The twist stepper works the muscles in your legs, buttocks, hips and thighs by moving up and down and side to side. It simulates a stair-stepping motion with a twisting action.

In some models, arm bands are provided to give an additional workout for the upper and lower arms, shoulders and chest. This allows you to get a full body workout with this machine.

However, if you need help to stay balanced and do not need an upper body workout, you can pick a model with an adjustable handlebar that you can hold on to while you exercise your legs and lower body.

You can adjust the height of the stairs to maximize your workout. They can be made higher to fit your stride or to give you a more vigorous workout. The resistance can also be adjusted to force your muscles to work harder pushing the pedals. This is a great way to strengthen your legs.

The twist stepper is constructed of durable steel and features large, slip resistant footplates. This makes the equipment secure and safe to use, minimizing the danger of falling off. The slip resistant covers provide the right amount of traction to keep you in place and maintain a smooth motion.

Some models have an LCD computer that keeps track of calories burned, steps taken, total time of exercise, etc. This way, you know how much you have accomplished towards your fitness or weight loss goal.

What benefits can you get from a twist stepper? This exercise equipment can help you tone the muscles in your legs, hips, thighs, obliques, arms, shoulders and chest. You can also use it to lose excess weight. It provides an aerobic workout for overall cardiovascular fitness and health. You can work out at your own pace at home.

The main drawback of a twist stepper is that it has a user weight limit of 250 pounds, so it cannot be used by everyone. Also, those who have difficulty balancing may have a hard time using a twist stepper unless they use a model that comes with a handlebar.

The twist stepper is fun to use and gives you a good workout. It can help you burn fat and calories. At less than $100, this exercise equipment is an affordable way to tone your muscles and lose extra weight. Buy now at Amazon.com.

Launched in 1986 and hailed as the “original” stepper, the Stairmaster 4000PT has been chosen by more gyms, health clubs, rehabilitation facilities and medical centers than any other stepper. It provides a smooth, rhythmic feel for a comfortable yet effective workout. The Stairmaster 4000PT comes with pre-installed workout program options that users can customize to fit their personal needs. It tones and conditions the muscles in the lower body while providing a low-impact cardiovascular workout.

The Stairmaster 4000PT features patented, independent pedal geometry that guarantees safe, biomechanically correct movement. Its electromagnetic brake system provides precision-controlled pedal descent from 26 to 138 steps per minute. With its independent step action and extra-wide “sweet spot,” the Stairmaster 4000PT is extremely effective and enjoyable to use.

It offers 20 resistance levels that can be set using speed control buttons to increase or decrease stepping speed during the workout. Seven workout programs provide enough motivation to challenge everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The Stairmaster 4000PT is the stair stepper that is most commonly found in gyms and health clubs throughout the country, making it the “Industry Standard” exercise stepper.

The Stairmaster 4600PT is one of the latest innovations in climbing and stepping exercise. Its features include large cushioned foot pedals to fit feet of any size, ergonomically designed side handrails, and “easy-grip” handles with an integrated contact heart rate monitor. Like the Stairmaster 4000PT, it has a patented, independent pedal geometry to ensure a safe and biomechanically correct movement. The speed ranges from 26 to 174 steps per minute.

There are 20 resistance levels in the Stairmaster 4600PT that you can set at any point during your workout without having to stop. You can choose any of six workout programs that include Quick Start, Manual, Fat Burner, Calorie Burner, Speed Intervals, and Heart Rate Zone Trainer. The heart rate monitor is a Polar compatible wireless unit. Its contact heart rate monitor integrated into the upper handlebars runs the unit’s heart rate training program.

A large reading rack with built-in cassette and water bottle holder are mounted to the unit’s console, which features a pivoting head to reduce glare and accommodate users of all heights.

When Stairmaster launched its very first exercise machine in 1983, it set the standards for high-quality, high-performance products. Today, Stairmaster machines continue to uphold the company’s vision of innovation and excellence. For more info, check out these products here.

Proform is recognized as the world’s largest fitness brand. Among the many exercise machines under this brand are Proform Ellipticals. Proform Ellipticals are very smooth and the feel is similar to that of much more expensive gym machines. The smoothness is a result of the SMR (Silent Magnetic Resistance) and Reflex Step technologies.

One of the more popular elliptical machines is the Proform XP StrideClimber 600 Elliptical. This is a machine that combines a strider and a stair stepper. It is actually an elliptical machine with a twist, as it features a climber mode. This is also called a ramp elliptical. While some people are not happy with the climber mode, others appreciate the extra challenge and variety of a steep workout.

At a price of $1199, the Proform XP StrideClimber 600 features the iFIT journal where you can store your fitness data, allowing you to track your progress up to ten years. The machine also includes a target trainer with an indicator light to warn you if your workout is too slow or too fast, so you can adjust your pace and stay in your target zone.

In addition to the patented StrideClimber to provide you with a tough stair stepper workout, the Proform XP StrideClimber 600 also features an 18 inch stride length, 8 workout programs and 10 resistance levels. Its Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) technology provides a smooth action. It comes with a dual-grip heart rate monitor with sensors built into the handles. The machine has a user capacity of 275 pounds.

Like the rest of Proform’s line of elliptical machines below the $1500 price range, this particular model is strictly designed for light to moderate use. If you only use it a few times a week for 20 minutes a day, the machine will work fine. For more strenuous daily workouts, however, or if there are multiple users, an elliptical trainer under $1500 will not be suitable.

The Proform XP StrideClimber 600 is obviously not designed for heavy use. If you plan on working out more intensely, you may want to take a look at other exercise machines with superior mechanical durability and value.

Kettler Edition Power Stepper

The German-crafted Kettler Power Stepper provides a great cardio workout while strengthening your legs. At $699, this exercise equipment features 12 hydraulic resistance settings. The computer console provides measurements for time, step frequency, energy consumption, total steps and pulse rate. It is ideal for stamina workout as it challenges the cardiovascular system while strengthening the legs and buttocks.

Xiser Portable Stepper – Heavy Duty Home Model

This high quality, heavy duty portable stepper is made from cast aluminum and has a 400 pound user capacity. Its patented hydraulic cylinder system provides adjustable resistance that responds to your effort and ability. Silicone fluid gives it a smooth and quiet operation. In addition to strengthening your legs, it will also help strengthen your arms if you use hand weights. One minute on this stair stepper can boost your heart rate considerably. It comes with a 5-year home warranty or 1-year institutional warranty and sells for $449.

Fold-A-WayTM Cardio Stair Stepper Exercise Machine

If you are looking for a compact stair stepper that offers a full cardio workout and then can be folded and stored in your closet or under a bed, then the Fold-A-WayTM Cardio Stair Stepper is what you want. It’s easy to assemble and use, with a movable shaft on the frame to let you adjust the stepper for your exact height. It has a built-in computer that tracks and displays pace, calories burned, heart rate, training time and distance. Pulse sensor grips are built into the handle to monitor your heart rate without wires or straps. You can buy one for $179.99.

Stamina Spacemate Folding Stepper

From the original price of $200, this stair stepper is now available for only $98.54. It is lightweight and with the pull of a pin can be folded and stored under a bed or stashed in a closet. Hydraulic cylinders provide a smooth stepping motion that can be adjusted for resistance. It features foam-covered handlebars for comfortable gripping. A multi-function electronic monitor tracks steps per minute, total steps, workout time and calories burned. It gives you a complete workout without taking up too much space.

Stamina 55-2065 Dual Action Elite Programmable Elliptical / Stepper

For the serious fitness enthusiast, only a top-of-the-line stair stepper like the Stamina 55-2065 Dual Action Elite Programmable Elliptical / Stepper will do. It combines the elliptical movement with the stepper to produce an amazing cardio workout. The built-in console tracks workout time, pulse rate, calories burned, distance and more. It comes with a convenient water bottle holder. Easily switches from elliptical to stepper.  It’s like you are getting two machines for the price of one. Priced at $599.00 this high-end machine is still much cheaper than a Stairmaster.

I’m sure you have heard of the TotalGym or as some call it the Chuck Norris exercise machine. Even though it is not a stepper machine, if you are looking for an exercise machine then this might be the one for you. There are so many things we love about this piece of exercise equipment. For starters, it has been endorsed by Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley, who are both well-known fitness enthusiasts for over 10 years. That itself says a lot about a product.

The Chuck Norris exercise machine or the Total Gym is one of the best exercise machines for home use. It is amazingly versatile. You can use the Total Gym to build and strengthen muscles, tone your body or lose weight. It’s the equivalent of a gym full of weights and fitness machines. With 60 to 90 different exercises, you can reshape your body with only 10-20 minutes of workout a day.

The Total Gym exercise machine comes fully assembled, ready to use once you take it out of the box. You can use this all-in-one home exercise equipment to strengthen and tone your muscles on an incline/decline bench. The machine works with a pulley resistance system that has you lifting your body weight against gravity. You can set the machine to have you lifting 4% of your body weight to a maximum of 60% at the highest setting. .

Everything you need to do to sculpt your body can be done on this single machine. Resistance training, cardio workout and even stretching exercises can be done with the Total Gym. You can give your body a full workout by doing the exercise routines that come with the package.

To get the best cardio workout, follow the instructions and perform the exercises with no rest period in between. If you have a full schedule but still need to exercise for your health, you can get a full workout in just 10 to 20 minutes with the Chuck Norris Exercise Machine. Follow the instructions to make sure you get an even workout.

The unit comes in several models, from stripped down models to machines with multiple upgrades for a more extensive range of exercises, including squat stand, leg pulley and Pilates. The Total Gym 1100 goes for $199.99 while the high-end Total Gym 14000 is priced at $1,195. In between are the Total Gym 1700 ($394), 2000, 3000 ($450) and XLS ($650). Get free shipping on all Total Gym products!

People who have never worked out before or have not been working out regularly will quickly adjust to the Chuck Norris Total Gym. It’s relatively easy to use and features a wide array of exercises.

However, if you have been regularly working out at the gym, you may need a little time to adjust to the equipment. It works with a pulley resistance system that makes use of your body weight rather than plates and stacks, so you will have to get used to the motion.

Here is a recap:

• Over 40 exercises on the Total Gym 2000, 60 exercises on the Total Gym 3000, and over 80 exercises on The Total Gym XLS
• Folds for easy storage under your bed or in a closet
• Versatile – build muscle, slim & tone muscle, gain flexibility, burn calories & lose weight
• Lasts a lifetime with quality construction
• No assembly required
• Interest free payment plans available
• FREE Shipping
• 30 Day Risk Free Trial
• Money back guarantee
• Over 40 exercises on the Total Gym 2000, 60 exercises on the Total Gym 3000, and over 80 exercises on the Total Gym XLS

Please note: Total Gym only ships to the Continental United States and Canada (excluding the Yukon and Northwest Territories & Quebec provinces). Get free shipping on all Total Gym products!

Bottom line? The Chuck Norris exercise machine or Total Gym is perfect for men or women who need to work out, whether to build muscle, tone the body or lose weight. This piece of exercise equipment can do many different things, making it the perfect addition to your fitness routine.

Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper

This light weight stepper has independent design stepping action. It also has two adjustable resistance hydraulic cylinders that provide a smooth stepping motion. Foam covers the handlebars for a no slip grip and for comfort. It has a monitor that tracks the numbers of steps per minute, number of steps during the workout, time, and calories burned.
It folds nice and neat for easy storing. Assembled, the 45-pound stepper is 30-1/4 inches long x 16-1/4 inches wide x 54-1/2 inches high. Folded, it is 38-1/2 inches long x 16-1/4 inches wide x 9-1/2 inches high. The stepper assembles in less than 10 minutes (instructions included).

Gaiam Mini Stepper With Resistance Cords plus Bonus Walking Fit CD

This mini stepper give you a no impact, high intensity strength and cardio workout. It comes with resistance cords to help you balance and strengthen your arms and core. A digital monitor tracks time and steps. There is a knob that adjusts the intensity. It has nonskid rubber feet with a portable design. The dimensions are 17″L x 7″W x 14″D; 19 lbs. The mini stepper has a weight limit of 250 lbs.

Twist Stepper

This stepper not only moves up and down but also side to side.  The twist action helps tone your stomach and sides as well as your buttocks and thighs without putting extreme pressure on bones and joints. It has oversized slip-resistant footplates and an LCD computer function that tracks total count, time, and calories. The dimensions are Size: 18.5”H x 8”W x 16”D.

Stair steppers range in price from $300 to $3500. Some models incorporate handlebars so that the upper body can also be worked out. The more expensive models provide digital displays and preprogrammed workouts. Like me, you will have to find a model that fits your budget and gives you the workout you are aiming for.

If you’ve ever climbed up several flights of stairs, you know how demanding this exercise equipment it. You get a vigorous cardio workout. You also workout your leg muscles including the calves, hamstrings, glutes and quadriceps.

Perhaps the most well-known stair climber or stair stepper is the StairMaster, but this is only one brand of stair climbers. Many other are available. By the way the StairMaster SM916 is no joke if you are looking for an awesome kick butt workout with REAL stairs. Check it out here.

One of the larger models with many features is the Bowflex Treadclimber TC5500. It happens to be a treadmill/stair stepper hybrid exercise machine. You can use it as a stair stepper, treadmill, or a low-impact elliptical trainer.

If cost is a major concern, the Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper offers great value at less than $200. This stair stepper exercise equipment provides a low-impact and very effective cardiovascular workout that will burn off fat and calories. It has a sturdy steel frame and adjustable-resistance hydraulic cylinders for smooth stepping action. It’s equipped with a battery operated electronic monitor to track your workout progress. In short, it has enough bells and whistles to please any serious exercise buff. Plus, you can easily fold it and put it away.

A stair stepper can be hard on your knees, so better avoid it if you have knee problems. But if that is not a problem for you and you are ready to buy this exercise machine then we recommend that you head on over to Amazon first because they always have the best deals online.

]]> http://steppermachine.org/stair-stepper-exercise-equipment/feed/ 0 http://steppermachine.org/stair-stepper-exercise-equipment/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StepperMachine/~3/7AB7HiADvU8/ http://steppermachine.org/portable-stair-stepper/#comments Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:09:44 +0000 admin http://steppermachine.org/?p=41 Sticking to a regular exercise regimen can be difficult if you are traveling or don’t have the time to go to the gym. Lucky for me, I have a stair stepper that I can use at home or bring with me when I travel or go on a holiday. I can slide it under my bed or stuff it in a closet when I’m not using it. It’s easy to use, because all I have to do is get on it and step up and down. It simulates the same movement as the Stairmaster machines at the gym.

A portable stair stepper is great for toning the muscles of the waist, hips, calves and thighs. It’s a fantastic low-impact exercise that raises the heart rate and increases cardiovascular fitness. A portable stair stepper uses alternating pedals with a stair climbing motion. I find it very effective for trimming the hips and thighs.

One of the most popular stair stepper is the Nautilus Tread Climber. You have to learn to use the proper technique to get the most benefit from this piece of equipment. I’ve learned to keep my knees slightly flexed. The leg should never be fully extended. Working out with a stair stepper is a breeze because I can adjust the intensity, resistance and speed of my workout to get maximum results. The built-in wireless heart rate monitor and incline adjustments help me to exercise within my target zone.

There are also mini versions of the portable stair stepper. You will also find them very effective in your fitness program. This category includes the Kettler Mini Stepper Basic and the Denise Austin Mini Stepper Dual Action. The Impex Mini Stepper with weights, Spartan Sports Mini Stepper and the Stamina Electronic Mini Stepper also belong to this category.

Here’s a word of caution. Although a stair stepper is a low-impact fitness exercise option, it is not suitable for people with arthritis in the knee or knee pain. The stair stepping action can be uncomfortable and may strain the knee.

If you can’t find the time to go to the gym, better get a portable stair stepper now. They’re small, affordable, and you can use them anywhere.

Modern stair steppers are more advanced. They still offer a sweaty workout that lacks in most modern steppers. This machine is different from other steppers because it comes with in-built fans. It is also fitted with a heart beat monitor and calories tracker. You can monitor your stepping rate, the amount of calories burned, the time taken and the number of steps that you have completed.

Modern machines are also installed with exercise programs from trainers. Each machine can have up to four programs. The installation allows users to download exercise programs from a fitness website. You can also connect the installation to a memory card. The frame strength is based on the make of the stepper. You can find steppers with a much sturdier frame but with less features.

You can check the internet for more information on stair steppers. Fitness websites are the best source. If you are looking for a stepper, you must read the reviews and contrast and compare. Don’t only rely on opinions of experts and trainers. You must also read what the consumers say about the steppers. You will find a variety of points from reviewers to make up your decision.

There are high-priced and low-priced steppers. Low priced commercial steppers have a welded steel frame that gives a solid appearance. The appearance is typical to steppers found in clubs. These machines are equipped with balancing steps that provide extra support. Other accessories that can be fitted on the frame include a water bottle and CD compartment.

The mini stepper machine has an in-built time and step counter. It is good for people who like light exercises. When you step on the mini stepper, it feels as if you are climbing a stair. You can watch television or listen to music while exercising on the stepper. Depending on your balancing, you can get a good workout for your legs or arms.

One fantastic thing about the mini machine is that you can adjust the tension in the pulleys. You can start with little tension, then gradually work your way to higher tension. Better muscle development can be achieved in this way. You must not allow other people to use your stepper unless their weight is under 225 pounds. People who do not know how to use this machine may damage some of its functions.

When you look at the mini machine, you would not think that it could give you a good workout. However, as you begin to use it, you will feel the effort.

The disadvantage of the mini machine is that the range of motion is limited. Beyond this range, the stepping action becomes less smooth. With regular use, the pistons under the pedals begin to rub against the metal, causing a smell and a metallic clank.

You can get the mini stepper within a few days of purchasing it. Many customers are attracted by the bends and the ability to adjust the tension. Price is however, the main factor. Most steppers of the same caliber do not have bands and pulleys, although their price is high. Despite its shortcomings, you can enjoy the machine for what it is capable of. You cannot put the mini machine in the same class as other professional steppers like the elliptical stepper. Possession of a mini machine can make you proud, because at least, you have your own gym.