Stair-Climber Benefits

If you've ever climbed the steep steps in a sports arena, you already know that a long hike up the stairs works your lower body in a way that walking just doesn't. It's no wonder sports coaches use stadium steps as a tool in exercise drills. Of course, you don't always have access to a stadium, but fortunately the fitness industry created the stair climber. This exercise machine gives you the benefits of never-ending steps without the staircase.

Aerobic Exercise

Stair climbers effectively simulate the act of climbing stairs--meaning you work against gravity. The climbing action gets your heart rate up quickly, allowing for aerobic exercise that will keep burning calories even after you hop off the machine. Exercise physiologist Therese Iknoian reports that exercising vigorously at 75 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate for 60 minutes can burn an extra 80 to 100 calories in the first three hours after the workout is complete. Though the reason for this "after burn" is unclear, it may have to do with the increase of certain hormones released during a workout.

Toning and Weight Loss

Stair climbing specifically targets the quadriceps, or the front of the thighs, and the buttocks, but the climbing action utilizes almost all of your leg muscles to some degree. To ensure maximum effectiveness, you must maintain proper posture while using a stair climber. Keep your back straight and don't lean forward; if you must hold on to the machine for balance, don't pull on it or support yourself with it. A workout with high resistance and slow speed results in maximum toning benefits, and a faster routine with less resistance aids in weight loss.

Low-Impact Workout

Unlike when climbing real stairs, your feet remain on the stair climber at all times during your workout. Since you don't have to repeatedly pound your body weight into each step, your hips and knees won't get as sore after a workout. Although you may experience muscle fatigue after exercising, low-impact exercise like stair climbing leads to fewer injuries than its higher-impact counterparts.

Equipment Benefits

Stair climbers currently available offer a host of features to help you make the most of your workout. Most machines come standard with a monitor to track your progress, including steps taken and calories burned. Many offer preset programs to vary the speed, slope and resistance to suit your fitness goals.

A Healthy Lifestyle

Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend getting at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity every day. Working out on a stair climber can fulfill this requirement, resulting in increased blood flow to your muscles and lungs. Additionally, the staff at the Mayo Clinic report that aerobic activity releases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which can promote a feeling of well-being.