Cardiovascular exercise is characterized by utilizing the major muscle groups to move the body in a repetitive motion for a long duration of time. This can involve the legs, arms or both at the same time. Cardiovascular machines make this possible and they can be found in gyms everywhere. Stair climbers are one of those machines and they come with specific benefits to the body.
Function
Stair climbers are really nothing more than a revolving staircase that never ends. You set the speed of the revolution, the steps start moving and you then step on each one as it comes around.
Significance
Lack of time is one of the biggest reasons people have for not working out. Stair climbers can give you a good and intense workout in as little as 20 minutes due to the vertical nature of the exercise. It takes more effort to go in a vertical motion than horizontal. This makes the stair climber a good option if your time in the gym is limited.
Weight Loss
Being overweight can come with complications to the body. You are more prone to liver problems, your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer goes up and you can also become depressed. The stair climber can be used to burn calories and lose weight. According to CaloriesPerHour.com, a 180-lb. person can burn 367 calories in 30 minutes.
Impact
When your joints take a constant pounding or impact from exercise, they can become deteriorated and sore over time. This can be seen as an effect of running on hard surfaces. The stair climber allows you to get a great workout but not at the expense of your joints because you are not landing hard when you step.
Tone
The muscles in the lower body are constantly being worked as you use the stair climber, improving muscle tone and balance. The main muscles that the stair climber works are the quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves and even the abdominals.
Expert Insight
Before you engage in any physical activity, make sure to get clearance from your physician first. No matter how great the benefits might be, if you go into cardiac arrest from overexertion, they are not going to matter.
When you use a stair climber, keep your head up, place your hands lightly on the support rails and never slouch forward. Do the work by using your leg muscles.
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