I’m no stranger to aching knees and a bad back that, on bad days, puts me totally out of commission.
After tearfully giving up backpacking and late-night elliptical sessions, I knew something needed to change.
Thankfully, a chance meeting with an old gym buddy brought me back on track. He recommended that I invest in a seated stepper.
At first, I laughed – a seated what? Well, I’m not laughing now. Investing a seated stepper was one of the best purchases I made in years.
Today, I’m going to paint a broad overview of the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 seated stepper.
But first, I’m going to touch on a few of the most critical considerations you’ll have to make before shelling out for new gear.
Let’s jump in below.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Seated Stepper
Designed to provide broad, functional movement, a seated stepper mimics the motion of climbing the stairs.
However, the user sits back in a reclined position and all excess strain on the knees, ankles, and joints is mitigated.
Unlike traditional steppers, a seated stepper is best for both physically impaired users and athletes that want to cross-train during periods of muscle recovery.
For many, conditions like overtraining syndrome can decrease recovery, impact sleep, and lead to chronic fatigue.
A seated stepper can help avoid this by positioning the user in a comfortable, ergonomic way during the entire exercise.
Not only are seated steppers low-impact, but they also provide a fat-busting, full-body workout that encourages both strength-training and cardiovascular health improvement.
The best seated steppers feature a fully articulated, broad step range, in addition to great software features.
Many machines feature heart rate monitors, calorie-burning estimates, smart device health app syncing, and more.
Essential Questions to Ask
Before you go out and purchase a seated stepper, factor in these key questions:
- What type of workout do I want: A full-body, low-impact exercise or a more targeted strength-building regimen?
- Do I have the space to accommodate a new piece of exercise equipment?
- What budget do I have set aside for buying new exercise gear?
- What sorts of software features would I want my new stepper to have?
Make sure to consider your own exercise goals before you buy any new equipment. If you have certain physical impairments, we also recommended first consulting with your physician before getting a seated stepper.
The XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper
Built for non-athletes at all points in their fitness journey, the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 seated stepper provides the perfect intersection of low-impact yet full-body exercise.
By utilizing functional movement, the machine places minimized stress on the lower body and joints.
With a 13″ stepping action, users achieve a broad range of motion that mimics the effect of ellipticals or stair climbing.
The smooth, consistent motion is paired with adjustable and articulated pedals that tighten around your feet.
Moreover, the articulated, foam-covered hand grips provide 360 degrees of rotation. Users especially appreciate the comfortable mesh back, broad seat, and customizable handle positions.
Above all else, the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 provides a comfortable, fun, and consistent workout.
The machine uses a magnetic internal drive system that minimizes footstep-caused vibration and the noise from scraping components.
A broad central LCD console displays all the most important workout metrics, like calories burned, heart rate, speed, and distance.
The stepper is packed with 24 different programs to help users achieve the most specific exercise goals.
Pros
- Magnetic drive system minimizes noise and vibration
- Features easy-to-read backlit console that can be configured with preset workouts
- Covered by a lifetime frame and brake warranty, in addition to a three-year warranty on parts and one-year in-home labor
Cons
- Some state that the adjustable handlebars move too easily when pressure is applied
- Seat is somewhat tricky to move forward and back
- Some components may squeak during first few uses of the machine
Features and Benefits of the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper
Feature-Rich Software
Arguably the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500’s best claim-to-fame is its extensive, customizable programming.
The stepper is replete with 24 distinct workout programs, which include 13 preset, one body fat, one watt, four custom, one target heart rate, and four heart rate control programs (55%, 65%, 75%, 85%).
Users can adjust the current program at any time, optimizing their workout based on a particular exercise goal.
The distinct preset configurations help users to optimize calorie-burning, fat reduction, and strength training.
The central LCD console is blue and yellow backlit, making it easy to read in any lighting condition.
Users can keep track of workout metrics like calories burned, heart rate, speed, and distance during use.
Sturdy Construction
Not only does the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper feature great software, but it also has a durable, effective construction.
Right out of the box, it’s easy to assemble with few unattached components.
After assembly, the machine features adjustable, 360-degree rotatable handlebars, a walk-through frame design, ergonomic seating, and a smooth frictionless magnetic drive system.
The magnetic drive system helps to mitigate the noise caused by vibrating components and high-intensity use.
It’s the small details that make the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 worth it, too: The seat handlebars pivot out of the way for seamless mounting and dismounting.
The stepper is great for any user regardless of their current age, ability, or pre-existing physical conditions.
All in all, the seated stepper is designed for comfortable use with components that are guaranteed to last.
Quiet Operation
Owing to its internal magnetic drive system, the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper is super quiet and minimizes noise.
That means it’s perfect for use in bedrooms, living rooms, shared work environments, or even nurseries.
No matter the time of day, you can squeeze in a quick workout without worrying about waking up your housemates.
All components of the device that pivot, like the handlebars, foot pedals, and flywheel, have only the minimum points of contact that they need to function.
Generous Warranty Coverage
The manufacturers are very confident in the high-quality of the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper.
Once you make the purchase with a verified seller, the seated stepper is covered by a lifetime frame and brake warranty.
Moreover, buyers get an additional three-year warranty on parts and a one-year in-home labor guarantee.
How Do Buyers Feel?
I made sure to pour over reviews of the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 seated stepper.
Review #1
“In my humble opinion, this machine [offers] most of what the high-priced commercial machines do… with the same exact features. We use this at some, so it’s not getting commercial usage, but you don’t have to spend $2,000 on a machine that’s just as good.” one reviewer stated. “The stepper is very – VERY – well built from quality parts and materials. Once it’s assembled, you’ll love it!”
Review #2
“I’ve had this about a month and I just love it,” another stated. “I use it in the days I don’t have Heart Rehab. It was easy to assemble, just follow the instructions. The only problem I had was the heart rate monitor didn’t work initially. When I called the company they bent over backward to come and fix it. It’s nice and solid and, in my opinion, just as good as commercial-grade equipment.”
Review #3
“I got this for my dad who is almost 80 and super active. He loves it!” yet another reviewer stated. “Every day he’s been on it since delivery. It’s not loud, it’s easy to assemble, and broad enough for comfortable use.”
On the whole, users are very satisfied with the seated stepper, mentioning that it performs on par to top-of-the-line equipment.
Popular Alternatives to the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper
I’ve drawn up a brief list of the most popular competitors of the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 Seated Stepper.
Each competitor product features high-quality components, a sturdy construction, and unique features fit for any athlete.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708
At half the price of its competitors, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RB4708 performs surprisingly well.
With moveable handlebars that transform the recumbent bike in a seated stepper, users can switch between exercises with ease.
The machine features eight levels of magnetically adjustable resistance, allowing those at any level of fitness to use it well.
An oversized seat and back support the hips and ensure riders take the correct position during exercise.
Moreover, the pedals are non-slip and highly adjustable to keep you totally stable during use. Adjustable foot straps help keep your feet secure and avoid the issue of sliding forward.
The sturdy frame can accommodate users up to 350 pounds in weight, too.
Pros
- Accommodates broad height and weight range
- Allows for eight levels of magnetic resistance for those at any ability level
- Oversized seat back is comfortable and supports the upper body
Cons
- Assembly may be somewhat tricky without help
Teeter FreeStep LT3
Providing a zero-impact exercise, the Teeter FreeStep LT3 features a naturally reclined seat that reduces body fatigue and limits upper-body movement.
Yet even though it’s comfortable to use, the device still delivers a fat-burning cardio workout.
The machine is specially designed for users with arthritis, Parkinson’s, or MS. The whisper-quiet, fluid stride protects your sensitive knees and joints while remaining virtually silent.
Users can adjust tension through one simple side dial. With the force of dual-power motion, both the upper- and lower body are worked out simultaneously.
All major muscle groups are brought into the fold, supporting both strength-training and cardiovascular exercise.
At just 54″ x 38″, the stepper is very low-impact and easy to stow away when not in use. The friction-free linkage system is designed for heavy use and abuse.
Pros
- Simple to move around and store
- Works out all major muscle groups in one fluid motion
- Designed for those with mobility impairments and chronic conditions
Cons
- Does not feature any pre-configured workout programs
HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT
Built with inclusive ergonomic design, the HCI Fitness PhysioStep LXT may not look like much, but it gets the job done.
Using patented low-impact linear stepping, the machine is used by physical therapists around the world for mobility-impaired patients.
Unlike other seated steppers, the HCI is super heavy-duty and designed to support commercial use.
An oversized, 20″ orthopedic foam seat provides superior lumbar support while a swivel handle adjusts for seamless transfers.
The seat slide and recline can fit users between 4’6″ to 6’4″ while supporting up to 400 pounds. Additionally, the quickstart, 9″ display is color-coded for showing off current workout data.
Designed with rear roller wheels, the machine ports easily through any standard-sized door. The 2.5′ x 5′ footprint fits very well in almost any room.
Pros
- Designed for heavy-duty use by multiple riders
- Utilizes patented stepping motion that’s evidenced to decrease strain on the body
- Oversized foam seat provides excellent lumbar support
Cons
- Much more expensive than home-models not designed for commercial use
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, you’re hopefully sold on the benefits of the XTERRA Fitness RSX1500 seated stepper.
Built with robust components and solid software, it’s hard to go wrong with such a commercial-grade piece of equipment.
The seated stepper allows users of all physical abilities and pre-existing conditions to achieve a full-body, low-impact workout.
