9 Key Benefits Of The StairMaster Explored

A StairMaster, or step-machine, is a miniature version of an escalator. 

Unlike standard treadmills or exercise cycles, it focuses on specialized movements of stair climbing with rotating steps and handrails for stability. 

As the stairs begin to move, you walk on the spot to mimic climbing an endless flight of steps. 

Keep reading as we explore the benefits of using a StairMaster.

Advantages of using a step-machine

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced exerciser, familiarity with StairMaster’s benefits may influence your fitness approach. Here are just a few.

1) Muscle toning and strength

If you want to tone and strengthen the muscles in your body, a StairMaster can help. Some research suggests that working out on an inclined surface, such as a StairMaster, may engage lower body muscles like glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves more effectively than a flat surface. It has also been found to improve running capacity.

2) Reduces joint pain

Some studies indicate that stair climbing may have a positive impact on knee muscle strength associated with knee stabilization. And by maintaining stability in the kneecap, we can lower our risk of injury. 

Using a StairMaster is a great way to build core muscles and improve your posture as it engages the body to keep the back straight and abs engaged. 

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3) Weight loss and calorie burning 

Using a step climber is a great way to burn calories, leading to weight reduction, by turning your workout into a fat-burning session. 

Regular stair climbing equipment usage for weight loss was recommended in research, including among sedentary office workers and homemakers. 

You will burn more calories if you run faster. But remember, various factors, such as your weight, age, and metabolic rate, will affect the quantity of calories you burn.

4) Great for cardiovascular health 

Using a step-machine regularly improves your heart’s function and endurance. This is due to the constant resistance of the muscles to gravity, which requires the heart to beat more quickly to pump oxygen-rich blood to the muscles. 

A study shows women who climb 200 steps five times daily have 7.7% lower cholesterol and 17% higher oxygen consumption. 

In another study, climbing stairs for at least 50 steps a day was found to dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease. 

5) Low-impact exercise

A StairMaster provides a low-impact exercise that increases strength and bone density. It is also great for people who have trouble moving about, suffer from joint problems, or are overweight. 

Studies show that it lessens the symptoms of osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain by strengthening the muscles that support and protect the knees. 

But before beginning a stair-climbing exercise plan, it’s best to speak with a doctor or physical therapist if you have a history of knee or ankle issues. 

6) Mental health benefits

The StairMaster provides several mental and physical benefits.

Studies show that regular exercise, such as stair climbing, triggers endorphin release, the body’s happiness booster. 

This has the dual benefit of improving the mood and reducing stress and anxiety, leading to overall mental well-being. 

Research also found that volunteers felt energized and less tired after short bursts of stair climbing. 

7) Improves balance and coordination

A stair-climbing machine is an excellent tool for enhancing coordination and balance because it uses many muscle groups and demands precise, coordinated movements. 

This can be advantageous in sports like tennis and soccer, which require swift adjustments in direction.

8) Versatility and accessibility

A step-machine is a very user-friendly and multi-purpose fitness equipment that goes beyond stair climbing. 

It suits various fitness levels and goals, ranging from gently paced endurance to intense interval training. 

Regardless of age, fitness goals, or preferred form of exercise, anybody can use them as they are easy to operate. 

Increase the duration or intensity of your workouts regularly by testing with different settings available on the machine, which will keep things fresh while offering you challenges.

9) Increased life expectancy

A stair climber could help you live a healthier, longer life, research shows. 

Researchers at Harvard University discovered that among over 8,000 men aged 65 and up, those who climbed stairs more often had a lower overall mortality rate. 

It comes as no surprise, as stairclimbing is recognized for its numerous advantages that improve health and wellness by combining resistance and cardiovascular exercises.

How to use the StairMaster

Using a StairMaster is very simple: step up and step on. 

Many stair climbers, like the majority of cardio equipment, come with a quick-start feature. 

Pressing the start button gets you going in seconds, and you can adjust the pace as you go. Take a break if you experience dizziness or exhaustion. 

For the first time using a StairMaster machine, it’s recommended to consult a personal trainer to learn proper techniques, evaluate your fitness level, and create an individualized training program.

joint pain relief

How long should I be on the StairMaster?

The period you should spend using a stair stepper depends on various factors, including your objectives and fitness level. 

A suggestion is a 5–10 minute warm-up and a 15–20 minute workout for newbies.

Try out the stair climber for 15 minutes with unsupported arms to strengthen your glutes and core. 

If you aim to lose weight and fat more quickly, use a stair climber for 40 minutes at a moderate intensity, while another is to do a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) cardio workout for 20 minutes. 

What are the cons of stair climbers?

While using a StairMaster has many benefits, there can also be disadvantages, such as:

Limited upper body workout

The StairMaster is mainly designed to work the lower body. Thus, it potentially discourages individuals from seeking a more well-rounded exercise regimen.

Can cause back pain

It may not be appropriate for individuals who already have chronic back problems due to the common tendency of users to bend during exercise, which can worsen back problems. 

Challenging

This machine can be challenging for newbies, people with low fitness levels, and people with joint problems. 

How many calories can you burn using a StairMaster?​​

Using a StairMaster demands a higher metabolic effort, making it an excellent calorie-burning tool. Research shows that you can burn 200-400 calories in as little as 30 minutes, depending on your weight and the intensity of your workout. 

Most Stairmaster machines also have built-in calorie-burning counters and are used to measure caloric expenditure following each workout. 

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FAQs

Why use a StairMaster instead of stairs? 

Stair climbers offer a more comprehensive range of resistance levels. It also minimizes the risk of joint pain and the danger of falling from regular stairs. 

Can StairMaster replace outdoor running or jogging?

StairMaster is a suitable alternative to jogging or running, as it is a demanding cardiovascular workout that can help one gain strength and endurance. Also, it can be used in any weather!

What are the precautions for using StairMaster? 

Start at a comfortable speed and gradually increase the intensity of your exercises for the best results. Keep your back straight, and don’t lean on the handrails. 

Conclusion

  • For those seeking to lead a better lifestyle, a StairMaster has many benefits since it offers a demanding yet satisfying exercise experience. 
  • It’s a multipurpose piece of equipment that goes beyond and may improve your fitness in many ways, including your heart, weight, muscles, and mental health.

Sources

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  2. Hasegawa, M., Chin, T., Oki, S. et al. Effects of methods of descending stairs forwards versus backwards on knee joint force in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a clinical controlled study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2, 14. 2010.
  3. Choi, Juheon & Kang, Kyungmo & Kim, Jong & Oh, Bumjo. (2016). Effects of Three-Week Stair Climbing Exercise for Weight Control: A Case Series Study. The Korean Journal of Sports Medicine. 34. 185. 10.5763/kjsm.2016.34.2.185. 
  4. Boreham CA, Kennedy RA, Murphy MH, Tully M, Wallace WF, Young I. Training effects of short bouts of stair climbing on cardiorespiratory fitness, blood lipids, and homocysteine in sedentary young women. Br J Sports Med. 2005 Sep;39(9):590-3. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2002.001131. PMID: 16118293; PMCID: PMC1725304.
  5. Song Z, Wan L, Wang W, Li Y, Zhao Y, Zhuang Z, Dong X, Xiao W, Huang N, Xu M, Clarke R, Qi L, Huang T. Daily stair climbing, disease susceptibility, and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A prospective cohort study. Atherosclerosis. 2023 Dec;386:117300. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.117300. Epub 2023 Sep 16. PMID: 37813749.
  6. Susko AM, Fitzgerald GK. The pain-relieving qualities of exercise in knee osteoarthritis. Open Access Rheumatol. 2013 Oct 15;5:81-91. doi: 10.2147/OARRR.S53974. PMID: 27790027; PMCID: PMC5074793.
  7. Marlina L, Purba A, Pandia V, Adiwinata MR, Harahap NS, Womsiwor D. Differences Interval Training and Continuous Training on Endorphin Level and Anxiety Degrees in SECABA Rindam III Siliwangi Student Soldiers with Moderate Anxiety. Med Arch. 2023 Apr;77(2):127-131. doi: 10.5455/medarh.2023.77.127-131. PMID: 37260806; PMCID: PMC10227839.
  8. Stenling A, Moylan A, Fulton E, Machado L. Effects of a Brief Stair-Climbing Intervention on Cognitive Performance and Mood States in Healthy Young Adults. Front Psychol. 2019 Oct 15;10:2300. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02300. PMID: 31681096; PMCID: PMC6803754.
  9. Whittaker AC, Eves FF, Carroll D, Roseboom TJ, Ginty AT, Painter RC, de Rooij SR. Daily stair climbing is associated with decreased risk for the metabolic syndrome. BMC Public Health. 2021 May 14;21(1):923. doi: 10.1186/s12889-021-10965-9. PMID: 33990186; PMCID: PMC8122558.
  10. Rey-Lopez JP, Stamatakis E, Mackey M, Sesso HD, Lee IM. Associations of self-reported stair climbing with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: The Harvard Alumni Health Study. Prev Med Rep. 2019 Jun 28;15:100938. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2019.100938. PMID: 31338282; PMCID: PMC6627027.
  11. Allison MK, Baglole JH, Martin BJ, Macinnis MJ, Gurd BJ, Gibala MJ. Brief Intense Stair Climbing Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2017 Feb;49(2):298-307. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001188. Erratum in: Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2017 Mar;49(3):626. PMID: 28009784.
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