Tuesday, June 6th
2023 Stair Climber Reviews
NordicTrack
- Cost: From $2,499 to $3,299
- Foot path can be like a treadmill, elliptical or stepper
- Lots of on-demand and live workouts
- Live incline and resistance control
- 1 model with incline and decline capabilities
- 1 year complimentary iFit membership
- "A+ rated by the BBB
NordicTrack gives you stair steppers with maximum versatility: their two models can be used with a foot path like a treadmill, elliptical, or climber, and one of them even gives you options for decline and incline. You'll also get a 1-year free membership to iFit, with live trainer-led and on-demand workouts to keep you progressing. Although NordicTrack machines have a higher price tag than our top company, they're still one of our favorite choices for stair climbers.
XTERRA
- Cost: $1,099.99
- Unique recumbent stepper design
- Free shipping
- Lifetime frame/brake warranty
XTERRA only carries one style of stair climber, but it's unique: it's seated like a recumbent bike, while incorporating upper body handles like an elliptical machine! This is the perfect option if you need to exercise while sitting down or if you have problems with your knees, back, or balance. XTERRA offers the RSX1500 with free shipping and generous warranty coverage, and we encourage you to give this equipment a look if you need a slightly different approach to stair stepping.
More Stair Climber Reviews
The 8 Best Stair Climbers
Where Can You Buy the Best Stair Climbers?
This essential piece of cardio equipment has been around for almost 40 years. Sometimes referred to as a "stair stepper" , these machines are a refreshing alternative to treadmills and exercise bikes while still delivering an excellent workout. Depending on your current level of fitness, your age and weight, and the resistance level you choose, you could burn a whopping 500 calories in just 30 minutes!
What kind of stair climber or stepper is right for you? There are several equipment styles to choose from. The one you see most often at fitness centers is called a "stairmill" : picture a rotating staircase that you climb almost like an escalator at the mall. The intensity of your workout is determined by the speed you set. These machines tend to be very large and can take up a lot of space in your home, but they offer the advantage of being extremely sturdy and often have a higher user weight capacity than other types of stair climbers.
Stair Climber FAQ
Continued from above...
The stair steppers you'll find most commonly in home use have pedals that you push up and down. As you increase the resistance in the pedals, your workout gets more challenging. There's a lot of variety within this type of stair machine too: you'll see full-body options that make it feel more like mountain climbing or using an elliptical machine, as well as super-compact designs that can be stored under a desk or bed.
Because stair climbers use a different motion pattern than walking or biking, there can be an adjustment period as you get comfortable with your new equipment. You can hang onto the handrails at first, to get your balance and become familiar with the machine, but eventually try to climb without them. You'll get a better workout! Also, remember to push with your whole foot and not just the ball of the foot, unless you want a calf-focused session. Finally, make sure that your shoes are firmly tied: you don't want your laces to get wrapped around the pedals or caught in the stairmill!
Which stair climber is right for you? There are so many options that it might be easy to feel overwhelmed. Keep these criteria in mind as you shop, and you'll soon find the one that's the best fit:
- Price. What's your budget? How much will you pay for your stair stepper and any accessories you might want (like a floor mat to go underneath the machine)? Is delivery included?
- Available Space. Where do you plan on using your stair climber? Do you have enough floor space and ceiling clearance for the machine you're considering?
- Fitness Goals. The more features your stair stepper has, the greater variety you can incorporate into your workout routines. A simple machine is fine if you just need a basic cardio workout, but you should consider equipment with more resistance levels if you're trying to improve your endurance and strength over time.
- Return Policy. If you don't love your stair climber once you get it set up, can you send it back? How long do you have to decide? Is there a restocking fee and/or return shipping costs to consider?
- Reputation. What do people say about the stair climber? Is it durable? Did customers have a good experience with the customer service aspect of their purchase? Has the BBB given the retailer a good rating?
TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the top stair climbers on the market today. We're confident that this information will help you narrow down the options until you find the perfect addition to your home gym!
Compare Stair Climbers
Select any 2 Stair Climbers to compare them head to head
Trending Stair Climber News
Related Stair Climber Reviews
Since you're interested in Stair Climbers, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
