If you are interested in a low-impact toning workout focused on your glutes, hamstrings and calf muscles stepper or stair machine is something for you. Different stair machines and steppers have manual and advanced computer-controlled options, and the more you’re prepared to pay, the more features you tend to get.
Stepper: Cost-effective and small enough to keep under the bed. Steppers provide an effective low-impact cardiovascular workout.
Stair machine:
More expensive than steppers, but these refined machines provide a thorough low-impact workout and are comfortable to use for long periods because you can hold the bars while you exercise.
Here are the main features to consider when shopping for a stepper or stair machine:

• Resistance
1. Computer-controlled: Electronically-controlled steppers and stair machines offer smooth movement and predictable changes in resistance.
   Many computer-controlled steppers and stair machines have displays to monitor your heart rate, distance climbed, number of steps climbed and calories burned, and the more expensive machines come with pre-programmed workouts that mimic hills and mountains.
   The Lateral Thigh Trainer is a very popular brand of stepper that uses a built-in computer to give smooth movement at seven resistance levels. Unlike standard steppers, the Lateral Thigh Trainer has pedals that move in various directions, giving a skating-like motion that works every muscle in your legs. It also has custom settings, large anti-slip pedals and compact design for easy stowing.
2. Cylinder-driven: This type of stepper or stair machine is less expensive but more cumbersome to use. Cylinders create resistance using air or hydraulic fluid, and you have to turn a dial to alter resistance. Cylinder-driven stair climbers will usually monitor the length of your workout, the distance you traveled, number of stairs climbed and calories burned.

Step Motion

1. Independent motion: Steps do not come linked together. You need to push down on each step to make it move.
2. Dependent: Steps come linked together, so that when you push down on one step the other step goes up.