While an aerobic step may at first seem like a straightforward piece of equipment, don’t be fooled – there’s more to it than just a raised platform used for working out.
Also known by countless other names like exercise step bench, workout step bench, exercise step box, and cardio stepper, aerobic steps do have certain variations among different brands. That is why there are some key features to keep in check instead of simply buying a random one.
We’ve gathered some valuable information by consulting those involved in aerobic step manufacturing. Scroll down to get an expert opinion about the different types of aerobic steps, features to consider while buying a gym stepper, and buying traps to avoid.
Table of Contents
1. Aerobic Step Materials
Workout step boxes are available in a variety of materials, but the ones we recommend most are those with high-quality, high-density plastic construction. These are affordable as well as durable, holding up well to exercise movements and forces.
Other materials used for gym steppers include metal and fiberglass. While a tad bit heavier, they have a durable design. The ideal aerobic step is one that doesn’t weigh much and is durable as well.
1.1 Polyurethane Aerobic Step
Heavy-duty polyurethane is one of the most common materials used for making aerobic exercise steps. It’s sturdy, durable, and lightweight, and thus a practical and portable option.
1.2 Polyethylene Aerobic Step
These are quite strong, with high-density ones being among the sturdiest steppers available. They have a maximum weight capacity ranging from 200 lbs to 500 lbs, depending on the brand. That is why polyethylene steppers are suitable for bulkier individuals while allowing larger people to use them comfortably as well.
These fitness steppers are also recyclable and can stay in good condition for long periods. The sturdiness of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is comparable to that of ethylene-vinyl steppers.
1.3 PVC Aerobic Step
PVC aerobic step platforms offer great stability and balance.
1.4 ABS Aerobic Step
Thick ABS plastic of good quality can be a durable option when purchasing a gym stepper.
To sum it up:
- High-quality plastic is pretty functional when you need an aerobic step bench that is cost-effective and durable. It’s convenient for stacking and height adjustments, and there are many bright colors to choose from, unlike steel or wood, which may offer limited choices.
- One thing to note is that: the sturdiness of an aerobic step can be indicated by how heavy it is – always go for the heavier one when you have a choice between two steppers of the same size and even identical material.
2. Aerobic Step Features to Look For
2.1 Length
The dimensions of your exercise stepper are important to consider, especially its length. The suitable length of an aerobic step for you primarily depends on what you plan on doing with it. If you would like a stepper for aerobics, cardio exercise or crossover steps, consider buying a longer one. You won’t be comfortable using a short-length stepper if you use a wider stance during your workout.
Pro Tip
Full-sized commercial aerobic steps for professional and gym use are around 43 x 16 inches, and that’s what we recommend if you want to make the most of your stepper.
2.2 Height Adjustability
Many aerobic steppers have adjustable height, which can be quite handy if multiple people are going to use it, like in a gym. It’s essential to check out the risers of an adjustable aerobic step to know how far you can alter its height.
Risers are the most significant part of an exercise stepper since they determine how high the platform can go for your workout. Most steppers have 2 to 5 risers, each about 2 inches above the other. This way, you can raise a stepper to 4, 6, 8, or 10 inches.
Adjustable height also allows you to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout. Moreover, short people often find lower aerobic step platforms more comfortable as compared to higher ones. An adjustable aerobic step can, therefore, cater to most individuals, regardless of their height.
We recommend adjusting the risers to various positions instead of simply stacking them to elevate the platform. An aerobic stepper with reliable adjustment features will be very helpful for you and versatile as well.
Pro Tip
Check out the height adjustments offered by a stepper, and decide if they will suit you.
2.3 Weight Capacity
The maximum weight limit allowed on an aerobic stepper is also important to consider. In simple words, it indicates the largest amount of weight that your aerobic step bench can hold without getting damaged. It’s common for a commercial aerobic step to have a weight limit of at least 200 lbs.
While the weight capacity of aerobic steppers may differ, you can easily find those with an allowance of as much as 250 lbs or even more. A 200 kg capacity is generally an indication of a good-quality aerobic step.
Pro Tip
200-250 lbs weight capacity is usually good enough for an aerobic step.
2.4 Construction
Nobody needs an aerobic step that shakes under their weight! It should feel sturdy instead of distracting you from your workout, and shouldn’t make you wonder whether it will hold up your weight during exercise. Never choose a stepper that feels weak underneath you; you should be at ease when you step on it with your entire weight.
The material of an aerobic stepper also says a lot about the quality of its construction. You must have a general understanding of this from our previous discussion above on exercise stepper materials.
Pro Tip
If it feels weak, it’s not for you.
High-quality plastic is the best you can go for.
2.5 Slip Resistance
The slip resistance of a fitness stepper is determined by the grip offered by the platform to your feet, and also the power of its legs to stay sturdy at a single point on the floor without moving during use. If you’ll be using your stepper on bare floor, make sure that there are anti-slip grips underneath the legs that will protect the floor from scratches as well.
The surface texture of a workout step can indicate how steadily you’ll be able to exercise on it. Non-slip and durable materials like rubber will support exercises like jumping on or off the stepper while helping you maintain your balance. Although a textured surface can offer significant resistance to slippage, make sure that it doesn’t feel uncomfortable when you sit on it or place your hands over it.
Pro Tip
Go for aerobic steppers with non-skid feet to protect yourself and the floor too.
Look for anti-slip features on the stepper surface for your own safety, like anti-slip surface mats, slip-resistant texture, and sweat-proof coating.
2.6 Stability
Naturally, you’ll be moving around on the stepper and shifting your weight repeatedly on it during exercise. An aerobic step should be able to bear all the consequential forces without moving, shaking, or breaking apart during use. Moreover, even the height adjustments should remain sturdy once fixed to the desired level.
Pro Tip
You need a solid stepper that doesn’t wobble or distract you from your workout. Avoid flimsy products!
2.7 Shock Absorbency
The shock absorbency of an aerobic step platform is necessary if you wish to reduce the impact of heavy exercise on your joints. This can help you prevent unnecessary pain and injury both during and after your workout.
Pro Tip
Shock-absorbent steppers avoid strain on your joints and allow more comfort during and post-workout.
2.8 Portability
The ideal portable fitness stepper will not take much storage space and will even be easy to carry. Foldable units can allow such convenience and can be especially useful for saving space in commercial gyms.
Pro Tip
Foldable steppers work great for portability.
3. Buying Tips and Traps to Avoid
- Size: prefer commercial-grade full-sized steppers, about 43 x 16 inches. These can be used by both beginners and professionals.
- Safety: rounded corners on a stepper are a good sign – they are safer in terms of avoiding injury.
- Warranty: while usually there’s no warranty with an exercise stepper, it’s 1 to 6 months for the few that do have one.
- Risers: consider altering the adjustments of the risers instead of simply piling them up to gain height.
- Weight capacity: an average weight limit of 200 kg is common among good-quality steppers.
- Manufacturing method: ask the supplier if the stepper you are considering was manufactured by injection molding or blow molding. Injection-molded ones are more durable, while blow-molded ones can be hollow, hence weaker.
4. Conclusion
Now you can ‘step out’ with confidence to buy this exercising tool without any confusion! Knowing all the basics about what to go for and what to avoid, you can be sure about making a high-quality choice that will last its worth.
In case you have more questions, drop a comment below, and we’ll get back to you soon.
Related reading: top 10 gym equipment brands in China
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