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Stair & Stepping Machines
Invest in a stair or stepping machine for a low-impact toning workout focused on your glutes, hamstrings and calf muscles. Different stair machines and steppers have manual and advanced computer-controlled options, and the more you're prepared the pay, the more features you tend to get.
Stepper: Cost-effective and small enough to keep in the bottom of the wardrobe. Steppers provide an effective low-impact cardiovascular workout.
Stair machine: More expensive than steppers, but these sophisticated machines provide a thorough low-impact workout and are comfortable to use for long periods because you can hold the bars while you exercise.
Here are the main features to consider when shopping for a stepper or stair machine:
Resistance
Computer-controlled: Electronically-controlled steppers and stair machines offer smooth movement and predictable changes in resistance.
Many computer-controlled steppers and stair machines have displays to monitor your heart rate, distance climbed, number of steps climbed and calories burned, and the more expensive machines come with pre-programmed workouts that mimic hills and mountains.
Cylinder-driven: This type of stepper or stair machine is less expensive but more cumbersome to use. Cylinders create resistance using air or hydraulic fluid, and you have to turn a dial to alter resistance. Cylinder-driven stair climbers will usually monitor the length of your workout, the distance you travelled, number of stairs climbed and calories burned.
Step Motion
Independent motion: Steps do not come linked together. You need to push down on each step to make it move.
Dependent: Steps come linked together, so that when you push down on one step the other step goes up.
Other Buying Guides - Cardio
Exercise Bikes
Elliptical & Cross Trainers
Rowing Machines
Treadmills & Running Machines
Other Buying Guides - Strength
Benches
Multigyms
Vibration Training
Other Buying Guides - Fitness Accessories
Fitness Accessories
More information is available via our main articles page.
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