6 Best Stepper Machines for Indoor Exercise in Australia for 2024
If you're after a piece of cardio equipment to get your heart rate up, our selection of stepper machines might be just the ticket.
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If you’re thinking about investing into home gym equipment but you're struggling to make a decision, a stepper machine is a great place to start.
Not only are many models compact and portable, fitness expert and Flow Athletic director Ben Lucas says that a stepper machine is a fantastic way to get yourself moving.
“Stepping is a brilliant exercise as it works your glutes, hamstrings and core mainly, " he told news.com.au checkout.
"If you step quickly it is also a great cardio workout."
Stepper machines are also popular on TikTok with users saying there are “no excuses now” and that they are “obsessed” with the workout machine to easily fit extra steps into your day.
Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the best stepper machines for beginners, experts, and everyone in between.
One option that's worth considering is the top rated Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Underdesk Standing Portable Elliptical Machine, which is loved by over 7000 shoppers.
With eight levels of resistance, buyers love the fact you can use this while working, saying it's "so easy to use" and has "very smooth and comfortable pedals", while another added: "The pedal mechanism is silky smooth, the main resistance motor is silky smooth, it’s totally quiet, the resistance level is easy to set and it actually is very cool looking."
A third added: "The best little exercise machine I've ever bought! I've already lost 13kg and am closer to my goal weight than ever before. Getting in my 10,000 daily steps has never been so easy."
Read on for our round up of the best steppers out there right now.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST STEP MACHINES
Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands, $198.19 at Amazon Australia
Sunny Health & Fitness Stair Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands
What You Need To Know
With over 1500 five-star ratings on Amazon, the Stair Stepper Machine from Sunny Health & Fitness takes the cake for the best stepper machine overall.
The stepper machine comes with built-in resistance bands to keep you stable and work out your upper body at the same time, making it a full body workout. The height is fully adjustable and there’s also a digital monitor that displays the time spent and calories burnt.
One five-star reviewer said, “It feels sturdy and safe … I love that it is compact and can be moved easy from room to room.” Another one said “this machine performed better than expected … really practical.”
Because this is so popular, you may see this product go out of stock. Keep in mind that stock levels are often replenished, but if it dwindles and you simply can’t wait to make your purchase, you can check out this option from the Amazon US store.
You do have to pay for delivery (and it might take a little longer), but the option is there for you.
BEST COMPACT AND PORTABLE STEPPER
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Underdesk/Standing Portable Elliptical Machine
What You Need To Know
Turns out, you don’t have to stand up to get a great step workout in. This underdesk stepper machine is great for exercise beginners and those who suffer from joint pain. If you work from home, this machine offers you the option of working out while you work.
This unique machine comes in a compact size for easy transportation, plus it offers a digital monitor to track your progress and comes with eight levels of resistance.
It’s racked up over 7000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with many customers claiming it’s been great for elderly parents and that is “so easy to use”. One reviewer said: “[It’s] helpful being able to sit in a comfortable chair rather than (uncomfortable) exercise equipment when dealing with chronic pain.”
BEST BUDGET STEPPER
leikefitness Premium Portable Twist Stair Stepper, $120 at Amazon Australia
leikefitness Premium Portable Twist Stair Stepper
What You Need To Know
Here’s a stepper machine that’s great for beginners and your bank balance.
The handy adjustable resistance bands allow you to tailor your workout to your fitness level and the foot bases are wide and steady, with comfortable non-slip texture pedals.
So you can jump on and trust that your workout will go smoothly and safely.
Similar to other products on the market, it also features a LCD monitor so you can track your time, step count, calories burnt count and more.
BEST HIGH-END STEPPER MACHINES
Proform Endurance 420E PF20 Elliptical, $1299 at rebel
Proform Endurance 420E PF20 Elliptical
What You Need To Know
With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, this elliptical from Proform provides you with everything you need to get a great cardio workout in at home.
Challenge yourself with 12 levels of resistance, and use the display screen to track your progress. Ergonomic grip handles ensure you stay safe and steady throughout your workout.
If you needed any more convincing, one five-star reviewer said it's not cheap but “well worth the investment price”.
Lifespan Fitness ST14VERTEX Vertex Stair Climber, $4399 (down from $6599) at Appliances Online
Lifespan Fitness ST14VERTEX Vertex Stair Climber
What You Need To Know
A machine you normally find in a gym, this stair climber holds a hefty price tag but may be exactly what you’re looking for.
This commercial grade step machine is made from a high quality steel and the frame itself comes with an eight year warranty.
Features include the option to adjust it anywhere from 24 steps a minute to 164 steps a minute.
There are 15 levels and eight steps in total that revolve within the machine. It also features an LCD display, pulse sensors and comfortable hand rails.
BEST MULTI-USE STEPPER MACHINE
Everfit 4 in1 Fitness Machine, $233.95 (down from $292.95) at Myer
Everfit 4in1 Fitness Machine
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a fitness machine that’s going to give you bang for your buck, look no further than this 4-in-1 pick from Everfit.
Use it as an elliptical cross trainer and an exercise bike, use the added resistance bands, pedal forwards or backwards for different levels of adjustable resistance.
Enjoy the comfortable seat base, foot pedals and handlebars, and maybe you’ll never want to get off.
One reviewer said the “product is easy to put together and great value for money.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING A STEPPER
Understanding your health and fitness goals
Before purchasing a stepper, it’s important to clarify your fitness goals. Are you aiming for weight loss, muscle toning, or improved cardiovascular health?
Different steppers cater to various needs, from basic models for low-impact workouts to advanced machines with multiple resistance levels for intense training.
Aligning your purchase with your goals will ensure that you choose a machine that supports your fitness journey effectively.
Key product features
Look for important features that enhance your workout. Having adjustable resistance settings for varied intensity is a good start, while an LCD display to track time, calories burned, and heart rate, and comfortable handrails for stability.
These features not only contribute to a better workout experience but also let you mix up your routines to keep them engaging and challenging, and ultimately reach your fitness goals.
Materials
Investing in a stepper made from high-quality materials is crucial for longevity but also safety.
Look for machines with robust frames, often constructed from steel, and always read over your warranty to make sure that you're covered in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.
Picking a well-made stepper will not only go the distance with regular use, but also provides a more stable and enjoyable workout experience.
Space and size factors
Consider the space you have available in your home before making a purchase and always remember to measure up.
Steppers come in various sizes, and many models are designed to be compact and easily stored, but some are also quite bulky. You don't want to invest in a product you like, only to discover you can't make it fit in your space or even get it through the front door.
Consider foldable options or machines that can fit in smaller areas, allowing you to maintain a dedicated workout space without compromising your living area.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend countless hours researching products to make sure that we provide you with the most accurate and up to date information.
To work out what factors contribute to a quality stepper machine, we consulted with fitness expert Ben Lucas, who shared his insights on key features and performance indicators.
In addition to expert opinions, we love to dive deep into reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
Taking this approach lets us identify the most valued products about existing buyers, and also helps us to understand what truly makes for a great purchase.
By combining expert knowledge with real-world experiences, we aim to guide you in making informed purchasing decisions which offer great value, and in this case, products which align with your fitness goals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY IS STEPPING SUCH A GREAT EXERCISE?
Flow Athletic director Ben Lucas told news.com.au checkout that a stepper is a great all-rounder when it comes to health and fitness.
“Stepping is a brilliant exercise as it works your glutes, hamstrings and core mainly. If you step quickly it is also a great cardio workout,” he said.
To get the best workout from a stepper machine, Ben recommends two different methods.
“If you are stepping at a moderate pace you will need to train longer to get results, so for 45-60 minutes," he added.
"Or you can do interval training, where you go all-out for a minute (for example) and then reduce the intensity for 20 seconds. After 20 minutes of that you will feel a burn.”
STEPPER MACHINE VS STAIR CLIMBER MACHINE
When deciding what sort of stepper machine to invest in, you’re going to want to think about your budget and how much space you have in your home.
Generally speaking, stepper machines are more affordable and easier to fit into your home, whereas a stair climber machine is almost always more expensive.
“A stair climber will work you harder as it mimics real life, " Lucas said.
"But it does take up a lot of space so you may be better off getting a stepper that you can use in front of the TV (for example), and then just walk or run up the steps to mimic a stair climber."
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