foot | DIGITAL LCD DISPLAY | $$ | 4.3 |
1. Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster, Black
Build and Design
The Xiser Commercial Mini Stairmaster, Black is manufactured using a Cast Aircraft Alloy which makes it very
light but strong. Recyclable materials are used to make the product. The design of this machine has been made ergonomically in an optimum way thus ensuring comfort for the user. The product does not require any assembly and installs right away. It is extremely lightweight at only 14 lbs. For this reason, the machine is portable and can be moved very easily at home or office. The equipment has been manufactured in the United States and all of its parts, as well as labor, are of United States origin since 1977. It is the first stepper exercise machine in the market and at the same time, it is the only ‘sprint trainer’ as well. The machine is capable of supporting a maximum weight of 400 lbs and its dimensions are 20 x 13 x 3.5 inches.
Quality and Usefulness
The Anaerobic Trainer by Xiser helps the user to remain fit and it works wonders if accompanied by a proper dietary regime. It makes the user look young and keeps him/her in the optimum state of both physical as well as mental health. The machine helps to build muscles and burn fat at the same time. The user metabolism is boosted enabling him/her to fight off depression, insomnia, etc. while reducing the level of stress, and improves both memory and the posture. The machine helps improve the immune system and slow down or halt the signs of aging which include conditions like osteoporosis. Choosing the perfect exercises to go with the machine enables to build a positive body image, increase confidence, and enable a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Warranty and Support
The warranty is for 5 years and is for all parts and labor for individual purchasers,however, it is only for 90 days for institutions. Shipping and Handling are not covered by the warranty. The product should not have been abused to avail the warranty.
2. Sunny Twister Stepper with Handle Bar
Build and Design
The Sunny Twister Stepper with Handle Bar has a multi-function Computer with LCD display. The machine
works to tone the leg and the buttock muscles and causes the stress and pressure on the joints and the bones to reduce. The onboard computer displays time, counts, scan as well as the calories burnt. The stepping height is adjustable for the convenience of the user and the handlebar helps to maintain user balance. The machine has been manufactured using heavy-duty steel. One part of the machine is pre-assembled. The machine dimensions are 19L x 17W x 48H inches and it weighs 22 lbs.
Quality and Usefulness
The Sunny Health and Fitness Twister Stepper Exercise Machine along with the handlebarare instrumental in working on the deep muscles of the user but does not exert a high level of pressure on the bones and joints. The twist action of this incredible machine helps the user to tone his/her whole body. The machine is specifically very effective on the buttocks as well as the thighs. The LCD computer is instrumental in keeping a track of the time elapsed as well as the number of calories that are burnt while conducting the exercise routines. The number of steps is also measured and displayed by the machine. Overall, the Sunny Health and Fitness Twister Stepper Exercise Machine along with the handlebar is an excellent piece of equipment to be added to the home gym. It is also a great first step in the journey of the user toward better health and fitness throughout his/her life
Warranty and Support
Sunny Health and Fitness warrant the structural frame of the machine for 1 year and the other parts and components for 90 days after the date of purchase. The structural frame warranty is valid for the first purchaser and for home/household use only. Commercial use voids the warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ideal for thighs, buttocks and legs workout.
- Extremely lightweight
- Sturdy frame made of heavy-duty steel
Cons
- Warranty on the frame not reduced but void upon commercial use.
3. Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer
Build and Design
This Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer can be used by the person conducting the exercises either in a sitting
or standing position. The machine is also capable of providing the user with different adjustments on the tension so that the user can easily control the intensity level of the workout. The foot pedals are capable of reverse motion a well and thus the machine can be used in both the forward as well as in the reverse direction. This enables the user to employ different ways of targeting the muscles in the lower part of the body. The machine has an electronic fitness monitor which provides the display of the number of strides taken by the user on a per minute basis. It also provides the total number of strides as well as the total time taken to conduct a particular exercise. Moreover, the number of calories burned is also calculated and displayed. A complete scan of the stats is also available for the user. The pedals are textured and are made of steel and they have end caps which are slip-resistant.
The product dimensions are 24 x 20 x 12 inches and the weight is 24 pounds.
Quality and Usefulness
The Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer is a piece of equipment that provides the users with a convenient as well as versatile workout which they can achieve in either sitting or standing positions, pedaling either forward or backward. The user can simply take this port\able trainer anywhere be it home or office. The multi-functional monitor lets the users track their progress with available data on many counts. If the Elliptical Trainer is used in the standing position, it lets the user engage his/her core because of the balanced position and a maximumnumber of calories can be burned. However, in the sitting position, it is the lower part of the body that is exclusively targeted. The multi-functional monitor helps the user to stay motivated with the data provide towards achieving one’s targets.
Warranty and Support
The frame of the Trainer is warranted for 1 year while the parts are warranted for 90 days from the date of purchase. Limited warranty is for defects due to materials and workmanship. Shipping and handling are not covered.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and easily movable.
- Allows the user to burn calories sitting or standing.
- The multi-functional display keeps user motivated.
Cons
- There exists a Prop 65 Warning for this product.
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Twisting Stair Stepper with Band, Silver
Build and Design
The Sunny Health & Fitness Twisting Stair Stepper with Band, Silver allows the user to move both up and down
along with a side-to-side action. This allows the user to tone his/her hip flexors, gluteal muscles, and the calves’ muscles. The equipment has removable toning bands which provide the user with the ultimate workout he/she desires. Featuring independent hydraulic pistons, thetwisting stepper allows the user to change the difficulty level of the workout in low-impact and smooth stepping motions. LCD display providers scans, count, the elapsed time as well as the calories burned. The foot pedals are non-slip, wide and textured. The equipment has floor protectors which are skid-resistant thus making it safe and stable to use. The maximum user weight it can take is 220 lbs. The product dimensions are 15 x 13 x 16 inches and the weight is very low at 15 pounds.
Quality and Usefulness
The Sunny Health & Fitness Twisting Stair Stepper with Band, Silver is a great space saver. It comes supplied with resistance bands and is thus able to deliver very smooth steps for the user to targethis/her thighs and calves while allowing him/her to perfectly sculpt the core muscles as well as the upper body. This increase the calories burned and provides a full-fledged workout.
Warranty and Support
The product is Made in China and is warranted for 90 days from the date of purchase. The structural frame, however, is warranted for a period of 1 year. The warranty is limited and covers the defects of materials and workmanship. The structural frame warranty is for the original purchaser only.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Allows complete body workout
- LCD displays essentials stats
Cons
- Maximum allowable weight is only 220 lbs.
5. Goplus Air Climber Aerobic Fitness Step Stair Stepper Twist Exercise Machine
Build and Design
The Goplus Air Climber Aerobic Fitness Step Stair Stepper Twist Exercise Machine w/ LCD Display is a mini-stepper
exercise machine which is manufactured using heavy-duty steel and thus it is reliable as well as durable. The foot plates are non0slip and thus it is safe and stable to use. The LCD display displays elapsed time, the step count, as well as the number of calories burned while the user conducts the exercises. The dimensions of the product are 19″ x 17″ x 9.5″. This covers a very small floor space. It can be used both at home and at the office. Once the user is done with the exercise, it can be put away either in a corner or even under the table. It can carry a maximum weight of 220 lbs. A such most of the users are covered within this weight range. The twist design allows for toning of thighs and buttocks while the user goes through a cardiovascular workout.
Quality and Usefulness
The heavy-duty steel ensures quality, reliability,and usefulness for a long period. The machine employs a small inward-motion of the user’s legs and the hips of the user rotate slightly. This way, the stepper machine is able to directly target the outer as well as the inner thighs. The glutes and the quads can also be nicely shaped with this equipment. Cardiovascular fitness is thus improved. It is a well-known fact that more calories are burned while working on the large muscles in the standing position. This is a better burner than aiming only for arms or shoulders, etc. Hips also go through some lateral movements as well and this enables the core to be fire up as well. This way, the core becomes stronger and flatter. The non-slip footplates combined with the strong steel construction give the confidence to the user to do the workouts without worries.
Warranty and Support
Information on the warranty of this product is not available.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sturdy frame ensures durability
- Heavy workout to burn calories in a standing position
- Thigh, hips,andbuttocks are targeted by this equipment
Cons
- No warranty information available
6. Gold’s Gym Mini Stepper
Build and Design
The Gold’s Gym Mini Stepper as the name implies is built and designed for a low-impact workout. The machine
nonetheless is able to target the thighs, hips and the buttocks. The machine comes along with an electronic monitor which keeps track of the elapsed time, counts the number of steps, and gives complete information on the number of calories burned during the exercise routine. The product being small in size is very easy to move around and store both at home or at the office very conveniently as it requires minimum space. The user weight capacity is not very low despite the small size of the equipment and it can allow a maximum weight of 250 lbs. The dimensions of this product are 16 x 13 x 7 inches and it weighs 13.1 lbs
Quality and Usefulness
The Gold’s Gym Mini Stepper allows the user to tone up his/her body with the help of this equipment. Very strong muscles can be sculpted and a lot of calories can be burned using this piece of equipment. Every step burns calories and the core, as well as the lower body, get engaged in a low-impact workout. The electronic display that has been provided on the machine lets the user view his/her stepping on a per minute basis as well as on the per workout basis. The machine which can be tucked away in a corner anywhere at home or office is able to target the hips, buttocks,and thighs of the user. This way, the workout helps to make the joints very healthy and at the same time, the unwanted fat is simply burned away. The display allows the user to easily track the workout to adjust the efforts in the routine and all of this can be accomplished in the comfort of one’s own home.
Warranty and support
The Mini-stepper is warranted for 90 days after purchase.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ideal for those who want a low-impact workout
- Targets thighs, hips,and buttocks
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- Not useful for a high-impact workout
7. FlexiSport Home Exercise Stepper Machine Mini Step Swivel Elliptical Trainer
Build and design
This Home Exercise Stepper Machine Mini Step Swivel Elliptical Trainer has been manufactured using heavy-duty
steel and it is this very reliable and durable. The addition of large footplates which are non-slip ensures stability and safety while using the equipment. The Trainer is extremely compact in size but at the same time offers a variety of functions to work as a home-based fitness equipment. It is basically a portable elliptical machine and has the provisions of resistance training built into the machine. The elapsed exercise time, the total calories burned during the exercise as well as the number of strides are all displayed for the user to view and adjust his efforts according to the desired targets. The machine is ideal for low-impact and aerobic workout. The machine weighs only 19 lbs but despite this lightweight, it allows up to a maximum of 220 lbs of user weight.
Quality and Usefulness
Te machine provides for a low-impact aerobic workout for the whole body of the user. The lower and the upper body can also be targeted separately. The machine uses 2 hydraulic cylinders to create the stepping motion. The machine is not as jarring on thebody of the user as the treadmill could be. It helps improve blood circulation and can be used in the office during the breaks. Legs and thigh muscles can be sculpting and shaped and especially the inner and outer thighs could be targeted. The base of the machine is very sturdy and the 2-foot pedals twist slightly. The LCD counter never misses a single count and the required data is always in front of the user to keep him motivated to strive to achieve his/her target numbers.
Warranty and Support
The manufacturer offers a limited warranty against defects due to materials and workmanship. The warranty is for the original purchaser only. The warranty period is 3 years for the arms and the mechanisms
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Very lightweight and easily movable
- LCD displays the required stats
Cons
- For low-impact workout only
8. HARISON Stand Up Mini Stair Stepper Machine
Build and Design
HARISON Stand Up Mini Stair Stepper Machine Home Cardio Stepper Twister Step for Standing Desk, Adjustable
Height Fitness Gift with 1 AA Batteries, Easy Assemble, 306C+ is a multiple function twist stepper machines ideal for workouts aimed at buttocks and thighs. It has been manufactured using a heavy-duty steel and is reliable and durable. Bot daily intense workouts, as well as the test of time, can be handled by this machine easily due to sturdiness. The footplates with non-slip feature add to the safety and durability of the product. The machine is equipped with rollerblade wheels which ensure a quiet and a smooth ride. The way thismachine has been designed helps to lower down the effects of wear and tear thus improving the durability of the machine even further. Thismachine employs a very smart design for exercises in the standing position and helps the user to maintain absolute fitness.The machine has dimensions of 16 x 11 x 7 inches and an extra-lightweight of only 7.5 lbs.
Quality and Usefulness
The mini-stepper exercise machine is ideal for home use as it features a very smart design which besides enabling a perfectly fit body improves upon such vital features in the human body such as the lower risk of heart disease, lowered cholesterol and reduced blood sugar. The mini elliptical/ stepper machine has proven to be an excellent addition to the fitness equipment that can be installed at home gyms and enables the user to do workouts to get a perfect fit body. The standing position which is employed for workouts with thismachine has been known to improve the blood circulation and flow in the human body. This, in turn, leads to a higher level of productivity, enhances creativity, and in general, gives a boost to the energy levels in the body of the user.
Warranty and Support
Information on warranty and Support is not available
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Suitable for buttocks and thighs workout
- Portable and very lightweight
- Durable, Stable and reliable
Cons
- No Information on warranty
9. Sunny Health and Fitness Adjustable Twist Stepper, Pink
Build and Design
The Sunny Health and Fitness Adjustable Twist Stepper, Pink employs twist action which enables an up and down
movement as well as side to side thus toning the thighs as well as the buttocks. The equipment comes equipped with knobs for the adjustment of the height of the step motion. The frame is made of sturdy steel which is heavy duty. The footplates are oversized and are non-slip thus ensuring safety, stability,and reliability. The meter provided with the machine displays the scans, elapsed time, strides on per minute basis, the step count as well as the number of calories burned throughout the exercise. The Stepper uses Lr44 batteries. The product dimensions are 15.75L x 15.2W x 8.5H. The weight of the equipment is only 14.7 lbs but it carries a maximum weight of 220 lbs.
Quality and Usefulness
The Pink Adjustable Twist Stepper by Sunny Health & Fitness is able to provide a great workout to the deep muscles of the body of the user but it does not put any extreme pressure on the joints or the bones of the user. The twist action of the stepper is adjustable and is a great source of toning the thighs and the buttocks in the manner desired. The monitor is extremely easy to read and keeps the user informed of the progress which keeps the user motivated and aimed at achieving the target numbers at the completion of the exercise. The product is imported into the United States.
Warranty and Support
The product is warranted in the United States for a period of 1 year for the frame and 90 days for the part. However, the frame warranty is for the original purchaser only. The limited warranty covers defects due to workmanship and labor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sturdy frame ensures durability and reliability
- Stability and safety are ensured by the oversized non-slip footplates.
- Workouts aimed at thighs and buttocks are ideally done on this equipment
Cons
- No handlebars for balance
10. SereneLife Fitness Exercise Machine – Mini Elliptical Foot
Pedal Stepper or Step Trainer Equipment w/ Digital Display for Under Desk Workout, Weight Loss, Fitness & Health at Home & Office (SLXS6).
Build and Design
The machine enables the user to burn a lot of fat while working. It is a mini-device which manually operates to burn
the fats as quickly as possible. It is basically an elliptical stepper albeit small and works on the pattern of a stepper trainer exercise machine. The machine is capable of sculpting the body of the user as it sheds fat upon the user repeatedly stepping on the pedal of the machine. The machine has been designed to users with very large feet as well. Even people with heavier weights and body types are accommodated. It has wing style twist steps allowing people of different age and sizes to use it. This way, the users are able to get a full body workout in the simplest and easiest manner possible. Any man or woman above the age of 14 can use this piece of equipment with ease and without worries. The machine’s dimensions are 3.9 x 31.9 inches and it weighs 18.52 lbs.
Quality and Usefulness
The machine can be very easily used by anyone who is working on his/her desk and all the user has to do is to pedal on the machine. It offers complete hassle-free training and the operation of this machine is nothing more than just ‘step on’. The equipment directly targets the lower body of the user as well as the stomach, glutes, gut, hips, buttocks, thighs, waist, etc. The smart monitoring system installed on the machine in the shape of the LCD display is able to track and display vital stats like the elapsed time, the speed as well as the number of calories burned. The frame in this machine is highly rugged. The operation of the machine is ultra-quiet as it does not interfere with the work being done by the user. The machine does not hurt the ankle of the user at all and is extremely comfortable to use. It can carry a weight of 220 lbs.
Warranty and Support
The product is provided with a limited warranty for a period of 1 year. The warranty covers defects due to workmanship and materials only.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Reliable, stable and secure for workouts
- Easy to place under the desk while working
Cons
- Resistance is not adjustable