The Planet Fitness stair stepper is one of the most punishing machines in the gym—and one of the most awkward for mounting a phone. The built-in holders rarely fit modern phones, and the small shelf blocks the display. You need a usable phone mount.
If you want to watch a video, follow a workout, or just survive 20 minutes on this thing, you need a mount that stays stable while the machine is moving. The good news is there are now much better gym-specific mounts than what existed a few years ago.
Planet Fitness Stair Stepper Mounting Reality
The stair stepper gives you very few usable mounting locations:
- Built-in holder: too small for most phones
- Display shelf: blocks machine screen
- Handlebars: best mounting point (if done right)
- Cup holders: reliable but lower visibility
The biggest issue is movement. Unlike a treadmill, the stair stepper has constant vertical motion, so cheap mounts will shake, drift, or fall.
Best Mounting Locations
1. Handlebar Rail (Best Overall)
The horizontal rails are the best mounting point if you use a strong clamp mount. This keeps your phone at eye level and within easy reach.
The key is using a mount designed for fitness equipment—not a weak car vent clip.
2. Cup Holder (Best Backup Option)
The cup holder is the easiest solution. It requires no setup and works with larger mounts, including tablets. The downside is visibility—you’ll be looking down instead of straight ahead.
3. Built-In Holder (Avoid)
The built-in holder is almost useless for modern phones, especially with cases. It also tends to position the phone poorly.
Best Phone Mounts for Stair Steppers
1. A2C Strap MagSafe Gym Mount (Best Overall)
This is the biggest upgrade over older setups. THe brand is called A2C and they have branched out to gym mounts. This has a MagSafe attachment that works with all iPhone 12 or newer as well as any Android compatible case.
They strap tightly to handlebars and hold steady, which is exactly what you need on a stair stepper. Easy on and easy off.
2. A2C Flexible Arm Mount (Best for Adjustability)
Some A2C mounts include a short flexible arm or adjustable pivot, allowing you to fine-tune the viewing angle. This is helpful if the rail position doesn’t line up perfectly with your line of sight. This is similar to what we have seen in some tripod mounts. There is a flexible base that wraps around the circular rail.
3. Cup Holder Mount (Best No-Install Option)
If you don’t want to attach anything to the machine, a cup holder mount is the simplest solution. These work surprisingly well because the cup holder diameter is similar to a car.
Look for one with an extended arm so the phone sits higher and is easier to see.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using weak vent-style clips: they will not hold under movement
- Blocking the display: makes workouts harder
- Mounting too low: forces you to look down constantly
- Using long goosenecks: too much bounce on a stair stepper
Installation Tips
- Clamp mounts should be tightened firmly but not over-tightened
- Position the phone slightly below eye level for comfort
- Test stability before starting your workout
- Remove your mount quickly after use – don’t leave it behind – the lost and found is a dark hole
Related Mount Guides
Bottom Line
The Planet Fitness stair stepper is not mount-friendly by default, but the right mount makes a huge difference. Skip the built-in holder and avoid weak clip mounts.
A clamp-style gym mount like A2C is the best overall solution, while a cup holder mount is the easiest fallback. Choose stability over convenience, and your setup will actually hold up during a real workout.
