Stair Steppers

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Posted by Your Guide on February 28, 2006 8:21 PM

Stair steppers duplicate the motion of climbing up a flight of stairs. By either speeding up or slowing down the rate at which you are stepping, you can control the amount of resistance. This allows you to choose the intensity of your workout and as your ability increases so will your stepping resistance.

Stair steppers primarily work the lower body but some upper body exercise can be added by simulating a pull-up climbing motion with your arms. A typical 50 minute workout burns approximately 250 to 400 calories.

There are various types of stair climbers available, some models are simply a step while others are cylinder-driven, wind-driven, and computer-controlled steppers. The stair climbers typically take up around 10 to 20 square feet in your home and can run up to several thousand dollars for high-end models. Most have risers on each side of the step allowing you to adjust the step higher or lower. You will burn additional calories as you increase the height of the step. Some models come with programs, calorie counters, heart rate monitors, and step counters.

When using the stair stepper, it is important that you keep you back straight and your head and shoulders back. Do not lean or crouch forward. You can lightly rest your hands on the top of the rails but for a more advanced workout; pump your arms and hands as if you are walking up a flight of stairs. Do not use the rail to hold yourself up as this increases the possibility of wrist and elbow strain.

Next Page: Jump Ropes

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• Aerobic Equipment Overview
• Exercise Bikes
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• Treadmills
• Rowing Machines
• Stair Steppers
• Jump Ropes
• Exercise Video
• Gym Flooring
• Heart Rate Monitors
• Trampolines
• Abdominal Equipment