Spirit Steppers & Climbers

If you’ve ever climbed a few flights of stairs and felt your legs burning, you already know how powerful that simple movement can be. Steppers and climbers take that feeling and turn it into a full-on workout — one that builds strength, ramps up your heart rate, and leaves you feeling like you’ve done something serious (without needing a whole gym’s worth of kit). 

Steppers keep it focused on your legs and glutes, driving up lower-body power while giving your heart and lungs a proper challenge. Climbers crank things up even further by pulling your arms, core, and back into the action too, giving you a full-body burn that feels natural but hits hard.

Small enough to fit into most homes, tough enough for serious training spaces — it’s no wonder these machines have become favourites in home gyms, studios, and pro setups.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what they do, why they’re so good, and how to find the right one. 

There’s a lot going on behind that simple stepping motion. Steppers and climbers get your legs working, your heart pounding, and your whole body moving — all without needing loads of complicated moves. By sticking to the basics — stepping, climbing, and keeping a steady rhythm — these machines deliver a workout that's challenging, rewarding, and easy to build into any routine. Here’s what regular sessions can do for you:
● Boosts your fitness: Builds up your heart and lung strength over time, helping you handle everything from a tough workout to a busy day.
● Strengthens your legs and glutes: Every push and pull works your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
● Fires up your core and upper body: Climbers add your arms, shoulders, and core into the mix for a proper full-body session.
● Burns a lot of calories: Big muscles working together = serious calorie burn, even in shorter workouts.
● Kinder on your joints: Smooth stepping keeps the impact low on knees, hips, and ankles.
● Easy to fit in: Most machines take up less space than a treadmill, making them a smart pick for home gyms and tighter spaces.

Simple to use, tough when you need it to be, and brilliant for building real strength and stamina — it’s no wonder stair machines have earned a solid spot in home and pro gyms everywhere. 

It might feel like it’s just your legs doing the hard work at first, but steppers and climbers actually get a lot of muscles involved — especially once you pick up the pace. Here’s what’s working behind the scenes every time you step or climb:
● Quads: The front of your thighs fire up with every push down.
● Hamstrings: The muscles at the back of your thighs help you pull through each step.
● Glutes: These power you upwards, especially when you push through your heels — they’re the large muscles at the back of your hips that help drive each step.
● Calves: Those lower leg muscles stay switched on to keep you stable and moving.
● Core: Your abdominals and lower back keep you balanced and upright throughout.
● Arms, shoulders, and back (on climbers): When you’re pulling on the handles, your upper body joins the party too.

Steppers put the main focus on your lower body and cardio fitness, while climbers bring your arms and core into it for a full-body challenge. Either way, you’ll feel it — in a good way. 

There’s more than one way to get your climb on. Depending on the setup you’re after and the kind of challenge you enjoy, here’s a quick look at the main types:

Traditional steppers: Think of these like your classic stair workout. Two pedals move up and down as you push against resistance. Brilliant for focusing on your lower body and getting a solid cardio blast.

Mini steppers: A compact version of the traditional design. Mini steppers are smaller, lighter, and easy to tuck away when you're short on space. Some even throw in resistance bands to work your arms too.

Stair climbers (stairmills): These look and feel like an actual set of moving stairs. You climb at your own pace, step by step, which adds a real-world challenge that’s tough to beat for endurance and strength.

Vertical climbers: This is where things get spicy. Vertical climbers mimic the motion of scaling a steep wall, with handlebars and foot pedals moving together. Great for firing up your arms, core, legs, and heart all at once.

Each type brings a slightly different feel to your workout — from simple and focused to full-body and high-intensity — so you can pick the machine that matches the way you like to train. 

There are a few key features that can seriously shape how much you enjoy your workouts — and how easy the machine is to live with day to day. Here’s what’s worth checking before you step up:

Display console: Most steppers and climbers come with a simple console that tracks the basics like time, calories, steps, and heart rate. Some go the extra mile, offering bigger screens, app connectivity, fitness tracking, entertainment options, and touchscreen controls to keep things interesting.

Stairs or steps: The bit you’re stepping on makes a bigger difference than you might think. Some machines use actual revolving stairs that feel close to the real thing, while others use pedals that move up and down. Look out for designs with a floating step — where the steps move naturally without being anchored at the end — giving a smoother, more natural climb. Fixed-end steps, on the other hand, feel a bit more mechanical and can push back against your foot at the bottom of each step.

Foot pedal design: Comfort matters when you’re stepping for miles. Look for wide, cushioned pedals — around 22 inches wide and 8–10 inches deep — so your whole foot fits easily. Smooth movement is key for protecting knees, hips, and ankles.

Safety features: A good stair climber should have your back when things get intense. Emergency stop buttons, textured steps for better grip, and sturdy handrails are must-haves. Some models have infrared sensors that detect when you step off and safely stop the machine — a brilliant bit of extra peace of mind.

Speed and resistance levels: The wider the range, the more you can tailor your workout. Speeds often run between 20 and 150 steps per minute. Higher resistance levels add an extra burn when you’re ready to push harder.

Built-in workouts: Bored easily? Pre-set workout programs can help keep your training varied and challenging. Look for options like hill climbs, intervals, and endurance sessions — all built into the machine and ready at the press of a button.

Step-on height: The first step should be easy to reach too, usually between 4–6 inches off the ground. Machines using a floating step design often offer extra depth and better foot placement, keeping things comfortable and natural from the start.

Height to second step: If you’re setting up at home, especially under an 8-foot ceiling, this is a detail you don’t want to miss. A second step height under 20 inches makes it easier and safer to step on — and helps avoid bumping your head mid-workout.

Size and storage: Before you commit, check the full dimensions — height, width, and length. For home setups, you'll want something stable that still fits through doorways and works under standard ceilings. For studios and pro gyms, machines with a heavier build, stronger frames, and commercial-grade components are key for handling regular, high-volume use.

Warranty and extras: A strong warranty gives you real confidence in your investment. Some brands let you upgrade your cover for extra peace of mind. Also, don’t overlook the little extras — like water bottle holders, multiple speed controls, easy-grip handles, and app syncing. These features can make a real difference when you’re deep into a tough session.

Transport wheels: Some stair machines come with wheels, making it much easier to shift them around if needed. Handy if you need to move the machine for cleaning, storage, or a quick gym shuffle-around.

Choosing the right machine is just the start. Once you’re set up, it’s time to get stepping (or climbing) — and there are loads of ways to keep your workouts fresh, challenging, and fun. Let’s dive into some of the best stair climber workouts to get you moving. 

Once you’re on your stepper or climber, there’s loads you can do to keep your sessions fresh and your fitness climbing higher every week. Here are a few workout ideas to get you started:

Steady-state climbs: Pick a moderate speed and stay consistent for 20–30 minutes. Brilliant for building endurance and teaching your muscles (and mind) how to keep going.

Interval training: Push hard for 30 seconds, then slow down for 1–2 minutes. Repeat for 20–25 minutes. Intervals crank up your heart rate and boost your calorie burn long after you finish.

Pyramid sessions: Start slow, ramp up the speed every minute until you’re working at your fastest pace, then drop back down. It’s simple, sweaty, and seriously satisfying.

Resistance challenge: Bump up the resistance every few minutes to build strength as well as cardio fitness. Great for legs, glutes, and core muscles.

Full-body focus (on climbers): Make sure you're pulling with your arms, not just pushing with your legs. Using your upper body properly gives your core, shoulders, and back a proper workout too.

Endurance test: Set yourself a goal — 1,000 steps, 100 floors, or 30 minutes non-stop — and chip away at it. It’s a great way to measure progress over time.

Mixing up your sessions not only keeps your training fun, but also makes sure you keep challenging different energy systems and muscle groups. 

Both treadmills and stair machines get your heart pumping, but the way they work your body — and the type of fitness they build — is a bit different.

Treadmills are great for steady-state cardio like walking, jogging, or running. They mainly target your lower body, especially your calves, hamstrings, and glutes, depending on your pace and incline. Treadmills are brilliant for improving endurance and covering distance, but running can be a bit tougher on the joints, especially if you’re pounding away at high speeds.

Steppers and climbers bring a different kind of challenge. Instead of moving forward, you work against gravity, lifting your body weight upwards with every step. This makes your legs and glutes work harder, and if you’re using a climber, your arms, shoulders, and core jump in too. The stepping motion is smoother and generally lower-impact than running, while still giving you a big cardio boost.

If you want a workout that leans more into strength, power, and calorie burn in a shorter time, a stair machine could be the better match. If you prefer logging miles and building up longer endurance sessions, a treadmill might suit you better. It really comes down to how you like to move — and what gets you excited to jump into your next session. 

When it comes to steppers and climbers, the brand behind the machine really matters. Good brands mean better design, sturdier builds, smoother movement, and tech that actually helps you train smarter — not just fancier screens. Here’s a quick look at the names you’ll find at Fitshop:

BodyMax: Solid, reliable machines that bring brilliant value without cutting corners.

Taurus: Great value with a strong focus on durability and comfort, perfect for anyone after quality without a scary price tag.

StairMaster: The original climbing brand — and still one of the best. Proper hardcore training, trusted by athletes and fitness pros.

Matrix: Top-quality machines with sleek designs and advanced features that fit right into home gyms or professional setups.

BowFlex: Known for clever designs and space-saving builds, BowFlex kit punches well above its weight.

Keiser: A real heavyweight in fitness engineering. Expect silky-smooth performance and premium feel.

Life Fitness: Big in commercial gyms — and for good reason. Life Fitness machines are built to take on serious training and keep coming back for more.

Spirit: Well-built machines designed for solid performance and everyday training.

All these brands are handpicked for their trusted performance, solid reliability, and real value over time. Some are better suited to home workouts, while others shine in professional gyms — but every option on the list is ready to take on serious training.

Choosing the right stepper or climber can turn your workouts into something really special. Below are some standout machines that have caught our eye for their versatility, smart features, and quality construction. 

No matter which machine catches your eye, adding the right extras can make your workouts even smoother, comfier, and more fun. Let’s take a look at a few accessories that are well worth having nearby.

A few smart extras can make all the difference to your stepping or climbing sessions. Here’s what’s worth adding to your setup:
Floor mats: A good mat protects your floors from scratches, sweat, and vibration. It also helps keep your machine steady, especially if you’re on tiles or hardwood.
Heart rate monitors: Keeping an eye on your heart rate is a great way to train smarter. Some stair machines connect to wireless monitors, so you can stay in the right zone without having to grab the handlebars all the time.
Water bottles: Climbing and stepping sessions can work up a serious sweat, so having a good water bottle within reach is a must. Look for one that’s easy to grab and sip from without breaking your stride — you’ll thank yourself halfway through a tough climb.
Cleaning kits: A quick wipe-down after workouts keeps your machine in top shape and helps it last longer. Look for cleaning sprays and cloths designed for fitness equipment to avoid any damage.
Resistance bands and weights: For those days when you fancy mixing things up, adding a few bodyweight or strength moves into your stair session can crank up the burn. Resistance bands or small free weights are easy to stash nearby.
Fans and cooling towels: It doesn’t take long to work up a sweat on a stair machine. Having a small fan set up, or a cooling towel within reach, can make your workouts much more comfortable — and help you stay focused for longer.