Stairmills, also known as stair climbers and steppers, are large machines featuring rotating stairs that simulate stair climbing. Historically, they have only been found in gyms due to their large size and the need for high ceilings, typically 9 feet or more. However, in recent years, several companies have introduced models designed for home use that can be used in rooms with eight-foot ceilings, which is standard ceiling height.

Residential stairmills are currently manufactured by Stepr, Matrix, and Stairmaster, along with a few other lesser-known brands. Stairmills are big, expensive machines, so I wasn't going to buy one without trying it first. In Austin, Texas, I was only able to locate the Matrix and Stepr machines. Both were at Johnson Fitness, a national fitness chain that sells commercial and residential equipment. Johnson owns Matrix, so when I visited their showroom, they only had the Matrix C50 ClimbMill on display. However, they sell Steprs on their website, so they agreed to order and assemble one for me to test.

Step size is important with these machines because they are downsized for home use, causing them to lose some of their commercial feel. Steprs come in four different sizes, while Matrix only has one. Step sizes are as follows:

• Machine (step height X width)
• Stepr Go (5.2" X 15.7")
• Stepr Classic (5.2" X 15.7")
• Stepr Pro (7" X 18")
• Stepr XL (9" X 19.6") - recommended for 9' or higher ceilings
• Matrix C50 ClimbMill (5.6" X 15.8")

I wanted to get as close to a commercial-grade feel as I could, so I asked Johnson to order the Stepr Pro, which I ultimately purchased. My thoughts on it are as follows:

• Setup and Fit: Johnson Fitness assembled my machine, so I cannot speak to that directly; however, their employee told me it was not difficult. As far as fit, the primary issue for most people will be ceiling height. Our gym has 8' 4" ceilings, and I am 6' 1". I have had no issues with my head even getting close to hitting the ceiling during use (see last picture below).
• The exercise: Stair climbing is a strenuous cardiac and strength exercise that works large muscle groups, including the glutes and legs (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves). It also places significant strain on the core muscles (lower back and abdominal muscles), which must maintain balance while using the machine. As the workout wears on, I find myself leaning over and using the arm rails as my core muscles fatigue. That said, stairmills are not for frail people or those with balance issues. My Calibre Biometric Tracker showed that I was burning 18 - 22 calories per minute while using it at a modest speed of 75 - 80 steps per minute. This calorie burn rate is higher than what I measure while rowing (14 - 17 calories/minute), riding a recumbent bike (10 - 12 calories/minute), or walking up an incline on a treadmill (12 - 14 calories/minute).
• Stepr Pro feel and performance: My Stepr Pro has performed as expected and feels similar to commercial machines I have used in gyms. I wear a 12" shoe size, and the steps are comfortable with plenty of room. Comparatively, the Matrix C50 StairMill felt significantly smaller when I tried it at Johnson Fitness.
• Display/controls/programs: Stepr offers a large HD touchscreen, but I prefer to watch TVs mounted on walls while using cardio equipment, so I ordered the basic LED console. It is a little large but works fine. On that note, when I researched Stepr reviews online, a frequent complaint I encountered was people having issues with their HD touchscreens. Speed controls and start/stop functions are available on the handrails, and this is primarily how I control the machine. As for built-in workouts or programs, I never use them, so I cannot speak to their utility.
• Noise level: A stairmill is obviously going to make some noise, but I was pleasantly surprised by its relative quietness. It's not as loud as my treadmill, and I can hear my TV while using it, even with a fan blowing right next to my head. When I was comparing the Stepr to the Matrix C50 StairMill at Johnson Fitness, the Stepr was noticeably quieter than the Matrix.
• Durability: I have had mine for less than a year, so I cannot speak to its long-term durability. The Stepr Pro warranty includes a 10-year frame, 3-year parts, and 2-year labor coverage.
• Pros: The Stepr Pro has a commercial feel, with large, comfortable steps. It is relatively quiet. It can be used in rooms with 8' ceilings (unless you are exceptionally tall, 6'5" or more).
• Cons: The biggest con is the price, with the most basic version (LED display) costing $5999. Another potential drawback, common to all stairmills, is the fact that they have a lot of moving parts, which increases the possibility of mechanical issues with extended use.

Conclusion: The Stepr Pro Classic is a nice stairmill with a commercial feel. For those who can afford it, it is a significant addition to any home gym.