Saturday, January 18th
2025 Stair Climber Reviews
Sunny
- Smart Stair Stepper Machine: $149.99
- Fitness Stepper Machine: $109.99
- Quite compact
- Allows for side-to-side action
- Sturdy handlebar
- Free, SunnyFit app for classes
Sunny believes there's a fit for everyone. Regardless of your current level of fitness, your age, how much time you have to exercise, how large or small your space for a workout machine, and how large or small your budget, Sunny is looking out for you and your physical health needs. With two stair stepper machines at under $200, which take a very small footprint in the home, you really can't go wrong with Sunny.
Adjustable handlebar
Raise or lower the handlebar so you get a good, comfortable, sturdy grip and fit during your workout.
Free workout classes
Download the SunnyFit app or watch their workouts online via their website or their YouTube channel. It's a huge bonus to know that you don't have to pay extra for Sunny's stair stepper classes.
Manually adjust resistance and stepping height
There's a rotating knob to adjust stepping height. The higher the step, the more resistance is generated. Choose shorter steps and speed up your pace for higher intensity, shallower steps.
There's a little "twist”
When you step, your foot doesn't just raise and lower in place, there's a bit of a twisting motion to work more muscles, but not enough of a twist to throw you off balance, even with an intense workout.
You don't need to be near an outlet
Since there are no electrical parts, you don't need to plug in the machine. The equipment is hydraulic tension, meaning your weight and exertion run the stepper.
User weight maxes out at 250#
If you weigh less than 250 pounds, you should feel comfortable on this stepper. If you or anyone in your family who may use the equipment weighs more than 250 pounds, we do have sturdier stair climber brands on our list we can recommend.
Best for shorter-period workouts
Sunny suggests that you don't use their equipment for more than 15 minutes at a time because the hydraulic cylinder may overheat and get damaged.
Track your progress
The digital monitor tracks calorie count, current step count, and total step count. With the scan mode, you can see all the stats continuously repeated throughout the workout. It's a simple and basic monitor, tracking only the present-time info.
How will you watch your SunnyFit classes?
There's no screen or monitor included with the Sunny steppers, so you might prefer to have the stepper in a room with a TV or monitor. On the Classic model, there isn't anything Sunny provides to hold your phone or tablet so you're not able to watch classes on the Classic. The Smart model has a phone holder and the stepper machine can connect to the SunnyFit app.
Sunny doesn't take up much room, and it's light
In comparison with other stair climbers, Sunny takes up half the floor space or less. When it's assembled, Sunny's Smart Stair Stepper Machine is about 19” wide, 28” long, and 56” high. The Classic model is slightly smaller. Even if you have lower ceilings, you should be able to use the Sunny stair stepper with no problem. It's the lightest stepper we've reviewed at a "whopping” 27.6 pounds. It should be quite easy to move from room to room if you want to work out in different areas of your home.
Brief warranty period
There's a 180-day warranty on parts and a 1-year warranty on the frame. This is a pretty brief warranty, but it's also a pretty "simple” machine. We think that given the machine's features, it's a pretty fair warranty for this equipment.
Customers love the convenience
Those who have used the Sunny Stepper Machines love that it's great for small spaces, doesn't take up much room, and doesn't weigh a lot. They get a good range of motion, and they like the price.
Our fave for compact models, but not our favorite overall
If you want to have a stair climber at home but aren't committed to high-priced, larger-footprint home gym equipment, look no further than Sunny. Their compact stair steppers have an adjustable handlebar and different resistance levels for varied-intensity workouts. Sunny's workout videos are always free, so you make no additional financial commitment. We'd say that the Sunny stair stepper models are more for the beginner to cardio exercise or someone who wants to add extra movement at home. If you'd rather purchase a stair climber that looks more like one you'd find at your gym, one that can handle more than a 15-minute workout, or you're more seriously into your workouts, look to the other brands in our review.
More Stair Climber Reviews
The 9 Best Stair Climbers
Where Can You Find the Best Stair Climbers?
Stair climbers, often known as "stair steppers,” have been around fitness centers for about 40 years. They're a refreshing change to the treadmill and exercise bike, and offer an intense workout. Depending on factors such as your fitness level, age, weight, and chosen resistance level, you could burn an impressive 500 calories in about half an hour on a stair climber.
There are a variety of reasons why stair climbers are so popular. For example, stair climbers are renowned for their effectiveness in calorie burning and weight loss. The rhythmic movement engages major muscle groups such as the legs, glutes, and core, leading to an efficient way to burn calories. This makes stair climbing an attractive option for individuals aiming to shed excess weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Stair Climber FAQ
Continued from above...
Another reason why stair climbers are popular is their efficiency in providing a cardiovascular workout. The repetitive motion of climbing stairs elevates the heart rate, enhancing blood circulation and promoting cardiovascular fitness. This aerobic exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and lungs, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and improving overall endurance. Stair climbers offer an alternative to high-impact cardiovascular activities like running, making them accessible to a broader demographic, including individuals with joint issues or those seeking a gentler form of exercise.
The low-impact nature of stair climbing is another key factor contributing to its popularity. Unlike high-impact exercises that can put stress on the joints and increase the risk of injury, stair climbing provides a challenging workout with minimal impact. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals with joint concerns, older adults, or those recovering from injuries who still want to engage in effective exercise without compromising their joint health.
Are you wondering which stair climber or stepper suits you best? There are a few styles available. There's a "stair mill” where you literally climb stairs that resemble a rotating staircase like an escalator at the mall. The intensity of the workout is determined by the speed you choose. These machines are the heaviest yet sturdiest of the stair climbers, and although they can take up more space in your room, they offer pretty intense workouts, just like the stair climbers in the gym.
Another form is the stair stepper. You'll push up and down against foot pedals, and the workout intensifies when you increase the resistance. Some of this type have handles so you can work your arms and upper body as well.
A third type to consider, especially if you have shorter ceilings in your home, is the recumbent, or seated stair stepper. You'll get your great full-body stepper workout, but your head won't approach the ceiling since you're seated.
Which stair climber is the right one for you? Since there are many options to consider, it can feel overwhelming. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you begin to shop. Before you know it, you'll find the stair climber that's best not only for you, but for the space in your home.
- Price. How much are you willing to spend for the stair stepper and any accessories such as the console for tracking your fitness and viewing any classes, or the floor mat to go underneath the machine? Also consider any apps for online subscriptions for classes to participate in while you're working on your step climber. And are the apps free or will you pay a monthly subscription for stepper classes?
- Available space. Where do you plan to place your stair climber? The traditional gym-like machinery will take up more floor space and require a higher ceiling. The stepper versions take up the least amount of floor space. The recumbent style isn't affected by the ceiling space, or lack thereof.
- Fitness goals. Consider if you are new to stair climbing or if you're the gym rat who wants to bring that intensity home. Certain stair climbers are ready for the challenge, and others are built more for a light workout only.
- Return policy. What if the machine doesn't fit in your space, if it's too noisy, or you just don't like it? Check to see if there's a satisfaction guarantee. If so, are you responsible for return shipping? And is there a restocking fee? If so, how much would you actually get back if you returned it?
- Reputation. What do users say about the stair climber? Is it durable? Was it easy to assemble? Are they still motivated to use it, even months later? If they interacted with customer service, was the department helpful?
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the top stair climbers on the market today. We're confident that this information will help you to narrow down the options so you can find the perfect stair climber for your home gym and your stair climbing workout.
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