A stair stepper (or stair climber) machine offers numerous benefits. It’s easy to use, maximizes your workouts, and strengthens your lower body all in one. Unfortunately, myths surrounding this equipment keep some people from using it.
The experts at The Fitness Superstore in Albuquerque want to dispel these stair stepper myths. We hope our insights make you more confident about this machine’s safety and benefits.
Myth: The stair stepper is the only lower body workout you need.
A stair stepper tones and exercises many muscle groups:
- Glutes
- Hamstrings
- Quads
- Calves
- Core
Despite providing a total lower body workout, the stair stepper must be supplemented with resistance training. Resistance training helps you build strength and supports lean muscle.
Try incorporating running, cycling, or swimming into your routine to complete your lower-body workout.
Myth: The stair stepper doesn’t provide a good cardio workout.
Stair steppers provide strength training and cardio workout benefits all in one machine.
At a minimum, they offer a low-impact cardio workout just by using the machine. To increase your cardio workout on a stair stepper, try varying the speed and intensity during your workout. This can help improve your stamina and cardiovascular strength.
Myth: The stair stepper makes your leg muscles look too big.
The stair stepper can actually do the opposite. This machine can be used to tone your muscles and make your legs look leaner.
After using a stair climber, your legs may feel bigger. That’s because your body rushes blood and oxygen to the muscles used. As your muscles recover, that feeling goes away.
If your goal is to build larger leg muscles, add weight resistance to your workout regime.
Myth: The stair stepper is hard on your knees.
If you already have knee pain and damage to your knee joints, then a stair stepper won’t be a good workout machine for you. It may increase the pain or further injure your joints.
For those without preexisting knee issues, a stair stepper won’t create knee problems when used correctly. In fact, a stair climber is easier on your knees because you’re only climbing up. Climbing down stairs puts more strain on your knees than climbing up.
When using any equipment for the first time, it’s essential to take it slow. This helps you focus on the proper form required to perform the exercise correctly.
Using the correct form on the stair stepper enables you to avoid injury:
- Focus on using your hamstrings and glutes, not just your calves.
- Press your heels down so they touch the stairs when you’re stepping down.
- Keep the stairs from raising or lowering completely to keep your knees from locking or overextending.
Myth: The stair stepper doesn’t work the entire body.
When correctly using the stair stepper, it provides a full-body workout.
You may already know that it engages every muscle in your lower body, but it also works your core muscles. Your core engages to help you balance, while your lower abs activate when lifting your legs.
Furthermore, if you’re swinging your arms instead of leaning on the rails, you’re also using your upper body.
Not only does a stair stepper provide strength training, but it also provides cardio. This helps you burn calories throughout your body.
Myth: The stair stepper is boring.
Any exercise regime is susceptible to becoming boring. It signals that something needs to change in your routine to reengage your muscles and reinvigorate your workout.
Many stair steppers come with preset programs. Try using one of those programs, or try using a new one.
If you’re looking to advance your stair-stepping regime, try implementing high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT uses periods of high-intensity movements followed by short periods of low-intensity movements. To incorporate this into a stair-stepping routine, try using a combination of different movements:
- Slow steps
- Side steps
- Double steps
- Sprints
- Reverse steps
HIIT brings the excitement back to your stair-stepping routine and provides the benefits of a longer workout in a shorter amount of time.
Also, look at the resistance training exercises you use to supplement your stair stepping. It may be time to switch those up as well. Instead of running, try swimming or cycling.
The Fitness Superstore Has the Perfect Stair Stepper Machine for You!
If you feel motivated to try stair stepping but hate going to the gym, check out The Fitness Superstore. We offer the largest selection of stair steppers in Albuquerque. We also guarantee that we have the lowest prices for stair steppers in the industry.
Stop by our store today to find your new stair stepper!