🤸Best home steppers for 2020

The modern pace of life is so high that often there is simply no time left for going to the gym, and buying a simulator home seems like a stupid idea - it's expensive, and it takes up a lot of space. However, not all machines are created equal. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offer you an overview of the best steppers for the home.

Steppers - what are they and what they are

The stepper is a modern sports equipment for walking, belonging to the category of cardio equipment. The name comes from the English word "step", which means "to step". The movements performed with the simulator are similar to those performed when climbing stairs.

Depending on the size and design features, the following types of steppers are distinguished:

• Standard - they are significant in size and often equipped with additional levers that provide load on the upper body. They can also have handrails;
• Ministeppers are compact simulators in the form of a platform with pedals, but without arm support. The best mini devices are complemented by expander devices.

In accordance with the principle of operation, there are mechanical and electromagnetic models.

Mechanical ones operate due to hydraulic cylinders, that is, the device is activated by human effort, pressing one pedal, the other starts moving in the opposite direction. These simulators are low-cost, low-noise, do not consume electricity and are best suited for home use.

The principle of operation of electromagnetic structures is based on magnetic resistance, and the operating parameters are set using a control system. The majority of modern stepper models belong to electromagnetic ones, they are intended for professional use in sports clubs due to their significant size and high cost.

Types of steppers

• Classic - equipped with two small platforms that move up and down. Perfectly works the muscles of the legs. A distinctive feature of the design of the classic model is the maximum reduction in the load on the knee joints - it is practically zero;
• Swivel - unlike the classic one, the swivel is supplemented with a special mechanism. With its help, the body of the body, simultaneously with the steps, makes turns to the side, which allows you to use during training not only the legs, but also the muscles of the press and back;
• Balancing - training on such a device is more complex and energy-intensive, since during the exercise it is necessary to maintain and control balance, for which many muscles of the body are put into tension, and a complex set of movements, during the execution of which the center of gravity shifts from side to side, allows develop coordination;
• Staircase - simulates stair walking as accurately as possible. The steps of the device move independently in a circle, which ensures the distribution of the load in such a way as to isolate the joints;
• Elliptical - it looks like an exercise bike and allows you to "step" forward or backward, which allows you to walk in a complex way to training. Elliptical stepper workouts increase endurance and are suitable for fitness.

Next, we will consider the main selection criteria that will help you understand which stepper for the house is better to buy.

How to choose a simulator

Functionality

• Stride length - means the distance between the pedals in relation to each other at the maximum raised and maximum lowered position. It is selected based on the height, weight and individual capabilities of the user. Changing the stride length allows you to adjust the simulator to the personal needs of the practitioner, since if the length is insufficient, the person will take short ineffective steps that will make the training useless;
• Pulse rate measurement - carried out by special cardiac sensors that allow you to monitor physiological parameters during training. The degree of intensity of the exercise depends on the heart rate, which in turn adapts to the tasks set - burning fat, achieving endurance, a little warm-up, etc. In this case, it is important to take into account the age, state of health and the degree of physical fitness of a person. The maximum permissible heart rate is calculated using the formula: the age of the trainee is subtracted from 220. The average parameters for effective fat burning are 65-75% of the maximum allowed heart rate, for cardio training - 75-85%. Exceeding these indicators can pose a threat to health;
• Calorie Consumption - The built-in display shows the number of calories burned. The value is approximate, necessary for an approximate assessment of activity and does not take into account the individual characteristics of the athlete. For more accurate measurements, an ergometer is required;
• Pace - the average speed of passing the distance per unit of time (as a rule, measurements are used in kilometers), which is also shown on the display;
• Cadence - A built-in counter shows how many times the pedals have depressed. Allows you to more accurately control the training process.

Built-in programs

On the market there are steppers equipped with a computer and programs stored in its memory. Among them are the following:

• Program for maintaining a given heart rate (pulse-dependent) - the simulator automatically increases the load if the pulse slows down or decreases it if the heart starts beating too fast;
• Custom - imply the ability to enter into the device memory such parameters of activity as the level of load, heart rate, duration of the lesson, thus creating a personal lesson scheme. Custom with a signal about exceeding the load allows you to calculate the required heart rate for a specific person and in case of exceeding the permissible load, the device will give a sound or light signal, informing about the need to reduce activity;
• By time - with its help, the planned duration of the workout is set. After this time has elapsed, the device will inform you about the end of the activity and reduce the load;
• Constant force - regardless of the speed of movement, the applied force will be kept at the same level. This is only possible with a magnetic or electromagnetic operating principle.

The popularity of programmable stepper models is due to the fact that their functionality is much wider.

Number of training programs

The more there are, the broader the capabilities of a particular simulator, since it is possible to choose a specific training purpose. And then the computer itself will manage the necessary settings in accordance with the set goal.

Number of load levels

The load can vary smoothly or stepwise - it depends on the technical features of a particular model and control system. When choosing a stepwise method of change, you should focus on a model with as many levels as possible. So it will be possible to choose the degree of load more accurately.

Autonomous work

Allows the simulator to function independently, without being connected to the electricity network, which is very convenient, since there is no need to install the structure next to the outlet or pull an extension cord through the room.

Batteries or a built-in generator can be used as a power source. The disadvantage of the first option is the periodic replacement of the batteries. And the built-in generator is usually installed in expensive models.

Maximum user weight

Most of modern models are designed for users weighing up to 120-130 kg, but you can find simulators that can withstand extreme loads - up to 200 kg.

The presence of expanders

The expander is a sports equipment, the action of which is based on elastic deformation, which provides a load when opposing movement. They are spring, rubber or made from other elastic materials.

Exercises with resistance bands are called isolating - they use small muscle groups, but in steppers, the expanders increase the load on the shoulder girdle and allow during training to work not only the muscles of the legs, but also the arms and back.

Pedal travel

The stepper can be equipped with dependent and independent pedal travel. What does it mean

In models with dependent travel, the levers interact with each other, distributing the load on both legs equally. Independent pedal travel allows you to adjust the resistance of each lever separately, which is necessary in situations such as when the simulator is used for rehabilitation after an injury. Also, devices with independent movement make it possible to conduct training more efficiently.

Cardiac sensors

To monitor physiological parameters, the simulators are equipped with cardiac sensors, which can be:

• Built-in - provided in designs with handles, where they are mounted;
• Wireless - they work thanks to the radio channel and do not interfere with movements;
• Wired - attached to the athlete's finger, ear or chest and connected to the simulator with a long thin wire.

Professional operation

In specialized establishments, sports devices are used in a mode of increased intensity, and therefore, professional models have a reliable design and high wear resistance, which allows them to be operated 24/7.

Selection errors

When choosing a stepper, pay attention to the following details:

• Before purchasing, you should measure the area of ​​the place where you plan to place the simulator for training - there should be enough space to ensure freedom of movement and unhindered access to the device. Ideally, there should be one additional meter on each side of it;
• Pedals should be made of anti-slip material - so the risk of injury will be minimal;
• The presence of handrails is a controversial point. According to customers, they prevent falls from the machine and help maintain stability, making the device safer. However, at the same time, handrails are an optional part, since the stepper itself is a simple design that does not require additional elements;
• The number of user programs plays an important role if it is assumed that two or more people will be engaged in the simulator. In this case, each of the users can save their personal data on the computer. If the simulator is purchased for only one user, then this value is not essential.

Advantages and disadvantages

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Main technical characteristics

room	Specifications	Recommendations
1	A type	There are classic, rotary, balancing, ladder, elliptical and horizontal steppers. And also the perfect solution for beginners - ministeppers.
2	Functionality	It includes the indicators displayed on the display - the frequency and length of the stride, pace, heart rate.
3	Programs	The more there are, the wider the capabilities of the simulator. There are custom, training, pulse-dependent, time-based and constant effort programs.
4	How much is	For the price, steppers have a wide range depending on the type and functionality. Inexpensive amateur steppers cost an average of 4,800 rubles. A multifunctional device will cost 130,000 rubles.

Rating of quality home models for 2020

DFC SC-S038B

Home sports device with calories burned and distance traveled counter. The modest size allows you to put the simulator under a table or in a closet after class. Interdependent pedal travel. The computer is powered by AAA batteries. The maximum permissible load is 100 kg.

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Body Sculpture BS-1122HA-B

An amateur mini-simulator for exercising at home. Withstands up to 100 kg of load. Equipped with a display giving information about the number of calories consumed and the frequency of the step.

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DFC SC-S032

A sports trainer belonging to the category of goods for sports and recreation. An excellent option for beginners to figure out whether this type of sports activity is suitable or not. It has a dependent pedal travel, and is also equipped with a display that displays the number of calories burned and the cadence. The maximum permissible user weight is 110 kg.

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Torneo Tempo S-221

Trainer with dependent pedal travel, designed for a maximum athlete's weight of 100 kg. The device displays the calories burned and cadence. The front of the device is equipped with a support armrest that has height adjustments.It can be removed completely if desired.

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Sport Elite GB-5112

Small-sized simulator for training at home with good range of action and natural trajectory of leg movement. Equipped with a screen that allows you to track calorie consumption and movement speed in steps. Withstands up to 100 kg of weight.

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Titan GymBit Nordic Walking FT-GB21

Stationary trainer with 2 training programs designed to keep fit. Suitable even for people of age, as it is designed in such a way as to imitate the Scandinavian walking, known for its benefits.

Nordic walking uses about 90% of the muscles, which burns twice as many calories as normal walking.

The stepper has an LCD display that makes it easy to track your activity. Designed for a maximum user weight of 100 kg.

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Horizon dynamic 2

Stepper with twelve load levels and independent pedal travel. The handlebar-mounted heart rate display shows calorie consumption and cadence, and also includes functional features such as exercise time, number of steps taken, total distance traveled. The maximum permissible weight is 130 kg.

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Xterra RSX1500

Sports equipment with 24 load levels. Equipped with built-in user program as well as settings for continuous heart rate tracking. The built-in screen displays the number of consumed calories, cadence, pace. The heart rate sensor is mounted on the steering wheel. The built-in computer contains 21 training programs, 5 pulse-dependent and 4 custom ones. The maximum permissible user weight is 120 kg.

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SPIRIT XS895

Stepper with twenty load levels and a display showing calorie consumption, cadence and pace. Cardiac sensors for tracking physical indicators are mounted on the steering wheel, and buttons for operating the device are located on the handles. Floor uneven compensators and transport wheels, which are equipped with the structure, facilitate transportation and installation. The built-in computer is loaded with 10 training programs. The maximum permissible weight is 181 kg.

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Matrix S1x

Reliable stepper with independent pedal travel. Provides its user with 20 levels of load. Withstands the highest loads - up to 182 kg of weight. The built-in LED display allows you to track your calorie consumption and distance traveled. The heart rate sensors are mounted on the handlebars for more manipulation space. The computer has 13 training levels and 2 pulse-dependent programs.

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How to do the stepper at home

There are some universal tips that apply not only to a stepper, but to any other active sport:

1. Before starting exercise, the muscles must be warmed up. Many novice amateur athletes neglect the warm-up, which is a mistake, since it is an independent set of special exercises that mobilize the body, prepare for the upcoming stress, warm up muscles, ligaments and joints. As a rule, it is the warm-up that determines the result of the training, and also prevents consequences such as pain and injury;
2. Unprepared people at the beginning of their sports career should not get involved too much. For beginners, 15-20 minutes of activity will be enough during the first two weeks. The load should be increased gradually, focusing on your own capabilities and well-being;
3. The effectiveness of training largely depends on maintaining the correct body position. There are models of steppers on the market both with handrails and without. In the first case, it is important not to transfer body weight to your hands - they should be relaxed. And in the second, you need to stand straight without bending your back, leaning forward slightly and not bringing your knees too close. The feet should be on the pedals completely and not hang down, as this puts a lot of stress on the joints, which can provoke their deformation;
4. At the beginning of a workout, do not immediately take a fast pace. It is better to start with a combination of slow walking with a deep step, and then accelerate and alternate sports modes and slowly slow down by the end of the lesson;
5. To lose weight and tone the body, exercises should be regular. The best time to burn fat is in the morning after waking up, to strengthen the heart muscle - in the afternoon and in the evening two hours after the last meal, which should be light and mostly protein;
6. At the end of the workout, you need to stretch.

Which company is better

The best manufacturers of multifunctional steppers are American firms Xterra, SPIRIT, Horizon, Matrix.

Popular models of the budget category are produced by DFC (Russia) and Sport Elite (China).

Good sports equipment is produced by Torneo Tempo (Italy), Body Sculpture (Great Britain), Titan GymBit (Germany).

After analyzing, as well as making a comparison of the models presented on the market and the most popular models, we can summarize by saying that if you need a simple but high-quality trainer for beginners, then you should pay attention to such models as DFC SC-S032, Titan GymBit "Nordic Walking" FT-GB21 and Sport Elite GB-5112. Body Sculpture BS-1122HA-B and Torneo Tempo S-221 are suitable as an addition to basic workouts in the gym or fitness club. For more solid workouts, the Xterra RSX1500 and Horizon Dynamic 2 equipment, as well as the SPIRIT XS895 and Matrix S1x are designed.

If you have experience using the steppers described in the rating, or a more interesting model, tell us about it in the comments.