12 Best Training Steps Reviewed & Fully Compared
By Sarah Easterday
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Training at home is truly one of the most effective and realistic ways to stay in shape (that is if you are able to pry yourself away from the flannels and NetFlix). However, if you can muster up the gumption to stick to a weekly routine of working out in your home or backyard, you will not only save time, but you will have a very simple routine that doesn’t get too complicated with travel, parking, and gym line-ups.
In this list, we look at the 10 Best Training Steps, so that you can work your lower body as hard as you want in the comfort of your home. In order to amp up your work out, you can even add some upper body strength enhancers, like weights. Throughout the following list, we have a look at the different training steps available on the market, and we feel certain that you will not only find something you love but that you will know a little more about how training steps can be useful in your work out routine.
10 Best Training Steps
- Tone Fitness
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Our rating - Adjustable height
- Price: See Here
- TMS 30"
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Our rating - Shock absorbant
- Price: See Here
- The Step Original
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Our rating - Large surface
- Price: See Here
1. Tone Fitness
The Tone Fitness Aerobic Stepper has an incredible secure surface for your workout routine. In addition to being well-built, the surface has non-slip properties, so you don’t have to worry about any accidental falls. The feet of this steeper are non-skid, meaning your floors will be protected from scuff marks or other damage.
Additional Info
This stepper has two adjustable height levels, either 4” or 6”. A workout chart which provides additional instructions is included with purchase.
Cost
This is one of the most affordable options on the market today.
- Adjustable height
- Stable, non-slip surface
- Workout guide included with purchase
- Non-skid feet
- Affordable
- Some find that the step is too short.
2. TMS 30"
The TMC 30” Aerobic Step Trainer has a quality-made non-slip surface which ensures your safety and stability. The surface is also non-stick and shock absorbing. Made of heavy-duty polypropylene material and advanced injection molding technology, this stepper is incredibly well-designed and uses only the highest quality materials in its construction.
Additional Info
The height of this stepper is adjustable. You can choose to set the height at 4”, 6” or 8”. Additionally, the TMS stepper is one of the most lightweight models on the market. This makes it simple to travel with. This stepper is also stackable, making storage a breeze.
Cost
The TMS Aerobic Step Trainer is priced averagely in comparison to other similar steps on the market.
- Non-slip surface
- Shock absorbant properties
- Made of heavy-duty materials
- Adjustable height
- Stackable
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Some find that this stepper tends to feel a bit flismy under their weight.
3. The Step Original
The surface of the stepper is designed to be low-impact and high-intensity. It measures 40”L x 14”W and can support up to 300 pounds. Additionally, the surface is cushioned with a non-latex material and is non-slip. Made from durable, recyclable high-density polyethylene, you can be sure that you’re receiving the best quality possible with this platform.
Additional Info
This stepper included four risers, so you can adjust the height from 4” to 6” to 8”. The risers have non-skid feet to protect the floor from scratches. Instructional exercise videos are included with your purchase to help you begin effectively training.
Cost
This is one of the more expensive steppers on the market, but its quality makes it well worth the price. Additionally, it's backed by a 90-day manufacturer’s warranty.
- 90-day manufacturer’s warranty
- Cushioned, non-slip surface
- Instructional videos included with purchase
- Large surface
- Supports up to 300 pounds
- Non-skid feet
- High-quality construction
- A few customers have reported issues with the cushioned top beginning to buckle.
4. Yes4All Adjustable
This stepper is crafted from durable, recyclable high-density polyethylene, so you're definitely getting a high-quality product here. The feet of this stepper are non-skid, so you can use it on any floor surface without worrying about scratches. This stepper’s surface measures 40” by 14” and is non-slip and shock absorbing. It can support up to 200 pounds.
Additional Info
You can easily adjust the intensity of your workout by modifying the platform height. Options are 4”, 6”, and 8". Four black 16”L x 9”W x 4”H risers are included.
Cost
The Yes4All Adjustable Aerobic Step Platform is priced in the moderate-to-high range. Additionally, it comes with 1-year warranty.
- 1-year warrnaty
- Wide surface
- Shock absorbing, non-slip platform
- Adjustable height
- Non-skid feet
- Some customers find that this platform is noisy when stepped on.
- Only supports up to 200 pounds
5. Stamina
The Stamina Aerobic Step’s surface has non-slip properties, making it extremely safe and secure. Stamina uses a textured material on the surface to further increase its grip. The surface measures 27”L x 14”W x 4”H.
Additional Info
You can adjust this stepper to two different height levels, either 4” or 6”. It can be used on either a flat surface or on an incline. Its portable, lightweight construction makes it easy to store and travel with. Additionally, a workout DVD and guide are included with purchase. A 90-day warranty is included, as well.
Cost
The Stamina Aerobic Step is priced slightly lower than most other steppers on the market.
- Texturized, non-slip surface
- 90-day warranty
- Comes with workout DVD and guide
- Can be used on either flat surfaces or inclines
- Adjustable height
- Affordable
- A few customres hav ereported issues with the stepper's legs staying securely in place.
6. Soozier 30
The Soozier Aerobic Step has a very well-made surface that measures 31"L x 11.5"W. It's shock absorbing, non-stick, and non-slip. The feet of the stepper provide excellent grip and won’t scratch floors. Made of heavy-duty polypropylene material, this is an extremely durable stepper. Its weight capacity is 550 pounds.
Additional Info
You can vary the intensity of your workouts by adjusting the risers. You can adjust your step trainer’s height to 4”, 6”, or 8”. The Soozier Aerobic Stepper is lightweight, easy to store, and great for either indoor or outdoor use.
Cost
The Soozier Aerobic Step is priced in the low-to-mid range.
- Lightweight
- High weight capacity
- Adjustable risers
- Non-slip surface
- Heavy-duty polypropylene material construction
- Shock absorbing.
- There have been a few customer compaints regarding the stepper buckling easily under weight.
7. Reebok
The rubberized surface, which measures 39 x 15 inches, is non-slip, so you don’t have to worry about accidental injury, no matter the intensity of the workout. This step’s thick plastic construction makes it even more solid. Its weight limit is 350 pounds.
Additional Info
The included risers allow you to workout at your preferred level of 6, 8, or 10 inches. The stepper folds compactly to allow easy storage.
Cost
This is the most expensive product on this list. However, with a name like Reebok, you can be sure that you're receiving top-of-the-line quality.
- Adjustable height
- Non-slip surface
- Thick, solid plastic construction
- Folds compact for storage
- Some find that this stepper is too heavy. While some may percieve this as a bad thing, it just makes the step all the more stable.
- Expensive
8. The Step High Step
Made of durable, recyclable high-density polyethylene, the quality of The Step High Step Aerobic Platform is exceptional. The non-slip, grooved surface measures 13”L x 9”W x 4”H. Non-skid feet prevent your floors from becoming scratched or damaged. This steppers weight capacity is 275 pounds.
Additional Info
Four black risers enable you to easily adjust the height of the step from 4” to 6” to 8” to 10” to 12”. Each riser measures 16”L x 16”W x 2”H. Additionally, instructional videos are included with purchase.
Cost
This stepper is priced similarly to others on the market. Additionally, the product is backed by a 90-day warranty.
- Adjustable height
- Instructional videos included with purchase
- Non-skid feet
- Warranty
- Two color options avaliable
- Grooved, non-slip surface
- Durable construction
- Some find that this stepper is not as wide as they would like.
9. Giantex 30''
A durable platform with a shock absorbing, non-stick, non-slip surface makes the Giantex Fitness Aerobic Step incredible sturdy and stable. The Giantex Fitness Aerobic Step’s platform measures 31”L x 10.6”W x 3.5”H and can support up to 550 pounds. Grips on the feet ensure that the step doesn’t move around on the floor at all. Additionally, they protect your floors from becoming scratched.
Additional Info
Easily adjust the height of your step from 4” to 6” to 8” with the four included risers. Each riser measures 11.8”L x 3.9”W x 2”H. This is a relatively lightweight step and is easy to carry and store.
Cost
This step is priced averagely in comparison to others on the market.
- Shock absorbing, non-stick, non-slip surface
- Holds up to 550 pounds
- Grips on feet for security and floor protection
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
- A few customers have commented that it moves around too much while using.
10. Movement God 43"
The feet of this stepper are non-skid, meaning you can use it on any type of floor without having to worry about scratches and marks. This step’s weight capacity is 500 pounds and its net weight is 18 pounds.
Additional Info
You can adjust the height of your stepper from 4” to 6” to 8” with the included risers. Additionally, a free workout guide is included with purchase.
Cost
This step is more expensive than most others on the market, but it's not the most expensive on this list. Additionally, if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you’ll receive 100% of your money back.
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Adjustable height
- High weight capacity
- Non-skid feet
- Workout guide included with purchase
- A few customers have reported issues with the rubber mat seperating from the base.
The Criteria We Used In Our Evaluation Of These Training Steps
Stability
When looking to invest in a training step, stability is one of the single most important factors. Typically this means looking at the step’s quality and what materials it’s constructed out of. If the primary material is high-density polyethylene, which is the case with many models on the market today, you’re can most likely be sure that you’re getting a high-quality, stable step.
The feet of the step should also be taken into consideration. Generally speaking, you’ll want to look for something that has nonskid feet. This not only protects your floors from scratches and other damage, but it gives the step some extra stability. These “grippy” feet stick firmly to the floor, giving you an extra layer or protection in terms of stability.
Surface
It’s important to find a training step that has a comfortable, cushioned surface. The cushioning under your feet makes your workout not only more comfortable, but also easier on your ankle joints. Additionally, you’ll want to look for one with plenty of grip. Most surfaces are rubberized, which is great for providing you with a controlled, secure step. Some even have tread to them for extra grip. Any sort of textured pattern on the surface is a good thing to look for. It’s probably a good idea to not even consider buying a stepper that doesn’t have a non-slip surface. All of the products listed above use a non-slip surface. Some are shock absorbing as well, which is a great feature to have for intense workouts.
Also, don’t forget to take the size of the stepping surface into consideration. Some steps are more rectangular-shaped, while others are more square-shaped. Generally speaking, a step with a wide surface is going to be much easier to use. Products that say “club sized” are going to have a wider surface than others. Having too small of a surface area to work with means you’re going to be focused more on making sure your feet have enough room than on your workout itself.
Other Important Factors To Consider
Height
While most training steps on the market today have an adjustable height, there still are some that don’t. Typically, you’re going to want to purchase a step that’s adjustable because they’re so much more versatile. With an adjustable training step, you can increase or decrease height to align with your fitness level and which muscles you’re trying to target.
For beginners, while it might be tempting to simply purchase a non-adjustable step, consider this: Soon after starting to train with your new step, you’re going to be ready for the next height level. Rather than going out and buying a new, higher step, why not save time and money by adjusting the height of the one you already have? Always read product specs to find out which heights your step can be adjusted to. Most adjustable steps can either be set at 4”, 6”, or 8”. However, there are some that go up to 10” and even 12”. They typically adjust with risers which come with your step.
Storability
While this may not be a very important factor for everyone, those with limited space should take into consideration the size and storability of their step. Some steps on the market fold down to a more compact version to make storage and travel simple. Don’t forget to look at the net weight of the step as well. Obviously, those that are lighter are going to be much easier to carry and store. However, there can be a downside to the lightness, as sometimes lighter steps can be less sturdy and durable. It’s all about finding a balance of the qualities you’re looking for.
Weight capacity
The weight capacity of your step can typically give you some pretty good insight as to its durability and quality. There are many training steps on the market that have an extremely high weight limit of around 550 pounds or higher. However, there are still some that aren’t very supportive in terms of weight. Some lower-quality steps have a weight capacity of around 220 pounds, and customers have complained that the step does not even support that much. The last thing you want is for your training step to buckle under your weight. This is hazardous for both you and your step. If you’re going to spend the money on investing in a training step, make sure it’s one that’s going to give you years of use.
Cost
This goes without saying, but no one wants to spend an arm and a leg on a training step. If you’re new to the world of fitness steps, you may want to start with a more affordable model. If you’re a fitness step pro and you’ve been using them for years, it’s probably safe to say a more expensive model will be worth the money. Additionally, don’t assume that the least expensive is necessary of poor quality. Likewise, don’t assume that the most expensive is top-of-the-line. How much money you’re wanting to spend on your step is really a personal decision, but the majority of the options on our list above are relatively affordable. As with anything in life, striking that balance between price and value is what you should be aiming for.
Warranty
Warranties show that the company is so confident in its product that they’re willing to guarantee its quality for an extended period of time. Many training steps on the market today come with a warranty that covers any quality issues such as broken parts. Other warranties guarantee both quality and results. Chances are you won’t even need to use your warranty, but again, it’s a nice reassurance to have.
Some brands will even offer a life-time guarentee of quality, and this is often a great brand to go with. You can trust that what you are buying is not only going to last for a life of stepping, but that if it doesn’t the company has your back and will cover a new stepping system or repairs for you. It is always reassuring to know that your purchase extends for a lifetime of health.
FAQ
Q: What muscles do steppers tone?
A: Step-ups target the gluteus maximus and the quadriceps muscles in the thighs. The gluteus maximus begins on the pelvis and sacrum. The muscle travels into the back of the thigh. This muscle is responsible for extending the hip joint. There are four quadriceps muscles. These muscles are responsible for extending the knee as well as flexing the hip.
Q: Are there any risks involved with the use of platform steppers?
A: Since the hips are knees are both heavily involved in step-ups, those with severe joint problems should either avoid using step-ups or talk to their doctor about safety measures that can be taken for the exercise. Depending on the severity of your joint issues, you may still be able to use your stepper, but it’s always best to talk to a doctor or other medical professional before beginning any kind of exercise routine.
Also, it’s advised to avoid performing propulsion steps for more than a minute at a time. Propulsion steps are performed when both feet are on the ground or on the platform at the same time. They’re considered high-impact. Additionally, to avoid Achilles tendon injury, make sure that your heel never lands over the edge of the platform. Periodically looking down will help you ensure that your feet are placed properly. Also, there is no need for heavy steps. A soft, lighter step will help avoid unnecessary high impacts.
Q: Can you modify the basic step-up exercise?
A: Yes. You can add intensity to your workout by using dumbbells. Simply hold the dumbbells in your hands, palms facing up, and begin your workout. For best results, you should be holding them down by the sides of the thighs. You can also vary the intensity of your workout by adjusting the height of the step. Additionally, you can vary which muscles are being worked the most by changing your distance from the step. If you start further back, you’re mainly targeting the gluteus maximum. If you start closer to the step, you’re working your quadriceps more. If you’re looking to stretch your quadriceps while using your stepper, simply pull one foot toward your buttock until you feel a stretch in the thigh. Hold and repeat with the other leg.
Q: Is there a proper form that I should use when working out?
A: Yes. Your posture is very important when it comes to using a fitness stepper. Your head should be up, and your shoulders down and back. Make sure that you’re not hyperextending your knees or back at any time. When you step up onto the platform, lean from the ankles rather than the waist. This avoids putting excess strain on the spine. It’s recommended to change the leading foot after about a minute of continuous exercise. This helps even out the amount of musculoskeletal stress that’s being put on your legs.
Q: Are there any additional benefits I can expect from a fitness step?
A: Aside from toning muscles, using a fitness step is a great way to get a cardiovascular workout in. Since these steps are so versatile in terms of height, you can simply adjust your step to be a bit higher for a more intense, cardio-focused workout. Adding weights will also intensify cardio benefits. Versatility is one of the single greatest qualities a piece of fitness equipment can have. Fitness steppers are a great way to tone muscles, burn calories, and stabilize joints.
These steppers are a great addition to any weigh lifting routine. As many of us know, lifting weights is a wonderful way to grow muscles, but cardio always takes it to the next level. Not to mention, having these steppers in your house means that when winter rolls around, you won’t need to brave the cold. That alone, is a huge benefit.
Take a peek at a few of the sources we used:
Sources
- , Step Training Guidelines, International Fitness Website,
- , The Joints and Muscles Used in Step-Ups, International Wellness Website,
- , Steps, Sporting Good Retailer,
- , Step Up Fitness Test, International Wellness Website,
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