Step 360 vs. Step360 Pro
Comments (2) Hi guys,
I mentioned in an earlier post that, even though I’ve been enjoying Mari Winsor’s Slimming Pilates, I’m ready for some variety. I spent some time browsing the web and talking to friends and came across two new products that have gotten positive press (see coverage from Times Union and Washington Post). At first glance they sounded pretty similar to me (maybe because they have almost exactly the same name) so I did some research to find the differences and thought I would share that information with you all. SPRI is selling a new product for gyms and personal trainers called the Step360 PRO. But there is still ANOTHER Step 360 from Step360.com which is As Seen On TV product just like Mari Winsor, and like Mari Winsor, it is produced by the same fitness company, Gaiam.
Let’s take a closer look at both Step 360’s. Here are photos from the websites:
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| Step360 PRO from SPRI |
Step 360 As Seen On TV |
UPDATE: The Step 360 facebook page wrote this in response to a fan question about the two units:
“Hi Susan they are indeed different sizes: The Step360 platform is 20.5″ across and approximately 25″ at the base of the air chambers. The Step360 PRO platform is 23″ across and approximately 27″ at the base. Hope this helps!”
October 28, 2010, source: Step360 Facebook page
There are plenty of important details to help the two Step 360’s beyond visual appearance.
Step360 PRO
While both products are “balance training devices”, the Step360 PRO is slightly larger, colored slightly differently, and includes two 18 minute train-the-trainer DVD’s. The Step 360 Pro is obviously aimed at fitness professionals and gyms which is clear from the information found at SPRI.com. The pro package runs $150.
Step360 As Seen On TV
Jessie Pavelka, Step 360 spokesman
The Step 360 sold at step360.com is a bit of a different animal. The Step 360 platform here looks quite similar to the Step360 PRO, but if you’re like me (attracted to handsome, physically fit men with killer smiles and tight… um, I think I’ll stop there) then one important difference between Step 360 and Step360 Pro is the presence of celebrity trainer Jessie Pavelka. The Step 360 package also includes 1 hour and 40 minutes of exercise programs to workout at home without a trainer, a resistance cord and printed material with meal plans, a workout calendar, etc. and some other goodies.
Recommendation
Which one to get?
If Jessie Pavelka (right) doesn’t sway you immediately toward the Step 360, then the 1 hour and 40 minute exercise program definitely should. First, workout equipment isn’t going to do you any good unless you know how to use it and second, a workout program isn’t going to keep your interest without some variety. While both systems come with instructions, only the Step 360 also includes enough supplementary material to keep your workout exciting over the duration (After all, it’s only 9 months until swimsuit season rears its ugly head again). There is, however, one thing that might tip the scales towards the Step360 PRO. It is likely (still to be confirmed) a little larger and possibly more sturdy that the Step360 so it might be better suited to males, intense workouts involving heavier weights, and users of either gender who may tip the scales well above 200 pounds.
But overall, I think the Step 360 package with Jessie Pavelka offers the better overall value for workout-at-home types.
Read more:
Has anyone used either of these Step 360 products yet? Please share your thoughts!
Mari Winsor’s newest pilates product – 
For a limited time Amazon is offering big savings on fitness DVDs including workouts from Jillian Michaels, star of The Biggest Loser. There are well over 100 popular workouts for sale, check it out:
