
GQ’s Take on the STEPR+
GQ names STEPR+ “Best Stair Climber"
“A stair climber at home is definitely a flex, but the Stepr+ makes it count. With a massive 27-inch touchscreen, it puts a ton of on-demand classes, guided training sessions, and entertainment streaming at your fingertips—ideal for zoning in or zoning out, depending on the day. (No membership or subscription required.) Its 5.2-inch floating stadium step accommodates almost any foot size, and the surprisingly compact footprint and height allow it to fit into most indoor environments and through most door frames. If anything goes wrong, it comes with a limited warranty for home and light commercial use: 10 years for the frame, 3 years for parts.”
GQ’s glowing review touches on all the key points that make the STEPR+ a force to be reckoned with in the stair-climber universe:
- No Membership Required: Whether you prefer the built-in on-demand classes or streaming your favorite shows, you’ll have everything at your fingertips without a recurring fee.
- Versatile 27" Touchscreen: The large, HD display is perfect for immersive guided workouts, live coaching, or simply catching up on your Netflix queue.
- 5.2" Floating Stadium Step: Accommodates almost all foot sizes while providing a stable yet dynamic stepping platform.
- Compact Yet Sturdy Design: It’s small enough to fit into typical home environments yet built to withstand rigorous use.
- Solid Warranty: A 10-year frame warranty plus 3 years on parts adds peace of mind whether you’re using it at home or in a light commercial setting.
Why a Stair Climber?
A Joint-Friendly, Highly Effective Workout
Stair climbing ranks as one of the most effective ways to build lower-body strength and cardiovascular endurance - without the high-impact stress of running or plyometrics. Research continues to back this up. Guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) highlights regular stair climbing as a form of moderate-to-vigorous exercise that can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and improve lung function.
What Sets the STEPR+ Apart
1. No Subscriptions Required
The fitness industry is saturated with apps and devices that lock users into monthly fees. STEPR+ breaks the mold by offering on-demand classes, guided training sessions, and entertainment streaming at no additional cost. You can follow professional trainer-led workouts one day and watch your favorite show the next—without ever fumbling for your credit card.
2. Immersive 27" HD Touchscreen
The 27-inch high-definition console is the STEPR+’s crown jewel. It’s large enough to recreate the ambiance of a studio class in your own home. Between the on-demand workouts, streaming services, and interactive programs, the console keeps you engaged, crucial for maintaining workout consistency and achieving long-term fitness goals.
3. Tailored Fit for Home Use
Many people assume they can’t accommodate a stair climber at home due to space constraints. But the STEPR+ is surprisingly compact and designed to fit through most standard door frames. The 5.2-inch floating “stadium” step ensures stability while still providing enough room for comfortable foot placement—even if you wear a larger shoe size.
4. A Durable and Safe Choice
The 10-year frame warranty and 3-year parts warranty underscore the STEPR+’s robust construction. This is a machine built to endure daily workouts, even in light commercial environments. Safety features like the step lock and adjustable speed settings make it a great option for users of all abilities.
What Other Reviewers Have Said
The STEPR+ has not only impressed GQ but also garnered positive feedback from multiple fitness experts and publications:
- Garage Gym Reviews praised its sturdy build and progressive intensity levels, calling it “a versatile addition to any serious home gym.”
- Treadmill Guru noted it’s “elevating the idea of a connected workout with its large screen and no-hassle subscription model.”
- Men’s Health emphasized the top-notch design and joint-friendly aspect of stair climbing, highlighting the STEPR+ as a prime example of how to do stair workouts right.
The Science Behind Stair Climbing
We’ve long championed stair climbing for its unique blend of cardiovascular challenge and muscular endurance. Multiple studies, including this one from the National Institutes of Health, show how stair climbing can improve leg strength, aerobic capacity, and even bone density. It’s a functional movement pattern that translates to everyday activities like climbing real-life stairs, hiking, or carrying heavy loads up a flight of steps.
For the STEPR+, these benefits are amplified by its user-centric design. The ability to adjust speed and resistance allows anyone from beginners to elite athletes to harness the science-proven advantages of stair climbing.
Making the Most of Your STEPR+
- Interval Training: Alternate between fast, high-resistance intervals and slower recovery periods. Short, intense bursts can ramp up your calorie burn and cardiovascular gains.
- Steady-State Cardio: If you’re looking to zone out and watch a show, stick to a moderate pace. You’ll still get an excellent workout.
- Guided Workouts: Use the built-in classes to explore new exercise variations, improve your form, and stay motivated.
- Track Your Progress: The console tracks your steps, distance, and calories burned. Monitoring these metrics can help keep you accountable and goal-focused.
Final Thoughts
When GQ names a machine the “Best Stair Climber”, it’s a signal to fitness enthusiasts everywhere: this is the stair climber to beat. The STEPR+ delivers on all fronts: functionality, entertainment, durability, and user experience while leveraging the proven health advantages of stair climbing.
- If you’re ready to step up your cardio game without sacrificing precious home space, you’ll find a lot to love in the STEPR+.
- Backed by a stellar warranty and countless positive reviews from experts, it offers a long-term investment in your health and fitness journey.