Stair Stepper Information

Experts say that sales of stair steppers have slipped with the advent of elliptical trainers. Elliptical machines offer many of the benefits of a stepper with less joint stress. See our separate report on elliptical trainers for options.

Treadmills continue to be the best-selling home fitness equipment, far outpacing sales of steppers, ellipticals and exercise bikes combined. We also have a separate report on treadmills, which are available in a wide range of prices.

We found the following websites helpful when evaluating stair steppers:

The American College of Sports Medicine has a helpful PDF brochure called "Selecting and Effectively Using a Stair Stepper/Stair Climber."

Dr. Paul D. Zawatsky of the Hughston Health Alert has written a short report on proper form while using a stair stepper, "Stair Machines: Climbing to Peak Fitness."

Joe Rivera, eHow.com's sports and fitness expert, has written a useful article called "How to Get Fit With a Stair-Stepper."

"Stair Steppers: How They Help and What to Look For" is a short buyer's guide for steppers designed for pregnant women.

Personal trainer Douglas Brooks has written a guide to steppers.

Manufacturers' websites are a good source of information and product specifications:

Brookstone

Icon Fitness (ProForm and NordicTrack)

Kettler

Nautilus (distributes StairMaster and Bowflex)

Phoenix

Stamina

Tony Little

Wave Fitness