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If you’re looking for a challenging workout at home, it’s hard to beat the challenging, low-impact workout provided by a great stair stepper. A staple in many commercial gyms, steppers and vertical climbers are also becoming a popular upgrade for home and garage gyms as smaller models are hitting the market.
While stair steppers provide a fantastic workout, many can be quite expensive, not to mention bulky and difficult to move. Thankfully, we’re seeing more options specifically designed for home use, with smaller footprints leaving plenty of room for the rest of your gym equipment.
In this Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper review, I’ll share everything you need to know about this popular home stair stepper. We’ve spent plenty of time testing this cardio machine, and we’re ready to share the good, the bad, and everything else you need to know to decide if it’s worth adding to your home gym.
Tested by a Certified Personal Trainer
Here at Garage Gym Reviews, all of our reviews are based on hands-on testing and experience. Our testers include certified personal trainers, CrossFit enthusiasts, gym owners, and even an Olympian.
For this review, our tester was Lindsay Scheele, CPT, the face of Garage Gym Reviews Everything. Lindsay has tested all kinds of equipment and always shares her honest thoughts and opinions. She used our equipment testing methodology to rate the Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper, rating the stepper based on several important categories, including:
- Footprint and portability
- Durability and construction
- Ergonomics
- Ease of use
Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper
Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper
Product Highlights
- Magnetic flywheel resistance
- 15 resistance levels
- Texturized foot plates
- Low-impact cardio machine
- Weight capacity of 330 lbs
- Minimum ceiling height of 96”
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Weight capacity of 330 lbs
- 15 resistance levels
- Low-impact
- Texturized foot plates
Cons
- Minimum ceiling height of 96”
- Larger footprint than other climbers
Bottom Line
With a weight capacity of 330 pounds, the Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper is a durable climber and a great option for low-impact cardio. The 15 resistance levels ensure a challenging workout that remains safe and comfortable with texturized foot plates and padded handles.
A Quick Look at the Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper
Bells of Steel (BOS) is known for making affordable, high-quality fitness equipment. They recently launched the Blitz line of cardio equipment, which includes the Blitz Air Bike, Blitz Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill, Blitz Air Rower, and Blitz Stepper.
While the traditional stair steppers you may have used at a gym are large, bulky machines that feel like climbing an endless escalator, Bells of Steel has taken a different approach, creating a smaller machine perfect for home use.
Rather than a realistic staircase, Bells of Steel uses foot pedals that glide on steel guide rods. The result is a machine as smooth as the best ellipticals and functional trainers, with the vertical movement you’d expect from a classic stair climber.
Using a stair climber at home is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, especially for those who may not have flights of stairs in their home. This 2024 study1 found that regular stair-climbing can improve body composition, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and insulin sensitivity, and the Blitz Stepper provides a convenient way to climb the stairs at home.
With a price of $1,499, this stepper is right in the middle of the pack. There are a few options that are significantly more expensive, as well as cheaper options, but this price is very fair given the quality and features of the Blitz Stepper.
Before You Buy
- The movement feels somewhat like a vertical elliptical, and it’s very smooth to use.
- Advanced fitness enthusiasts who want a difficult challenge may find the resistance feels too easy.
- For home gym owners, this stepper is light and very easy to move around between uses, and doesn’t require any external power source.
Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper Video Review
Is the Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper Worth It?
At $1,499, Lindsay felt that the price was very fair for such a durable and enjoyable stepper. However, we know this is still a significant investment and will take up space in your gym, so before you place your order, here’s who we think will enjoy this stepper the most.
Great for:
- Those who want a low-impact, vertical climber that provides a challenging workout
- Anyone with limited space who needs a machine that’s easy to move around
- People who love tracking data on their cardio machines
Not recommended for:
- Anyone shopping on a tight budget
- Those who prefer motorized cardio machines
- People who want a high resistance level for intense workouts
Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper Specs
| Price | $1,499 |
| Footprint | 58” L x 32” W x 61” H |
| Weight | 176 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 330 lbs |
| Resistance levels | 15 levels |
| Minimum ceiling height | 96” (8 ft) |
| Warranty | 2 years on moving parts, limited lifetime on frame |
Workout Experience with the Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper
While traditional stair steppers resemble an escalator, where you have to physically lift your foot and move it to the next step, the BOS Blitz Stepper is slightly different. Each foot remains planted on a pedal that moves up and down, similar to a vertical elliptical.
Lindsay felt that the stepper was smooth and enjoyable to use, and the padded handlebars were comfortable. They’re at a fixed height but don’t feel too low, even for taller users. She’s 5 feet, 4 inches and felt comfortable; a few taller people over six feet also used the machine and found that the handlebars were placed in a comfortable position.
During her workout, she found herself out of breath with burning quads—exactly what you’d expect from using a stair stepper. This is a great way to enjoy some HIIT training at home, as it provides a very challenging workout.
RELATED: StairMaster vs Running
Footprint and Portability
For footprint and portability, the Blitz Stepper earns a 4-out-of-5 rating.
Bells of Steel recommends a minimum ceiling height of 8 feet, especially for taller individuals. This shouldn’t be an issue for most, but anyone who’s significantly taller than average will want to make sure they have higher ceilings.
RELATED: Best Mini Stair Stepper
The Blitz Stepper weighs only 176 pounds and includes wheels in the front and a transportation handle in the back. Lindsay said that moving it felt very easy, and she thinks anyone who can deadlift at least 50 pounds will have no problem moving it.
Durability and Construction
The Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for durability and construction.
The Blitz Stepper’s 330-pound weight capacity is durable for its price point, as similar machines often have a lower 300-pound weight limit.
This stepper doesn’t require any power source, and the pedals glide over slightly curved steel guide rods, with resistance provided by a weighted flywheel. This results in a lightweight machine that’s durable and very smooth and comfortable while in use.
Each footplate is textured to provide extra traction, and the side handlebars are padded for comfort.
Ergonomics
The Blitz Stepper is very comfortable and smooth to use, earning a 5 out of 5 for ergonomics.
Even though the side handrails are set at a fixed height, they worked well for Lindsay and taller users who tested the stepper. If you prefer to have your hands in front of you, you can also use the front handlebars with built-in heart rate sensors.
The pedals glide over a slightly curved steel rod, so your feet remain in place the entire time. Similar to an exercise bike, rowing machine, or elliptical, keeping your feet stationary results in a joint-friendly yet challenging workout.
Lindsay said, “You’re not actually taking your feet off the pedals, and it feels like a super natural movement pattern. It’s very similar to what a normal stair stepper feels like.”
RELATED: Stationary Bike vs StairMaster
While using the stepper feels good, Lindsay said the resistance felt just a little bit too light, and even on the highest setting, she didn’t have to work very hard. She also noted that while she loved the loud clicking sound the adjustment knob makes when turning it, others commented on how loud it is. If you don’t like loud noises, that’s something to consider.
That said, the machine is extremely quiet when you’re using it, so noise won’t be an issue aside from the resistance adjustments.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The Blitz Stepper earns a 3 out of 5 for its technology and conveniences.
The stepper allows you to view most of your workout stats, but the screen itself is fairly basic. However, Lindsay noted that it’s still very clear and easy to read, and displays the important metrics, including your pulse if using the handlebars with the heart rate sensor.
In addition to your heart rate, the machine also tracks metrics such as body temperature, calories burned, time spent exercising, and RPM. You can also set up multiple user profiles to monitor your data, so if you share this with someone in your house, you can each have your own profile.
The screen isn’t fancy, but if you don’t need streaming classes, the stepper provides all the functionality you need. Because the screen is battery-powered and the resistance uses a flywheel instead of a motor, you don’t have to bother with power cords or an outlet; this stepper can be used anywhere.
Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper vs Bowflex Max Total 16
Bowflex Max Total 16
Bowflex Max Total 16
Product Highlights
- Combination elliptical and stair stepper
- 20 resistance levels
- 16-inch HD touchscreen display
- Designed for high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Heart rate armband included
- 1-year free JRNY membership included
- Reviews share easy assembly
- Intense workout
- Compact design
- 20 resistance levels
Cons
- Expensive
- Short warranty
- Users report buggy software
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a similar machine that feels like a cross between a stair stepper and an elliptical, the Bowflex Max Total 16 is a good option.
While the price is quite a bit higher at $2,499, the Bowflex Max Total 16 is packed with smart features. It has four preset programs and is compatible with the JRNY app, allowing you to follow along with virtual workouts using the 16-inch HD touchscreen.
It’s also slightly smaller and lighter, which means it has a smaller weight capacity.
Both machines have a similar movement that feels like using a vertical elliptical, providing a low-impact yet challenging alternative to traditional stair steppers. Overall, the Blitz Stepper is best for those who want to save money and don’t need all the bells and whistles, while the Bowflex Max Total 16 is best for those who want the large screen and virtual classes.
To learn more, you can read our complete Bowflex Max Total 16 review.
| Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper | Bowflex Max Total 16 | |
| Price | $1,499 | $2,499 |
| Footprint | 58” L x 32” W x 61” H | 49.3” L x 30.8” W x 65.7” H |
| Weight | 176 lbs | 155.4 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 330 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Resistance levels | 15 levels | 20 levels |
| Minimum ceiling height | 96” (8 ft) | Height of tallest user + 15” |
Customer Experience
For the customer experience, Bells of Steel earns a 4 out of 5.
The Blitz Stepper includes a 2-year warranty on moving parts, and a limited lifetime warranty on the frame. Bells of Steel allows you to return the stepper within 30 days of receiving it, but it needs to be returned in its original packaging, and the return shipping costs will be deducted from your refund.
You can submit a contact form, email customer service, or call the support team if you need assistance.
Ordering and Assembling the Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper
Ordering directly from Bells of Steel is simple and easy. You can check out with Shop Pay or finance your purchase using Affirm, and all orders ship free in the lower 48 United States.
The company ships from Calgary and Toronto, and while those living in Canada don’t receive free shipping, BOS offers a $199 maximum shipping cost guarantee for Canadians. Bells of Steel does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or APOs.
Assembly took about 40 minutes for one person when we built our test unit. Everything was clearly packed and labeled, and the only struggle was attaching the tension pulleys, which often takes a little longer.
Customer Reviews
This is a new product, and at the time of writing, there aren’t any customer reviews for us to include.
Final Verdict of Our Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper Review
The Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper is one of the best stair climbers for home use and an excellent choice for those looking to pick up some new cardio equipment.
It’s significantly better than many of the cheaper options, and while it doesn’t have the fanciest technology, the Blitz Stepper provides a very smooth, comfortable workout experience.
It’s easy to move if needed, fairly priced for the quality, and provides a comfortable training experience for users of any height.
Full Rating
Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper
With a weight capacity of 330 pounds, the Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper is a durable climber and a great option for low-impact cardio. The 15 resistance levels ensure a challenging workout that remains safe and comfortable with texturized foot plates and padded handles.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 1499.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.86
Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper: FAQs
Do stair stepper machines work?
Yes, stair steppers provide a challenging workout that simulates climbing a flight of stairs. This is a great choice for those who want a challenging workout and don’t want to climb up and down a flight of stairs multiple times.
Can you lose belly fat with a stepper?
Yes, in conjunction with other lifestyle changes. Due to the challenging nature of most stair steppers, they can help provide a great workout and increase your daily energy expenditure. When combined with a proper nutrition plan, this can be a great way to lose belly fat.
Is it OK to do the stair stepper every day?
If you’re recovering between workouts, you can use the stair stepper every day. If you’re new to exercise or new to the stepper, you may find yourself sore after the first use, so be sure to allow yourself plenty of rest until your body adjusts to the new movement.
References
- Ghosal, A. M., & Chandrasekaran, B. (2023). Stair-climbing interventions on cardio-metabolic outcomes in adults: A scoping review. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 19(1), 136–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.10.003
Further reading
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If you’re looking for a challenging workout at home, it’s hard to beat the challenging, low-impact workout provided by a great stair stepper. A staple in many commercial gyms, steppers and vertical climbers are also becoming a popular upgrade for home and garage gyms as smaller models are hitting the market.While stair steppers provide a fantastic workout, many can be quite expensive, not to mention bulky and difficult to move. » Read more about: Bells of Steel Blitz Stepper Review (2024): Durable and Budget-Friendly » Read more