The best stepper machines for low-impact workouts

If you’re looking to quite literally STEP-UP your home workouts, you’ve come to the right place.

Tone and sculpt your lower body, with the addition of a stepper machine, perfect for adding to your next cardio workout.

You’ll have likely seen a stepper machine at the gym, but at-home stepper machines can be a lot smaller and compact, perfect for home gym set-ups.

Due to the low-impact nature of stepper machines, they are a great option for people with sensitive joints and for people of all fitness levels. With adjustable resistance, anyone from beginner to pro can find benefits in a stepper machine.

What is a stepper machine?

Stepper machines simulate the action of ascending a flight of stairs. This movement is particularly great at working out the lower body, especially your bottom.

Many steppers also include resistance bands or moving handles which help tone your core and arms - something to bear in mind when making the decision on which one to buy.

Benefits of a stepper machine

• Low impact aerobic workout

• Aid in strength training

• Great cardio workout

• Burns calories

• Engages core and lower body for a stimulating workout

The best stepper machines UK

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This affordable offering from Phoenix allows you to work your lower body like a conventional stepper machine but can also be used for a variety of upper body and core workouts, making it a very versatile bit of kit for all gym bunnies! Its lightweight and compact design make it an ideal choice for those who are often on the move.

Specifications

Colour - Black

Dimensions - 12 x 31 x 66 cm

Item Weight - 2.8 kg

Pros:

• Great for multi-purpose and full-body workouts

• Two heights to choose from – 10cm and 15cm

Cons:

• Small platform – limited space for movement

If you're looking for a stepper with the added support of handlebars, this machine is a great option with a reasonable price tag. The ergonomically designed handlebars, coupled with the extra-wide non-slip pedals, make this bit of kit feel sturdy and safe and alleviate any worry for those who struggle with balance.

Currently out of stock, but you can sign up to get notified when available.

Specifications:

Colour - Black

Dimensions - 49 x 38 x 118 cm

Weight capacity - 110 kg

Item weight - 10.2 kg

Pros:

• LCD screen, which displays scan, time, count, frequent and calories

• Ergonomic stability designed handlebars for upper body support

Cons:

• Own assembly required

The twisting motion of this Decathlon stepper gives an intense workout for your core muscles, as well as working your lower body and your upper body when using the added resistance bands. The four integrated trackers help you keep on top of your progress. At under £50 – what's not to love?

Specifications:

Colour - Black

Weight capacity_**_ - 100 kg

Pros:

• Compact design for easy storage

• Four-function console: repeats, duration, frequency and calorie expenditure.

Cons:

• High resistance – better suited to incline centred workouts

A very basic version of a stepper, this Argos Opti Mini Stepper boosts your cardio and strengthens your lower body muscles. It's compact but sturdy and can be hidden out of the way when not in use.

Specifications:

Colour - Black/blue

Dimensions_**_ - 42 x 31 x 0 cm

Weight capacity - 100 kg

Pros:

• Includes resistance cords for upper body exercise

• Includes a screen that shows the scan, count, time, calories used and reps/min

• Comes pre-assembled and ready to use

Cons:

• Can be quite noisy when in use

This piece of kit would be an investment in your fitness. Although on the pricier scale of stepping machines, this Cardio HIIT Trainer offers more options in terms of speed, resistance and interval training.

Specifications

Colour - Black/grey

Dimensions - 132 x 74 x 170 cm

Weight capacity - 125 kg

Item weight - 85 kg

Pros:

• Provides the ultimate full-body workout

• 24 levels of resistance

• iFit compatible console with connected tracking and speakers

Cons:

• The most expensive stepper machine in our round-up

• Quite big and heavy, so will need a dedicated place to use and store

The black and yellow up-down stepper by Vinteky has a robust metal frame and supportive grips for your feet when stepping. There are also additional resistance bands attached to tone your arms for a full-body workout.

Specifications:

Colour - Black/yellow

Weight capacity - 147 kg

Pros:

• Multi-functional LCD display screen

• Adjustable resistance

• No assembly required

Cons:

• Smaller foot pedals – better suited to petite frames and small feet

• Minimal grip on foot pedals

This DACHUANG stepper is a great choice as it doesn't just provide a tough workout for your legs and glutes but, thanks to the added resistance bands, your arms and abdominal muscles also benefit – so a real winner all round! The stepper has a multifunctional display and can record calories, steps and training time - helping you to stay on top of your workout.

Specifications:

Colour - Black

Dimensions - 50 x 35 x 27 cm

Weight capacity - 140 kg

Item weight - 8 kg

Pros:

• Non-slip pedals for feet and shoes

• Adjustable resistance

• Affordable and efficient

Cons:

• Height of the pedals is non-adjustable

• Stiff to start with, but adjusts with continued use

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