5 Best Aerobic Steppers – 2017 Reviews and Top Picks
An aerobic stepper is a raised platform with an adjustable height, usually made of hard plastic and rubber, used in step aerobics, push-ups and other exercises. They may be used in the gym or in the comfort of one’s home.
There are many kinds of aerobic steppers being sold by different brands which differ in terms of size, height, color and material. In this article, we are going to help you choose the best aerobic stepper to suit your needs.
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Product Summary
The Exercise Junkie’s Favorite Aerobic Steppers
- The Step Original Aerobic Platform- Health Club Size
- The Step Original Aerobic Platform- Health Club Size (black, teal and purple)
- The Step High Step Aerobic Platform- Grey
- Reebok Professional Aerobic Step
- Soozier Adjustable Aerobic Platform Stepper with Risers
What Aerobic Steppers Do
Aerobic steppers made by various brands are made of various materials such as sturdy plastic and even durable steel and boast their own special features such as having non-slip surfaces and grips, lightweight, portable and adjustable heights, while others may be used on either flat or inclined surfaces.
The really useful steppers are those which can be used on any floor surface, including carpets, without slipping and sliding during intense workouts. The stepping surface should also not be slippery to prevent accidents.
Of course, the most important is durability, that no matter how intense your workout may be, the stepper will take it all without bending or breaking.
The cheapest ones are around $22, and are usually simple in function and construction, while the more expensive ones which may even incorporate other exercise equipment can reach up to more than $200.
Product Name | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | $ | ||
The Step Original Aerobic Platform- Health Club Size (black, teal and purple) | A | $ | |
A | $ | ||
A | $ | ||
A | $ |
Reviews Of The Best Aerobic Steppers
The following steppers are priced from $75 up to $100
Customer comments:
- I can now use the same step being used at my step classes in the comfort of my own home, especially after having my baby
- I injured my knee during a strenuous workout session, but with this step I could just go at a slow pace. It is also wide enough to avoid missteps, and very sturdy so as not to fall off
- It is tough, lightweight and rugged enough to last for a long time
Things we like:
- A durable platform made of recyclable high-density polyethylene which can support weights of 300 lbs up to 500 lbs with installed risers
- Lined with nonskid feet that prevents sliding or scratching floors during exercise.
- Has a premium nonslip grip for added safety and a comfortable non-latex cushion top.
- Risers can be easily adjusted and removed from 4 inches, to 6 inches and up to 8 inches.
Things we didn’t like:
- Quite heavy
- Not convenient for storage
- Bullet Point 2
Its dimensions are basically the same as that of the product mentioned above
Customer reviews:
- Quality and durability are worth the price
- Not lightweight, which helps keep them in place
- Very useful for leg strengthening and balancing after my knee surgery
Things we like:
- It comes with four purple risers which can be adjusted for up to 8 inches.
- Also, unlike the previous product, which has grooves that are rough on barefoot feet and tend to collect dirt, this one has a noticeably smoother and more comfortable surface.
- It can also support weights from 300 to 500 pounds.
Things we didn’t like:
- Also quite heavy
- Not convenient for storage
Unlike the previous two products which hail from the same brand, this stepper is noticeably narrower with an even smaller stepping surface.
Customer review:
- Solid, non-slip surface which requires less storage space
- Quality step at an inexpensive price, perfect for my home gym
Things we like:
- It features an anti-skid base and a grooved nonslip non-latex stepping surface.
- Its special feature is the height of its risers, which go from a height of 4 inches up to 12.5 inches.
- This stepper supports weights up to 275 lbs, even up to 400 lbs with risers.
- Can be conveniently stored away when not in use due to its size
Things we didn’t like:
- Might be too narrow for people with larger feet
Hailing from the brand that practically invented aerobic steppers
Customer review:
- Wide and sturdy enough to meet not only workout needs but also useful for some household workHeights can be adjusted effortlessly
Things we like:
- Features a solid, sturdy and safe plastic platform with a safe, no-slip surface which prevents sliding of the feet no matter how intense the workout.
- Its height can be adjusted with risers that go from 6 inches to 8 inches up to 10 inches for more intense workouts.
- It can support up to 330 lbs in weight.
- The best part of this stepper is that it can be folded for easy storage.
Things we didn’t like:
- Expensive
This stepper is known to be one of the longest, and is said to be able to accommodate more than one person on its surface.
Customer reviews:
- Sturdy enough for jumping such as the ones in the gym
- Long enough for more than one person’s use
Things we like:
- It features a shock-absorbing, non-stick and non-slip surface and provides good traction on any floor surface.
- The risers can be adjusted to 4, 6 and 8 inches which are easily removed and installed but doesn’t come apart during intense exercise.
- It is lightweight and easy to assemble and is suited for both indoor and outdoor use.
Things we didn’t like:
- Difficult to store due to its length
Value Section
How To Choose A Suitable Aerobic Stepper For You
- Pick one that helps prevent slipping and falling. You wouldn’t want to suffer injuries from easily avoidable falls, so try checking whether the surface is slippery or not.
- Choose one with a weighted bottom and is wide enough so that it won’t tip over even if you step on its side
- The stepper should be heavy enough to be stable while in use but not too heavy so as to make moving around and storage difficult. If you want the lighter-weighing types, make sure that they are stable and won’t slip during movement.
- Steppers that are suitable for all floor types are the most practical. If you have carpeted floors, make sure that the stepper you buy can actually be used on carpets.
- Step on it for a few times to ensure sturdiness. You wouldn’t want a stepper that bends or cracks upon impact.
- Avoid steppers with smooth plastic surfaces since they can be slippery and dangerous when working out with bare feet.
- Consider steppers that can bear your weight. If you are a 300-pound person, don’t risk your safety by choosing a stepper which says that it could only support weights of up to 280 pounds.
- The stepper’s risers should be easily adjustable but doesn’t come apart with intense movements.You may choose a stepper that comes in your favorite color/s.
Some concerns:
Will a stepper make too much noise while being used?
This will only happen when the stepper has an unstable or hollow base. It also depends on the type of material the stepper is made out of. Steppers made of plastic can usually be noisier than those made of metal. Choosing one with a rubber stepping surface helps to minimize noise.
Can a stepper be used for workouts other than step aerobics?
A variety of exercises can be done on aerobic steppers. Steppers can also be used to increase the intensity of push-ups, like in this video. You can also carry weights while doing the usual step moves like in this video.
Will expensive steppers be better than cheaper ones?
While price does not necessarily dictate quality, we would advise staying away from steppers that are dirt cheap. You can easily find a good stepper under $100 instead. These only become more expensive due to added features, brand name and materials used.
Working Out With An Aerobic Stepper
- Step aerobics is a fun and simple way to do cardio that can easily be learned by beginners. Workout intensity ranges from a simple step-up and step-down to more complex forward, backward and even spinning movements to music and can even be used with weights.
- Workout intensity can also be increased by making the step higher, playing livelier music and carrying weights.
- Various moves of step aerobics can either be learned from taking classes at gyms or from step aerobics DVDs.
- Step Aerobics for Beginners
- Free Step Aerobic Routines
Health Benefits Of Aerobic Steppers
- Step aerobics provides a full-body workout that could help burn many calories and improve cardiovascular and muscular endurance. It can also help tone one’s legs, glutes, core, back and even arms when done while carrying weights.
- The workout has also been proven to boost heart rate, breathing and muscle strength.
Some Precautions
- Step aerobics is not only great for losing weight and increasing strength, it is also great for those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It can help in lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol while raising the levels of good cholesterol.
- Pregnant women and people suffering from arthritis may do simple exercises on steppers.
- However, people with hip, foot, ankle, or knee pain may have to opt for another type of workout.
- Product comparison
All of the above reviewed steppers are solid, durable and stable, and they all have rubberized non-slip stepping surfaces. They all differ in size, height of risers, support weight and product weight, as some are heavier than others are, while some are larger and wider.
Conclusion
Considering size, function, material, durability, weight, supported weight, convenience, riser height and adjustability, stepping surface and value for money, the best aerobic stepper is The Step High Step Aerobic Platform- Grey. Unlike its fellow steppers from the same brand, this stepper is smaller but still supports the feet well during workouts. Also due to its smaller size, storage is easier and carrying it around is more convenient. While it boasts of the same type of risers like its fellow steppers, it is able to
