Using the handles on a step machine can provide additional support and engage more muscles during your workout. Here is how to use them effectively:
- Positioning: Stand facing the step machine with your feet placed firmly on the pedals. Maintain a comfortable and balanced stance.
- Grip: Reach out to the handles, ensuring a firm but relaxed grip. Some step machines have stationary handles, while others may have rotating ones. Adjust your grip accordingly.
- Posture: Stand tall with your shoulders relaxed, avoiding excessive leaning or hunching. Engage your core muscles to maintain stability throughout your workout.
- Assistance: If you're new to the machine or prefer additional support, lightly hold onto the handles while stepping up and down. They will help you maintain balance and stability.
- Arm movements: To engage your upper body and burn extra calories, consider incorporating arm movements. If the handles rotate, alternate swinging your arms with each step, similar to a natural walking or running motion.
- Avoid excessive reliance: While the handles can provide support, try not to rely heavily on them. The primary target of a step machine workout is your lower body, particularly your legs and glutes. Allow your lower body to bear the majority of the workload.
- Intensity adjustment: If your step machine offers resistance settings, use them to customize the intensity of your workout. Increase the resistance gradually as you become more comfortable and stronger, making your muscles work harder.
- Safety precautions: Remember to exercise caution and maintain a slow and controlled pace. Sudden jerky movements or excessive reliance on the handles may lead to accidents or strain on your joints.
By utilizing the handles on a step machine appropriately, you can enhance your workout by engaging additional muscles and ensuring stability, leading to a more effective and efficient exercise session.
Best Step Machines of May 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
Sportsroyals Stair Stepper for Exercises-Twist Stepper with Resistance Bands and 330lbs Weight Capacity
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【Twist Stepper with Resistance Bands】Twist action helps you tone thighs and buttocks, while achieving a challenging cardiovascular workout. Resistance Bands work arms, chest, back, and shoulders for total body workout. Perfect for weight-loss, body-shape,and daily exercise.
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【Hydraulic Drive System】European standard hydraulic cylinder strengthen on the stair stepping fitness machine let you enjoy your stair stepping fitness in a quiet environment without disturbing others. The internal super-energy spring that protects the joints and provides a good cushioning effect. Pay attention that the hydraulic tube need rest after 20-minutes exercises.
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【Oversized Pedals】Our mini stair steppers use oversized pedals with silicone anti-skid pad as well as the skid-resistant floor protectors to keep your balance when you exercise. Rubber shock-absorb cushions keep mini step machine quite.
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【LED Monitor】The LED monitor on the mini stepper can clearly record exercise time, count, calories burned total count,and distance in mile. The screen on the monitor is twice as big as that of other fitness stepper exercises equipments. It is convenient for you to know your exercise situation and make your next exercise plan.
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【Fully assembled】This portable stair stepper is fully assembled and space-saving. It only takes 0.23 SquareMeters of space. No worry, we provide lifetime customer service and support!
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Sunny Health & Fitness Twist Stair Stepper Machine with Handlebar – SF-S020027 Silver
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【LOW-IMPACT】The Twist Stair Stepper low-impact workout experience, allowing users to tailor intensity levels, engage in effective cardio, target leg muscles, incorporate interval training.
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【TWISTING STEPS】The lateral side-to-side action imparts a fluid step motion, engaging different muscles compared to conventional step machines, providing a comprehensive and dynamic workout experience.
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【STURDY HANDLEBAR SUPPORT】The sturdy handlebar provides essential support and balance, allowing users to maintain proper posture and stability during their workouts, ensuring a safe and effective exercise experience.
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【LCD MONITOR WITH COMPREHENSIVE METRICS】The integrated LCD monitor displays essential metrics including calories burned, step count, scan function, and total count, offering users real-time feedback on their progress.
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【QUIET AND SMOOTH】Equipped with quiet and smooth hydraulics, ensuring a noise-free and seamless workout experience. This feature allows users to exercise without disturbing others, making it ideal for home use and distraction-free workouts.
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【HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT & CUSTOMIZED INTENSITY】The Stepper offers adjustable step height, allowing users to customize the intensity of their workouts. By altering the step height, individuals can tailor the resistance levels to match their fitness goals.
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
KitGody Mini Steppers for Exercise, Stair Stepper 330 lb Capacity, Workout Stepper Machine for Exercise at Home, Step Machine with Resistance Bands, Piano Black
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✅【What can you achieve?】Through scientific training with the use of mini stepper with resistance bands, you can better, effectively, and scientifically exercise all muscle groups in your body, BURN FAT, shape your body, effectively target areas such as your CALVES, THIGHS, GLUTES, ABDOMEN, BACK, ARMS, SHOULDERS, etc. It helps you maintain the physique you desire, be more confident and healthy, while also protect your knee joints.
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⚙️【Dual Hydraulic Drive System】 KitGody stepper is built with high-quality 2MM thick steel and advanced hydraulic system which provides balance and can withstand a weight of 330 lbs.
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⏱️【Track Your Progress】 The smart LED digital monitor can clearly accurately record the number of steps, exercise time and calories. Make your exercise more scientific, reasonable, and effective.
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🔇【Super Quiet Design】 The bottom of the workout stepper is equipped with a 3D shock-absorbing pad. During exercise, it operates at a decibel level of 43 dB, ensuring a quiet workout that does not disturb other people.
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Mini Steppers for Exercise at Home, Stair Steppers Machine with 330LBS Weight Limit Dual Hydraulic Stepper, Portable Home Exercise Equipment with Real-Time Data Monitor, Resistance Bands
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Mini Steppers for Exercise at Home, Stair Steppers Machine with 330LBS Weight Limit Dual Hydraulic Stepper, Portable Home Exercise Equipment with Real-Time Data Monitor, Resistance Bands
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Niceday Steppers for Exercise, Stair Stepper with Resistance Bands, Mini Stepper with 300LBS Loading Capacity, Hydraulic Fitness Stepper with LCD Monitor
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【Easiest Fitness Equipment】The Niceday stepper accelerates the fat burning of the buttocks and legs through continuous stepping. Persistent use can quickly reduce the lower limbs' fat and enhance muscle strength, achieving the goal of lifting buttocks and thinning legs.
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【100% pre-assembled】 The Niceday stepper is ready to use right out of the box. The compact size fits in any limited space, so you can start stepping anywhere. It is an enjoyable workout no matter stepping while watching TV or doing leg training beside a standing office desk.
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【Absolute Stability & 300LBS Loading Capacity】The loading structure of the Niceday stepper is made of 1.5MM thick commercial steel, which ensures absolute stability and 300LBS loading capacity.
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【Dramatically Fat Burning】Niceday stepper's resistance comes from the smoother & quieter hydraulic system. The dual hydraulic cylinder design ensures stability while dramatically increasing resistance and fat-burning volume.
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【High Aerobic Exercise】Niceday stepper will maintain high resistance for 30 minutes in each exercise cycle to help you burn fat quickly. The resistance will gradually decrease after 30 minutes to help you keep in the aerobic state and achieve the best exercise effect.
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【Whole Body Exercise】The Niceday Stepper contains two high elastic resistance bands. You can perform upper body exercises while stepping to achieve the goal of the whole body burning fat and sculpting.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Stepper for Exercise Low-Impact Stair Step Cardio Equipment with Resistance Bands, Digital Monitor, Optional Twist Motion Stepper , Black
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【ORIGINAL STEPPER】 With a legacy of over 20k+ 5-star reviews, this is the perfect portable stair step machine. With its sleek and compact form, you can achieve your cardio goals anywhere, whether you're watching TV or working at your standing desk.
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【 FULL BODY WORKOUT 】Dive into a holistic fitness routine! Engage your core, glutes, arms, and shoulders with this compact low-impact cardio training equipment. The included resistance bands ensure every part of your body gets a workout.
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【 TRACK YOUR FITNESS 】 Stay informed with the LCD monitor, tracking steps, time, and calories burned. Shape your exercise regime to be more effective and aligned with your goals.
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【 RESISTANCE BANDS 】 Boost your workout with 2 removable resistance bands. Target over 20 core muscles, enhancing toning for your chest, back, and shoulders, all while engaging in a low-impact aerobics routine.
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Sunny Health & Fitness Total Body 2-in-1 Stepper Machine, Total Body Workout, Adjustable Hydraulic, LCD Monitor, Resistance Bands, Non-Slip Pedals - SF-S0978
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【COMPLETE BODY WORKOUT COMBO】The 2-IN-1 Stepper engages your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves with step-ups and downs, while the integrated arm resistance bands simultaneously challenge your biceps, triceps, shoulders, and core.
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【TRACK YOUR FITNESS】Stay informed and motivated with our digital monitor, displaying essential metrics including Time, Calories burned, Steps Per Minute (SPM), and Count. Track your progress in real-time and stay on target with your fitness goals.
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【CUSTOMIZABLE WORKOUT EXPERIENCE】Tailor your workout to your desired intensity using the adjustable hydraulic step height. Additionally, you can personalize your arm workout with the included bands. Achieve a full-body workout for any fitness level.
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【SMOOTH AND QUIET STEPPING MOTION】Experience the smooth, quiet, and low-noise operation of two hydraulic cylinders, delivering consistent and reliable intensity while ensuring peace. Each step on the stepper is both comfortable & controlled.
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【COMPREHENSIVE LCD MONITOR】Easily track step count, time elapsed, calories burned, and total count on the user-friendly LCD display. Stay informed, set goals, and stay motivated during your fitness journey.
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
ACFITI Mini Steppers for Exercise at Home, Stair Steppers Machine with Super Quiet Design, Hydraulic Twist Stepper with Resistance Bands,Portable Home Exercise Equipment,330lbs Weight Capacity
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15 MINS FAST FAT-BURNING: By simulating stair climbing movements, 2023 UPGRADED ACFITI stair stepper offers a low-impact but high-efficiency aerobic exercise. In just 15 minutes, it enables you to exercise your CALVES, THIGHS, GLUTES, ABDOMEN, BACK, ARMS, SHOULDERS, etc, helping you shape a toned body.
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DUAL HYDRAULIC DRIVE SYSTEM & SUPER QUIET: ACFITI stepper utilizes a dual-hydraulic drive system that provides stable resistance.The Shock-absorbing rubber pads at the end of the pedals effectively reduce the noise, creating a quieter and more enjoyable workout environment while prioritizing your safety.Pay attention that the hydraulic tube need rest after 20-minutes exercises.
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TWIST STEPPER WITH RESISTANCE BANDS: Compared with other steppers in the market, our mini stepper can allow you to twist the waist at the same time, making your whole body movement larger. Perfect for weight-loss, body-shape,and daily exercise. This resistance band can be removed at any time.
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SAVE TIME AND MONEY: Bid farewell to bulky and expensive equipment. ACFITI stair stepper machine is designed for those who value an active lifestyle but struggle to find time for outdoor activities or gym visits. With small but mighty design, you can exercise at any time and anywhere, effortlessly incorporating more movement even on busy days.
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
ZIWWVY Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands & Handlebar, Mini Stepper with 300LBS Weight Capacity, Twist Stepper for Full Body Workout, Adjust Step Height, Smooth & Quiet, Step Machine for Men Women
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【Full-Body Workout】The ZIWWVY twist stepper with handlebar can not only train your legs, buttocks and hips but also your arms, shoulders, biceps with expander training bands. It also defines you an optimal and joint-friendly training device for holistic training for the entire body.
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【Step up to Safety and Stability】Experience a workout like no other with ZIWWVY stepper featuring a secure handlebar. Designed with your safety in mind, this sturdy machine provides exceptional stability, allowing you to focus on your fitness goals with confidence.
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【Silent Operation】We utilizes the industry's quietest dual hydraulic cylinder as its resistance source. With its unique interior design, it ensures an exceptionally quiet workout experience. Enjoy your exercise routine in peaceful surroundings, as the stepper operates silently without causing any disturbance.
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【Stay on Top of Your Fitness】The LCD monitor allows you to easily track and record essential workout metrics such as step count, training time, and calories burned. By providing real-time feedback, we ensure that your exercise is both purposeful and efficient. Whether you want to monitor your progress or make adjustments to your routine, the meter is there to assist you every step of the way.
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
2-in-1 Elliptical & Stair Stepper with Curve-Crank, HIIT Home Gym Machine, 1 Year Warranty - BST800 by Body Power
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ELLIPTICAL 2023 TECHNOLOGY: The curved crank applies constant tension to the X and Y axes, delivering a dead-zone-free rotation as you step. With a smooth operation and efficient motion, you can get the most out of your cardio workout equipment for home workouts.
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RESISTANCE TRAINING MACHINE AT HOME: The ergonomic crank allows you to easily and safely adjust the resistance level while still running for a full indoor HIIT workout. It features an LCD screen that tracks and displays calories burned, time, speed, and distance.
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2 IN 1 HIIT TRAINER FOR HOME: An oval path with synchronized handlebars, plus stepper movement provides a total body workout in a space-saving elliptical machine that combines the benefits of a vertical climber, an elliptical trainer, and an exercise stepper & stair climber.
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PERSONAL & FAMILY FITNESS MACHINE: With a compact design, 2 in 1 motion, patented curve-crank technology, transport rollers, and an LCD screen, this is the perfect home workout machine for anyone who wants to exercise in their home, apartment, or fitness room.
How to prevent your hands from slipping off the handles while using a step machine?
Here are some tips to prevent your hands from slipping off the handles while using a step machine:
- Use a towel or grip-enhancing gloves: Place a towel or wear specially designed grip-enhancing gloves to increase friction between your hands and the handles. This will help you get a better grip and prevent slipping.
- Ensure proper hand positioning: Make sure you have the correct hand position on the handles. Your hands should be firmly placed around the handles with fingers closed securely. Avoid having a loose or relaxed grip, as this increases the chance of slippage.
- Use chalk or powder: If the handles of your step machine are particularly slippery, you can apply chalk or grip powder to your hands. This will absorb moisture and improve your grip.
- Keep hands dry: Ensure that your hands are dry before gripping the handles. Wipe off any sweat or moisture from your hands using a towel. If needed, apply some baby powder or talcum powder to absorb excess moisture.
- Maintain proper form: A correct posture and body alignment are crucial to maintaining stability on a step machine. If your body is correctly positioned and balanced, it puts less strain on your hands, reducing the likelihood of slipping.
- Choose a step machine with textured handles: If you are purchasing or using a step machine, opt for one that has handles with a textured or rubberized grip. These handles offer better traction and reduce the chances of your hands slipping.
- Clean the handles regularly: It's possible that a build-up of sweat, dust, or oil might make the handles slippery. Clean the handles regularly with a mild disinfectant or wipe them down to remove any residue that may affect your grip.
Remember, safety is paramount, especially when exercising. If you continue to experience slipping despite these preventive measures, it may be best to consult a fitness professional or the manufacturer of your step machine for further advice.
What is the recommended cool-down routine for your upper body after using the handles on a step machine?
After using the handles on a step machine or any upper body workout, it is important to properly cool down to allow your body to recover and prevent muscle soreness. Here is a recommended cool-down routine for your upper body:
- Slow down gradually: Gradually decrease the intensity and speed of your step machine for a few minutes to allow your heart rate to return to normal.
- Deep breathing: Take a few deep breaths in and out to relax and calm your body.
- Stretching your arms and shoulders: Perform a series of upper body stretches to release tension and improve flexibility. Here are a few examples:
Triceps stretch: Extend one arm overhead, bend at the elbow, and reach your hand towards the opposite shoulder blade. Gently press your elbow gently with your other hand to deepen the stretch. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Shoulder stretch: Bring one arm across your chest, gently hugging it with your other arm above the elbow. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Chest stretch: Stand near a wall or doorway, place one forearm against it and gently lean forward, feeling the stretch in your chest. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Neck stretches: Gently tilt your head from side to side, forward and backward, and rotate it in a circular motion to release tension in your neck and upper back.
- Shake it out: Shake your arms and hands to relieve any residual tension.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body after the workout.
- Refuel: Consume a healthy post-workout snack or meal that includes protein and carbohydrates to aid in muscle recovery.
Remember, cooling down is essential to help your body transition from exercise to rest, prevent injury, and ensure a smoother recovery.
What is the optimal duration for holding onto the handles during a step machine workout?
The optimal duration for holding onto the handles during a step machine workout may vary depending on personal fitness goals and abilities. However, in general, it is recommended to minimize the use of handles to maintain proper form and engage the lower body muscles more effectively. Holding onto the handles for support should only be done when necessary, such as for balance or to simulate hiking or climbing motions. It is ideal to gradually reduce reliance on the handles and gradually increase workout intensity without assistance.
What is the benefit of incorporating the handles into your step machine workout?
Incorporating the handles into your step machine workout offers several benefits:
- Full-body workout: By holding onto the handles, you engage your upper body muscles, including the arms, shoulders, and back, along with the lower body muscles. This results in a more comprehensive and balanced workout.
- Increased calorie burn: The involvement of the upper body adds an extra element of intensity to your step machine workout, which can help increase your calorie burn. Engaging more muscles simultaneously raises your heart rate and boosts your overall energy expenditure.
- Improved cardiovascular fitness: By utilizing both your lower and upper body, you challenge your cardiovascular system further, enhancing your lung capacity, endurance, and overall cardiovascular fitness.
- Enhanced muscular strength and tone: The inclusion of the handles helps strengthen and tone the muscles in your arms, shoulders, and back, in addition to those in your legs and glutes. It provides an opportunity to develop a more sculpted and defined physique.
- Better balance and stability: Holding onto the handles while stepping adds an element of stability, especially if you're a beginner or recovering from an injury. It can provide additional support and help improve your balance during the exercise.
- Engages core muscles: As you utilize the handles, your core muscles are activated to stabilize your body and maintain proper posture. This improves core strength and stability.
Overall, incorporating the handles into your step machine workout allows you to maximize the efficiency of your exercise session by engaging more muscle groups simultaneously, leading to increased calorie burn, improved cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and tone, and better balance and stability.
How to increase or decrease the resistance on the handles of a step machine?
The resistance on a step machine is typically controlled by either a manual knob or a digital console. Here's how you can increase or decrease the resistance on the handles of a step machine:
- Manual knob: Look for a resistance knob or dial on the console or near the handles of the machine. This knob is usually labeled with "+" and "-" signs to indicate increasing or decreasing resistance.
- To increase resistance, turn the knob clockwise (in the "+" direction) gradually until you reach the desired resistance level.
- To decrease resistance, turn the knob counterclockwise (in the "-" direction) gradually until the desired resistance level is achieved.
- Digital console: Some step machines have digital consoles where you can adjust the resistance electronically. The console typically has buttons or touch-screen controls.
- Locate the resistance adjustment buttons or touch-screen controls on the console.
- Press the button or corresponding area on the touchscreen labeled "+" to increase the resistance or "-" to decrease it.
- If the machine has preset resistance levels, you can select the desired level directly.
Remember to make small adjustments and try out the new resistance setting to see if it suits your needs. Gradually increase or decrease the resistance based on your fitness level and workout goals.
