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The Best Aerobic Steppers for Intensified Cardio Sessions

Elevate your training potential with these helpful, cost-effective workout accessories.

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By Ben Emminger

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Aerobic steppers may seem like long-forgotten accessories from vintage workout classes, but don’t think this simple tool has lost its strength in today’s fitness realm. These lightweight, cost-effective platforms can be perfect for budding home gym enthusiasts looking to step up their cardio training and more.

Need a way to boost your calorie-burning circuits? Need an elevated surface for jump squats, lunges and other dynamic exercises? Consider adding an aerobic stepper to your home gym arsenal.

Products in the Guide

While some steppers still have that timeless aerobics studio aesthetic, other brands have brought new levels of adjustability, sturdiness and more. Even more importantly, there are few profiles out there that truly break the bank, giving the segment a great sense of approachability as well. But alas, the question remains — which aerobic stepper can best elevate your training?

How We Tested

collage of aerobic steppersBen Emminger

I’ve had the opportunity to stand atop and train with a handful of the steppers in this roundup, taking note of each profile’s sturdiness and durability. I also looked at whether the silhouettes were adjustable in height, either via quick toggles across the silhouette itself or through additional components sold separately. Lastly, I wore multiple gym shoes when training atop these platforms to test how tacky and supportive the landing surfaces were when just starting out as well as once the sweat began to pool.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

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Best Overall Aerobic Stepper

Pros

  • Visual targets across the multi-textured surface for improved form

Cons

  • Adjustable feet can be finicky, especially during initial workouts
  • Dimensions: 40.16″ L x 15.16″ W x 9.84″ H
  • Weight Capacity: 264 pounds

This iconic piece of Reebok fitness equipment first hit studios in 1989, and I’m happy to say its performance lives on in this latest iteration. The Reebok Step boasts adjustable steps that can take your platform to heights of 5.9 inches, 7.8 inches and 9.8 inches. Just be sure to give them a little love upon first adjustments; I found these hard plastic steps can be finicky and tough to toggle immediately out of the box.

At the landing space of this quality aerobic stepper sits a multi-textured surface for boosted traction throughout your training. There are even visual targets strewn across the platform to help you maintain your form and step positioning throughout a workout. Whether looking for a quick solution for more intense cardio or a sturdy base for elevated strength training, it’s tough to beat this well-built platform from Reebok.

Best Upgrade Aerobic Stepper

Pros

  • High-quality construction that's sure to last

Cons

  • Multiple components aren't the easiest to store
  • Dimensions: 43″ L x 16″ W x 10″ H
  • Weight Capacity: 350 pounds

At 43 inches long and 16 inches wide, this sturdy health club-oriented platform is perfect for upgrading your home gym. The Step Original Aerobic Platform is one of the sturdiest, most customizable silhouettes in this guide, too, thanks to the near-endless amount of risers you can add to your setup. I prefer the 6-riser kit from the start, as it grants you the ability to achieve heights of 4, 6 and 10 inches during training.

Unfortunately, all these risers and platforms can make for cumbersome storage, especially if you continue to add attachments to your setup. Yes, all the components neatly stack atop one another, but you could end up sacrificing more gym floor than necessary in the long run. I recommend this Step profile for athletes that already have a dedicated training space, or those that don’t need to keep their workout essentials tucked away when not in use.

Best Budget Aerobic Stepper

Pros

  • Risers are quick to adjust across 4

Cons

  • Thinner ABS plastic is not the most durable material in this roundup
  • Dimensions: ‎26.77″ L x 11.02″ W x 6″ H
  • Weight Capacity: Not listed

You can pick up this BalanceFrom aerobic stepper with ease — both due to its lightweight makeup and very approachable price point. I also appreciate this profile thanks to its adjustable risers that take your platform from 4 to 6 inches in a hurry, and all components can be stored neatly within the profile.

There’s also a grippy non-slip texture across the top of this aerobic stepper, but I do wish this surface would have a little more grit to help defend against any errant sweat beads. Additionally, while there’s no weight rating for this aerobic stepper, I foresee durability being an issue down the road due to its thinner ABS plastic composition. If you’d like to test-run a platform-based workout, this could be a viable option for your needs, but I would suspect some replacement purchases down the road if you put this profile under extended wear and tear.

Most Versatile Aerobic Stepper

Pros

  • Multiple adjustment points allow for benched workouts and aerobic sessions alike

Cons

  • Heavy composition, while stable, can be difficult to maneuver across a training space
  • Dimensions: 48″ L x 13.4″ W x 14″ H
  • Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

This impressive profile from Yes4All is multifaceted enough to support your strength training regimens thanks to its heightened bench silhouette. I also enjoy the incline and decline adjustment options that give your potential dumbbell exercises an added zest of variety, too, all while still being able to quickly transform down to an 8-inch platform for aerobic circuits.

This Multifunctional Aerobic Deck also boasts a grippy non-skid texture for boosted security during training, and the interior doubles as a storage solution for lighter equipment like resistance bands or other small must-haves. Be mindful, though, that this transformative structure is a little on the heavy side compared to other aerobic steppers; at over 32 pounds unloaded, it can be a workout in itself to tote this structure from one room to the next.

Best Single-Step Aerobic Stepper

Pros

  • Platform and risers fit perfectly atop one another for a sturdy, secure profile

Cons

  • Not wide enough for two-footed exercises
  • Dimensions: 16” L X 16” W X 12” H
  • Weight Capacity: 275 pounds

If you don’t need the full platform of a traditional aerobic stepper or want to save space across your training setup, consider this single-step silhouette from The Step. The square design offers a large platform for single-step training, and I also appreciate how sturdy the profile is given the great connection between the top platform and bottom risers. This setup can also provide unique challenges in terms of height, with the kit able to reach up to 12 inches for a more intense step-up.

Naturally, though, this compact profile has its limits, namely that there’s too little surface area to promote two-legged exercise. Thankfully, though, this can be a great addition to your other silhouettes from The Step, since the risers are universal. It could be worthwhile to purchase a two-legged and single-legged profile at the ready, depending on your training goals and aspirations.

Best Aerobic Stepper for Traction

Pros

  • Non-slip surface provides some of the best grip during training

Cons

  • Shorter length than other steppers in this roundup
  • Dimensions: 42.5” L x 16” W x 8” H
  • Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Don’t worry about losing your footing with this impressive silhouette from Yes4All. Thanks to its tacky non-slip surface, I never fear about tipping over or compromising my grip when working out atop this profile. Plus, the riser-style adjustments make switching between heights a breeze, and additional risers are available in case you want to really elevate your training.

I do wish, however, that this Yes4All aerobic stepper were longer to help facilitate a wider stance in certain exercises. At less than 43 inches, it’s definitely on the shorter side, so I wouldn’t recommend this for any wide-legged poses or sumo-style setups. If you’re taking a normal athletic positioning atop this rig, though, there’s no doubt about the traction you’ll experience underfoot.

Why Use an Aerobic Stepper?

While aerobic steppers are primarily used for, well, aerobic exercises, these platforms are more multifunctional than you may think. Yes, the raised setup can be great for more intense, heart-pumping circuits throughout your cardio regimens, but the elevated profiles can also be excellent for resistance or strength-oriented workouts, too. Simply add in a set of dumbbells or a kettlebell and you’ve got a scenario ripe with lower-body potential. Additionally, regimented, rhythmic steps up onto the elevated surface can be great for bulletproofing your knees through low-impact exercise.

How to Choose an Aerobic Stepper

Dimensions

When thinking of your stepper’s dimensions, you should really be looking at its height and length. Depending on your training discipline, you may need to take wide, two-footed stances atop your platform, so be sure to find a profile that’s long enough to house your frame without much issue. Additionally, you don’t want to purchase a stepper that’s too high for your needs. Look for a silhouette that’s high enough to pose a challenge yet is still achievable in the throws of a workout.

Adjustability

Adjustable aerobic steppers can be excellent for versatility’s sake, as the interchangeable heights can pose more or less of. Challenge depending on your daily goals. Plus, adjustable aerobic steppers oftentimes offer a more compact storage profile, which can be a plus for keeping your workout essentials tucked away more neatly when not in use. There’s no hard-and-fast rule about how many adjustment options are a must, though, so be sure to find a profile that’s versatile enough for your personal goals.

Slip Resistance

You’re going to be stepping quickly through your workouts, and that intensity can lead to some particularly sweaty conditions. To help ensure each step is true and secure, be sure to look for an aerobic stepper with either a rubberized or textured platform to help improve traction and grip. This can help keep your feet from sliding around mid-training and also helps defend against any pooling moisture during your workouts.

Additionally, “slip resistance” applies to your stepper’s relationship with your home gym flooring, too. Look for profiles with grippy, sturdy traction at the footing, as this can go a long way in keeping your silhouette in-place during your sessions. Tackier feet can also be great for preventing scratches across your floors.

Sturdiness

Lastly, your aerobic stepper should be solid and without wobble, especially when supporting your bodyweight during a workout. Be sure to opt for a stepper profile constructed from a worthwhile hard plastic or lightweight material that’s capable of holding your weight and more. Flimsier aerobic steppers can be cheap and affordable but may be prone to durability issues down the road.

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