These Stair Climber Machines Will Tone Your Glutes And Boost Your Heart Health
These Stair Climber Machines Will Tone Your Glutes And Boost Your Heart Health
You've already purchased a set of dumbbells, a new yoga mat, and a million black leggings. This time, step up your at-home fitness game with a cardio machine that's great for your heart health and glutes: a stair climber.
These machines are also great for people looking for a low-impact, high-intensity workout says, Anna Victoria, CPT, founder of the Fit Body app. "For the longevity of someone's fitness journey, it's very low risk," she says. You don't have to worry about your joints and the long-term impact in the same way that you do with running or jumping exercises," she explains.
It's also a safe workout solution for expecting mamas. "Because my pregnancy was a little sensitive due to doing IVF, my doctor suggested low-impact exercise," Anna says. She chose the stair climber machine because it would give her the easy-on-the-joints sweat session she needed, while still challenging her body and working out her glutes (a non-negotiable for the trainer!).
Pro tip: Don't take any of its low-impact perks to mean that the stair climber workouts are easy. "Even if you're on a level two, your heart rate gets so high on the lowest speed," Victoria says. Here, we've rounded up the five best stair climber machines to get you sweating. The list includes Victoria's fave machine (of course!) plus four more of the top-rated ones reviewers swear by too.
1) Technogym Artis Climb
Technogym
technogym.com
$14360.00
A favorite of Anna's, the Technogym Artis climb is for a) people looking to splurge and b) people who want a seriously high-tech experience. It's preloaded with high-intensity routines you can do from its touchscreen. You'll also get step-by-step guidance either by video or by pop-up messages—if you'd rather watch a movie than a workout video. And you can also use your smartwatch to log in to the equipment, track your activities, and heart rate.
Reviewer rave: "What I like about this one is it's revolving, but it's not the kind of where your feet can fall through it. I would say that it's most accurately a stair climber. Also, I hate doing cardio, and I just feel like it kind of tricks your mind into thinking you're not really doing cardio." —Anna Victoria, CPT, founder of the Fit Body app
2) Bowflex M8 Max Trainer
Bowflex
amazon.com
$2299.00
A bit of hybrid, the Bowflex M8 offers both the low-impact, calorie-burning bennies of a stepper and elliptical. You'll be able to rely on personalized coaching technology for daily, custom workouts, and your time and intensity will adjust automatically as your fitness improves.
Reviewer rave: "I have been looking at a MaxTrainer for years snd I finally decided to quit my gym membership and bought this for my bday. I am very pleased. Delivery had a bit of a hiccup but assembly was easy, price was great and the footprint is minimal. But let me be clear if you think it's going to be an easy workout, well???? I am in pretty good shape and let me tell you this thing is kicking my butt!!!! And that's why I am so happy I bought it. If you want a challenge this is the perfect piece of equipment for you." —Karrie, amazon.com
3) Women’s Health Cardio Stair Stepper
Women’s Health Men’s Health
amazon.com
$159.20
Small space? No problem. The WH cardio stepper (yup, we've made our own!) is portable and easy to store under your bed or in the closet. Whip it out when you're ready to sweat. Simply increase your workout intensity by adjusting the step height up to 10 inches or using the adjustable resistance bands.
Reviewer rave: "This is the perfect machine for my home gym! I like to switch up my cardio with running and dancing. This allows me to watch my favorite shows while getting a good workout! I got my heart rate up 10 points above what I could do on my recumbent bike. I’m sweating like crazy right now! So happy with this!" —Evangeline, amazon.com
4) ProForm Carbon HIIT H7
ProForm
bestbuy.com
$999.00
This climbing machine really covers all of the bases when it comes to squeezing in a good workout. With the on-screen iFit training system, you can simulate both stair climbing and HIIT studio classe, allowing you to activate your calves, hamstrings, quads, glutes, biceps, and triceps—all in a single movement (whew!).
Reviewer rave: "Even if you think your cardio is on point, the Carbon Hiit 7 will tell you differently! I have never sweat so much in my life! Great product, and the three-year iFit membership is worth every penny." —Bradynsmom2004, proform.com
5) Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stepper Step Machine
Sunny Health & Fitness
amazon.com
$209.00
If you don't want to break the bank, but still want a cardio machine that will challenge you, opt for this one from Sunny Health and Fitness. Although compact, the machine is stable at 250 pounds and you'll still be able to get all of the body-tracking essentials on its LCD monitor (time, calories, count, and scan).
Reviewer rave: "Love this machine. I was skeptical about the low price but the quality is there for sure. I put it together easily and alone. It's very quiet so I use it in front of the TV. I'm almost to 1,000 steps with zero issues. The handle is sturdy enough to keep you balanced and the computer works great. Bonus: I've been dealing with a non-arthritis pain in one knee and it is all but gone. This stepper builds muscle strength without stressing the joints." —Dottie, amazon.com
Win-win!