Does a Stair Stepper Workout Tighten Your Thighs & Butt?

A stair stepper -- which also comes in a miniature, portable version called a mini-stepper -- can fill a void in your fitness routine and make it easier to work out in the comfort of your home. You won't get a strong muscle-strengthening workout with this machine, but you can steadily tone your thighs and butt.

  1. The Importance of Aerobic Exercise

    • You might think that you need to do exercises that directly target your thighs and butt, but spot reduction isn't possible. Instead, aerobic exercise routines help you burn calories throughout your body. According to Harvard Health Publications, a 155-pound person will burn, on average, 223 calories in 30 minutes on a step machine. However, at this rate, you'd have to do more than seven hours a week on the step machine; combining regular exercise with a reduced-calorie diet can help you meet your fitness goals more quickly.

    Stepping and the Thighs and Butt

    • Steppers work your hips as you extend your leg up, offering a moderate workout in your butt. You won't get much direct toning of your thighs, though, so if you're trying to build muscle rather than just shed fat, you'll need to incorporate strength-based routines that help you build your thigh muscles.

    Increasing Intensity

    • You'll burn more calories with a more intense workout. Try increasing the resistance on your machine for a more challenging routine. You can also incorporate interval training, which burns more calories and strengthens the muscles. Try doing one minute of moderate stepping, then increasing the incline or resistance and doing a minute of more intense stepping. Stepping at a rapid pace for the duration of your routine can also help you burn calories and shed pounds.

    Other Exercise Options

    • If you want to directly target your thigh muscles, try a combination of squats and lunges. To make your routine even more challenging, incorporate hand weights. Workouts such as leg lifts, deadlifts, box jumps and leg presses can also help you build strong, healthy muscle tissue in your thighs and hips.