L NOW Ergonomic Hydraulic Driver Stair Stepper

Even though they are relatively small pieces of fitness equipment, stair steppers can provide a killer workout. Steppers simulate the activity of walking up a set of stairs.  Large stair steppers can be found in fitness centers, near the elliptical and treadmill machines. At home, a small stair stepper takes up little room in your home or office, and they are great for burning calories, improving muscle tone, boosting cardiovascular health and losing weight.

Stair steppers are powered through hydraulic drive systems, which move the steps up and down (some also move from side to side) and work out the legs, hips and buttocks. Many come with resistance bands, which can be attached to help exercise the arms and chest. If you’re worried about your abs, steppers also work the core and burn fat.

Modern stair steppers are built with LCD displays, so you can track your steps, time and calories burned. The best steppers also have adjustable resistance and step heights, and some are even Bluetooth-compatible. Before buying, check to see how much weight the stepper is approved for and whether or not batteries are needed.

• Anti-skid foot pads are an important feature for stair steppers. You do not want to slip and fall during your workout.
• Mini stair steppers are great for vacation homes, since you likely won’t be going to your usual gym while on vacation, so it’s convenient to have a small fitness machine in the house.
• Stair steppers tone up calves, quads, hamstrings and glutes. Use dumbbells or buy a stepper with resistance bands to work out the upper body.
• To keep things interesting, follow along with videos of stair stepper workouts on fitness websites.