7 Best Aerobic Steppers in 2024

The CDC estimates that over 75% of Americans lack enough physical activity. Most people can’t spare time or money for a gym membership. 

However, these best aerobic steppers let you easily slip cardio workouts into your daily routine. They make a low-priced, high-performing fitness tool. Group step classes may look outdated. But old is gold! You can modify your circuit program from low-impact aerobic exercises to high-intensity resistance training.

Top 7 Best Aerobic Steppers Reviewed

1. Yes4All Aerobic Step Platform – Top Pick
2. Gaiam Essentials Step Deck – Runner-Up
3. BalanceFrom Adjustable Aerobic Stepper – Budget Pick
4. ZENY Step Up Exercise Platform
5. The Step Original Aerobic Platform (Circuit Size)
6. The Step Original Aerobic Platform (Health Club)
7. Tone Fitness Step Platform

Product	Total	Adjustability	Durability	Stability	Portability	Price/ Quality
Yes4All	49.5	10	10	10	10	9.5
Gaiam	49	9.5	9.5	10	10	10
BalanceFrom	48.5	10	9	9.5	10	10
ZENY	47	10	10	9	9	9
Step Circuit Size	46.5	10	9.5	8	9.5	9.5
Step Health Club	45.5	10	9.5	8	9	9
Tone Fitness	45	9.5	8	8	10	9.5

1. Yes4All Aerobic Step Platform – Top Pick

The brand redefined home fitness by shipping compact and lightweight equipment throughout the world. Since 2009, it’s been growing at lightning speed. Amazon features it among the top 12 sporting goods outlets.

• Material: High-density Polyethylene
• Item Weight: 8.6 lbs
• Item Dimensions: 42.5” x 16” x 8”
• Weight Limit: 300 lbs
• Color: Black, Pink, Green, Blue, Yellow, Purple, Teal 
• Features: Adjustable height, Anti-slip surface and feet, 1-year warranty

This aerobic is tough and tacky. So set aside your fear of tipping over amid workouts. Rubber feet are also at ease on your floor. There are two risers, increasing the height from 4” to 6” to 8”. With 300 lb of ultimate capacity and 2-in-1 height adjustment, it’s suitable for a wide range of exercise programs.

You can further expand its versatility by hooking resistance bands or pilates bars. It’ll train your core in dynamic ways. Thankfully, Yes4All sells these variants with small price bumps. You can check them out as well. Lastly, eye-catching color schemes have a big hand in making it the best workout stepper.

2. Gaiam Essentials Step Deck - Runner Up

Gaiam is a minimalist brand. It focuses on low-key fitness and wellness products that quality manufacturers often overlook. From yoga mats to cardio accessories, you're spoiled for choice.

• Material: Plastic
• Item (Package) Weight: 7.2 lbs
• Item Dimensions: 26” x 10.5” x 6”
• Weight Limit: 300 lbs
• Color: Black 
• Features: Adjustable height, Textured surface, Non-skid floor pads

This deck will hardly go unnoticed if you're in the market for a well-built stepper. Its heavy-duty construction is sure to last a long time and provide excellent traction even if you're bare feet. The crisscross texture isn’t abrasive. You can do push-ups and plank step-ups without feeling the surface rough or unnecessarily sharp. 

One-level risers are unique in this model. Yes4All and most other brands rely on HDPE squares. But these also lock securely in place. They'll go underneath the training platform for convenient storage if you're short on space. Due to wider rubber-lined pads, they're more stable on the ground as well. However, 6” is the highest setting. You can’t increase the range of motion later.

Whether beginner or advanced, everyone will benefit from its sturdy and stable performance.

3. BalanceFrom Adjustable Aerobic Stepper - Budget Pick

Started off with a bathroom scale, BalanceForm sells an assortment of fitness gear today. You'll often see its weight plates, squat racks, treadmills, and stepping machines nominated in the budget category.

• Material: Plastic
• Item (Package) Weight: 6.5 lbs
• Item Dimensions: 26.77” x 11.02” x 6”
• Weight Limit: 250 lbs
• Color: Black, Blue, Gray, Yellow, Orange 
• Features: Adjustable height, Textured surface, 2-year warranty

What are the qualities of the best exercise stepper? It has to be durable, adjustable, and somewhat transportable. BalanceFrom checks off all these boxes. 

Although the stepper is lightweight, ABS plastic is known for its resiliency. There are the same round-edged risers as you see in Gaiam Step Deck. They hold up to 250 lbs. But there are many color options to accent the aesthetics of your home. The grooved surface is shock-absorbing. It's pretty rough, which helps counter the impact by stabilizing the grip and relieving joint strain. 

The 2-year manufacturer's warranty is the first reason you might favor this aerobic stepper. But there are more, such as multiple sizes. You can order a mini, medium, or large set. The price, dimensions, and adjustments vary accordingly. For example, the large step is 31" long with up to 8" height.

4. ZENY Step Up Exercise Platform

ZENY Group is a camping gear seller at the core. They're fairly recent and unheard of in fitness spaces. But with the assurance of Amazon, you can bet on this product.

• Material: ABS, Polypropylene Plastic 
• Item Weight: 18 lbs
• Item Dimensions: 43” x 16” x 8”
• Weight Limit: 550 lbs
• Color: Black 
• Features: Adjustable height, Injunction molds, Anti-skid feet

It is a commercial-grade gym stepper made for repeated and rigorous use. The load-bearing capacity of over 500 lbs is astounding. Meanwhile, all levels of gym-goers can perform HIT step workouts with dumbbells or elastic bands.

ZENY has injunction-molded ABS and polymers in a tough shell – easy to relocate, and hard to break. The top seems rubberized, which has a cushioning effect. It's a wise choice for senior therapy or rehab. Still, it's firm and doesn't slide on tiled or hardwood floors. But it'd help if you use a mat. The platform is quite large. And two sets of risers boost the height as well as the difficulty level.

There are shipping and quality control issues. You may not get support beyond the Amazon return window. Make sure to track and check the product at first convenience.

5. The Step Original Aerobic Platform (Circuit Size)

If you’ve ever used a stepper in your local gym or a club, chances are you know the Step Original. It has been manufactured for decades in the US. It'll always have an honorary mention, even when it no longer remains at the top.

• Material: High-density Polyethylene
• Item (Package) Weight: 21 lbs
• Item Dimensions: 29.7” x 15” x 8.6”
• Weight Limit: 400 lbs
• Color: Gray 
• Features: Adjustable height, Compact design, Grooved top

The Circuit Size is suitable for commercial and domestic spaces. It’s long-lasting thanks to the heavy-duty construction. 

Without steppers, it'll withstand 275 lbs. Put on the adjusters, and the capacity drastically rises to 400 lbs. Also, the platform alone isn't as grippy. It slips on wooden floors or those loop-styled carpets. That's why professional trainers insist on using at least one-level riser. Another slip risk is due to shallow groove marks on its surface. No worries with workout shoes, though! The design was last updated in 2010. Its stacks don't give that satisfying click. So double-check before hopping on.

Nonetheless, the Step is still the first choice of gym owners and most fitness enthusiasts. It's because you can buy it with one-level (6") or two-level (8") risers. Since the cost difference is minimal, go with the latter. You can further purchase extra risers to add more challenge to your workout. 

6. The Step Original Aerobic Platform (Health Club)

Step is a part of Escalade Sports. It shares the rank with famous brands. Gorilla and Goliath Basketball, Arachnid Dartboards, Ping-Pong Original, and Lifeline Resistance Kits are a few to name.

• Material: High-density Polyethylene
• Item Weight: 20 lbs
• Item Dimensions: 43” x 16.5” x 8”
• Weight Limit: 500 lbs
• Color: Gray
• Features: Adjustable height, Premium cushion top, Workout DVD

This is the full-sized health club version of the Step Original. It has a 43” long and 16” wide cushy pad. You can do step-ups, push-ups, and bench exercises. It’s a perfect step bench to put chest presses in your training mix. It’ll support your back from neck to tailbone. 

Commercial facilities choose it over circuit size in order to multiply workout variety, even if it sacrifices storage and portability. Stashing on a dozen risers allows all members to customize the difficulty and intensity of their exercises. Seniors stick to the basic height, while some may need a foot-high platform for adequate calorie burn. Moreover, the weight limit of the platform and attachments has been increased by 100 lbs.

However, it demands a lot of space and budget. Domestic users should weigh the requirements before making up their minds about which size to pick. Nonetheless, slip risks are still there. And safety precautions are warranted.

7. Tone Fitness Step Platform

You might've heard of CAP Barbell in weight training. Tone Fitness is the same company's wing for cardio training. The brand's mission is to make home workouts accessible and affordable for everyone.

• Material: Plastic
• Item Weight: 5.25 lbs
• Item Dimensions: 26.77” x 11.02” x 3.94”
• Weight Limit: 250 lbs
• Color: Black, Blue, Purple, Yellow
• Features: Adjustable height, Anti-slip surface, Workout chart

If you browse for aerobic exercise instruments, hardly will anyone offer you as many choices as Tone Fitness. Have a look at its step platform, supplemented with over 20000 global ratings and Amazon Prime shipping.

It’s made of ABS plastic in a lightweight and portable configuration. The diamond texture is grooved on top with one-level adjusters. You can increase the height to 6" tops. When additional risers are not used, slide them under the stepper for easy storage and stability. You'll see multiple molds underneath. But there isn't much material. So, fitting risers gives peace of mind. We won't recommend it for intensive programs that involve a lot of jumping or weights. For the price, it's one of the best choices for people seeking a light activity.

There is a workout chart included for beginners. The manufacturer gives a one-month limited warranty against defects. But you won’t be using it anyway.

What Are the Benefits of Using Aerobic Steppers?

A step-up exercise platform is multifunctional, accommodating low-impact aerobic and high-intensity strength exercises without altering the setup. 

You can step your way to a healthier lifestyle with cardiovascular fitness, improved muscular endurance, elevated mood, and better sports performance. Then, there are an array of practical and social benefits.

Let’s rewind for a moment. And break down the benefits of fitness steps one by one.

✅ Cardiovascular Exercises

Cardio or aerobic exercises carry a rhythm that gradually ups your heart rate, blood flow, and breathing. You burn calories and get in shape. Most people do it for weight loss or general fitness. However, the benefits of cardio extend far beyond that.

Cardio capacity varies with each individual, depending on gender, genetics, and age. Regardless, step aerobics will be advantageous for everyone. They’ll improve your stamina, bone density, and immunity against heart diseases.

✅ Low Impact

Knee problems are common in people with a sports background, arthritis, or osteoporosis. Step exercises are one of the best ways to strengthen your knees and joints without exacerbating the pain. Research has also shown they reduce depression, fatigue, and anger in participants.

The key characteristic that sets step aerobics apart from running or biking is they are low impact. You don’t have to navigate winding tracks, dangerous stairs, or moving pedals. It also makes them helpful for seniors and rehab treatments. However, consult your doctor in any special case.

✅ Strength Training

Reading so far may give you the impression that steppers belong to a has-been arsenal. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Steps work up your lower body from calf muscles to the glutes and core. 

You can add dumbbells or resistance bands for strength training. You can also use your full-sized stepper as a weight bench. For example, it'll give more range of motion when doing chest presses. You can use the step for various arm and leg workouts. Combining cardio and weight training enhances cross-training gains.

✅ Balance and Mobility

You can modify your regimen to fit some balance and mobility moves. They improve muscle coordination, flexibility, and agility. Where athletes excel at sports performance, aged people find their base stable enough to carry heavy items, make quick turns, and climb stairs without inconvenience.

You can use a gym stepper as a plyo box to include explosive jumps, squats, and lunges in your routine. Plyometric workouts train fast-twitch muscles, helping you with stretching and contracting muscles. They yield better results during basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, etc. However, they’re high-impact.

On the other hand, isometric workouts are also possible with aerobic steppers. They put no additional stress on joints yet boost strength, stabilization, and safety.

What to Look For in Aerobic Steppers?

Appearances can be deceiving. And it’s true in the case of a step box. The seemingly straightforward piece of equipment isn’t free of bells and whistles.

Here are the five features to look out for. Do it right, and bring the best aerobic stepper home to get your heart pumping.

1. Adjustability

Shortlist steppers with height adjustment when setting up a home gym or commercial space. It’ll come in handy when used for multiple exercises or by more than one person.

Most gym steppers come with one to three sets of risers. Each level accounts for 2". And the platform itself is 4" high. So, you can customize it for 6" to 8" to 10” and onwards. Instead of plugging a set, stack up on one side to convert the stepper into an incline bench. However, you must have a high-quality piece for safety considerations.

2. Durability

Since you're going to step up and down, at the very least, check out the platform's durability. Cheaper steppers sink and shake under heavy weight. You can avoid this problem by investing in one with a bigger capacity. For example, The OG Step's Health Club variant supports up to 500 lb of load. That’s impressive!

Don’t use weight as a single parameter. ABS and PVC plastic are robust but lightweight. High-density polymers – such as polyethylene, polyurethane, and polypropylene – make for the most durable specimens out there.

3. Stability

For a safe and healthy experience, the bench doesn't only have to be durable, but stable as well. So you don't slip or tip over. It's more important if you're purchasing it for an elderly or injured person to get off the bed or threshold!

Three things are essential for a stepper to remain firmly planted on the floor. First, an anti-slip surface. Secondly, anti-skid feet. Manufacturers achieve it with different grooves and patterns on top, with rubber pads below. 

Lastly, you must factor in the length of the stepper. Circuit size has its upsides. But 43” x 16” health club steppers efficiently cover your wider stances and slight mistakes during the workout. 

4. Portability

Step platforms aren't as challenging to move around or stash away as a weight bench. Thus, no need for handles, wheels, or foldable frames! Nevertheless, larger stepping machines with pedals and stair climbing motion do have those features.

You might settle on a circuit-sized stepper if you have a small space. Gaiam Essentials, BalanceFrom, and Tone Fitness have high-value options. They're also cheaper and lighter. Not to say that full-sized step benches will be a bulky eyesore for your apartment. You can slide it under your bed or a cupboard.

5. Price/Quality

Last but not the least, price is a significant determinant. Aerobic steppers are a low-investment gadget. You can have the best one for under $100. Too much? Half or even a quarter of that budget will be sufficient.

Therefore, don’t skimp unnecessarily. And go for a reliable product by a reputable brand. Browse through user feedback to figure that out. See if there's a warranty. You won't usually return the product since shipping may cost more. But it's a sign of goodwill. The lack of warranty tells more about customer service than its availability.

How to Use Aerobic Steppers Right?

1. Prepare

Put on a pair of training shoes to minimize slip risks and shocks. Get a mat so that the stepper doesn't slide. Or make sure the surface is even.

2. Adjust

The platform is mostly customizable. The ideal height is 4-12 inches, depending on your fitness level and targeted exercise. The knee shouldn’t flex beyond 90-degree during the movement.

3. Posture

Don't leave your abs and glutes out of the exercise. Keep your head and chest high, muscles relaxed, and butts tucked under the hip. Don't hyperextend your back or knees. Dictate the landing through the ankles instead of the waist. 

4. Step up, Step down

The entire sole of your foot should rest on the platform. Don't hit the edges to avoid Achilles tendon injury. Step down close to the platform. Allow heels to touch the floor and absorb shock. If you're placing feet at a distance, keep the weight on the forefoot.

5. Repetition

You’ll be leading the movement with one leg more than once. Change the footwork within one minute. If you’re doing plyo jumps where both feet are in the air, step each foot down one by one. Keep the propulsion on the platform.

6. Arm Movement

Once comfortable with the basic step-ups, you can add arm movements to increase the difficulty. But avoid staying on high-range arm movements consistently during the workout.

7. Weights and Bands

The next stage to challenge your aerobic capacity is incorporating ankle weights, dumbbells, or resistance bands in simple movements. High tempo and ragged breath are fine. But none of them are supposed to hurt.

8. Music

Your favorite beat on repeat enables you to stay in rhythm. But don’t listen too loud. Research studies have concluded most effects are psychological. To sum up, 85 dB and 128 bpm is the safe range of music.

9. Meal and Hydration

Make time for the workout between two meals. You must have taken your diet and plenty of water before turning up to step aerobics. Exercise is the half battle; the rest belongs to nutrition and sleep.

10. Expert Opinion

If you have joint pain or some medical condition, don't rely on your instincts only. Get your exercise program approved by a physician.

FAQ

Are Aerobic Steppers Effective?

Step aerobics is 100% effective. Whether you have a trimmed waistline or a ripped body as a dream shape, an aerobic stepper is there to help you. It's a multifunctional piece of fitness equipment, accommodating various exercises from cardio-resistance training to balance and mobility. 

Is Step Aerobics Better Than Walking?

You can burn more calories doing step aerobics than walking. It’s because you can add high-impact, high-intensity elements to your step program.

In fact, there's been research on the step aerobics vs. walking debate. It found that obese women in step groups were better at calorie burn. 

Can You Lose Weight With An Aerobic Stepper?

Yep, cardio exercises burn calories. If you burn more calories than you consume, weight loss is within your reach. Step aerobics is a classic that you can trust. Harvard Health Publication names it among the top aerobic exercises. However, you'll need a proper diet plan as well as a workout routine.

Conclusion

Aerobic steppers are the first and only fitness tool you might need to pursue a healthy life. You can do light to moderate to vigorous exercises for cardio, strength, and balance.

We've picked the Yes4All Aerobic Platform as the ultimate choice for all age groups and fitness levels. What is your favorite cardio exercise? Will you use a stepper or let it pass? Share your thoughts with us all! 

Also read:

• Best Ab Mat
• Exercise Foot Sliders
• Best Slimming Belt For Weight Loss
• Best Workout Towel
• Best Plyometric Box
• Push Up Bars Benefits
• Suspension Training Straps
• Best Gym Water Bottle
• How Does a Vibration Plate Work

References:

1. Exercise or Physical Activity // CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/exercise.htm
2. The (Many) Benefits of a Cardio Workout // Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-many-benefits-of-a-cardio-workout/
3. Exercise and the Cardiovascular System // EPI: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.305205
4. How to strengthen your knee // Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325804
5. Effect of exercise intensity on mood in step aerobics // National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9407751/
6. Combining Strength Training and Cardio May Help You Live a Longer, Healthier Life // Health: https://www.health.com/combining-strength-training-cardio-longevity-6748178
7. Why Balance and Flexibility Training Are Essential to Balanced Fitness – Part 2 // BioStrap: https://biostrap.com/academy/why-balance-and-flexibility-training-are-essential-to-balanced-fitness-part-2/#Benefits_of_Balance_Mobility_Training
8. Brief Review: Effects of Isometric Strength Training on Strength and Dynamic Performance // National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30943568/
9. In dubio pro silentio – Even Loud Music Does Not Facilitate Strenuous Ergometer Exercise // National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5949574/
10. The 4 most important types of exercise // Harvard Medical School: https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/the-4-most-important-types-of-exercise