Why Choose A Step Machine For Your Home Gym

Stair climbers, or steppers, as the title suggests, mimic the body's movement when climbing stairs. They are a great way to build stronger legs and provide an excellent cardiovascular workout.

What Is The Difference Between A Stepper And A Step Mill

The basic concept is the same between both machines. They both mimic the movements of climbing stairs, and they both provide the same workout. 

The main difference is the construction of the machines. A step mill or stair climber is like a treadmill but with steps rather than a flat surface. Whereas a stepper looks like an elliptical and has two platforms that move up and down, where you place your feet on. Whichever you choose comes down to personal preference. 

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Step Mill?

It has been common practice for generations that athletes and fitness enthusiasts use stairs for their cardio; walking, jogging or sprinting up and down staircases has long been thought of as a challenging workout that benefits your muscles also your cardiovascular system as well.  

However, running up and down the stairs in your home may not be a practical application of this concept; not only do you risk falling down the stairs and seriously injuring yourself, but it can also cause quite the racket.

The solution is to perform the same workout on a step machine. The benefits of working out on a step machine are:

• An intense lower-body and core workout
• An improved cardiovascular system
• Low impact on the back and joints
• Versatility (low-intensity or HIIT workouts)
• Great for weight loss and burning calories
•  Much safer than using a staircase

Is a Step Machine Good For Weightloss?

Regarding weight loss, two cardio machines are regarded as the best options to facilitate that goal; they are the treadmill and the stepper, or step mill. Especially when paired with a HIIT workout. 

Do Step Machines Burn A Lot Of Calories?

You can burn serious calories on a step machine. Obviously, it all depends on the time and intensity you spend on the stepper, but a 125-pound person exercising for 30 minutes on a stepper could burn 180 calories. 

Are Step Machines Hard To Use?

Due to the different settings on a step machine, you can adjust the machine as you progress so the machine can grow with you. As you get fitter and more confident, make the settings harder. But on the whole, step machines are relatively easy to use. There are no techniques, as when using a rowing machine, that you have to learn. So once you have mastered the settings, you can simply start climbing.

What Type Of Exercise Will I Get On A Step Machine?

Step machines provide aerobic exercise. They are not an easy ride, and provided your posture is good; you will also be able to work your core and improve your balance. The key is not to use the side rails other than to steady yourself. Too many people hold on, which alters your posture and, therefore, your workout. Working out on a stepper will develop your cardiovascular fitness, build your lower body muscles and burn calories, of course.

Are Step Machines Low Impact?

One of the step machines' main benefits is its low impact, which means your body won't get the same hard shocks that it can get if you run on or off a treadmill. On a stepper and stair mills, your legs and back are much more protected. However, you need to be aware that some people can experience issues with their knees.

What Muscles Do Stair Step Machines Work?

The muscles targeted include your hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, and calf muscles. The hamstrings are the muscles on the back of your thigh; you will feel these more when you take big steps. The quadriceps are the muscles located in the front of your thigh. These are the ones that you will probably feel the burn on first! 

This is also true of the glutes, the primary muscle of the hips will play a role in performing this exercise, and the larger the step up, the harder they will work. And finally, your calf muscles will provide the final push as you rise on your toes as you step up.

The intensity your muscles feel will all depend on the intensity that you work out, but generally speaking, working out on a stepper should, in time, improve your muscle tone in the lower body. 

Why Choose A Step Machine For A Home Gym?

For a home gym, step machines can be a great piece of cardio kit as it tends to be smaller than other pieces of cardio equipment, such as treadmills.

The Best Step Machine For Home Gyms 

So you have decided that a stepper or climber is the right machine to add to your home gym, and there are many types and styles to consider. 

The Best Step Mill For Home Gyms- The StairMaster StepMill SM3

The StairMaster StepMill SM3 is a fantastic addition to any home or small commercial gym. Compared to its commercial gym counterpart, the SM3 is far more compact and offers maneuverability via the base wheels. This model has been designed with the specific criteria and specifications required for a stepper that is appropriate for a compact gym space. 

Some of its features include:

• Large backlit LCD.
• Over 25 workout combinations.
• Tracks your progress, heart rate, and calorie burner.

Therefore you get all the benefits of a commercial gym stepper without the size or price tag!

The Best Stepper For A Home Gym

The Sole SC200 Stepper is another fantastic option for home gym use. Just like the above-mentioned stair master, the SC200 stepper is a compact and budget-friendly version of the stepper built for commercial gym use.

The key features of the Sole SC200 stepper include;

• A compact & stylish design.
• Combines stepper with elliptical.
• Carefully designed foot pedals.
• Very smooth, easy motion.
• 7.5" LCD display.
• Bluetooth speaker.
• Heart rate monitor.

If you would like to discuss any of the gym equipment that we stock or book a consultation for a home gym design, please don't hesitate to contact us today; we are always happy to help.