Since introduced to the fitness industry in 1983, the StairMaster, a brand of Nautilus, Inc., has become one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment at both gyms and homes. The simulation of walking up a flight of stairs to burn excess calories is the appeal of this equipment. Although the general population has adopted the name StairMaster as a generic term to represent all exercise steppers, the StairMaster is a brand with an expanded line of equipment with slightly different applications. The exercise equipment line includes the revolving staircase (the StepMill), the stepper (the StairClimber) and the pull-up machine (the Gravitron). The StairMaster is a leader in cardio and lower body exercise providing an efficient workout to enhance overall health and fitness.
History
The StairMaster, invented by Lanny Potts, was first introduced by Tri-Tech, Inc., at the National Sporting Goods Association in 1983. The StairMaster 5000 model, a revolving staircase, was the first StairMaster machine to be featured. In 1984 and 1985 the StairMaster 5000 was replaced with newer models to include a workout display, printout and heart rate monitor. In 1986, the StairMaster 4000 PT debuted at the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association conference. The 4000 PT model, a stair-stepper, became more popular than the revolving staircase and shaped the stair-stepper business. The StairMaster Gravitron launched in 1987. This assisted chin-up and dip machine provides the same effects of an individual doing pull-ups and tricep dips in Outer Space without gravity. The Gauntlet, now the modern StepMill, launched in 1989. This exercise machine simulates walking up a downward-moving escalator. During the late 1980s Tri-Tech, Inc., changed the name of the company to StairMaster Exercise Systems. (See Reference 1) In 2002, Nautilus, Inc. acquired StairMaster Exercise Systems and uses StairMaster as one of their brand exercise machines. (See Reference 2)
Features
The featured cardio models of StairMaster are the StepMill and the StairClimber. Both machines simulate walking up stairs, but the applications of the stairs move differently. Requiring a minimum ten-foot ceiling, the StepMill features a revolving staircase much like a down-ward moving escalator with 8-inch high steps. The staircase revolves at speeds varying from 24 to 162 steps per minute. The StairClimber features independent pedals that move requiring the exerciser to keep up with the stepping cadence. Speeds range from 26 to 174 steps per minute. Both models feature a water bottle holder, reading rack, accessory tray, LCD console, TV compatibility components, ergonomically designed handrails, heart rate monitors, and fitness programs including manual, fat burner, calorie burner, speed intervals, heart rate zone trainer and random intensity. (See Reference 3)
Benefits
Exercising on the StairMaster provides both cardiovascular and muscular conditioning. The StairMaster increases one's heart rate and ventilation thereby speeding up the oxygen uptake of the working muscles. If performed on a regular basis, the StairMaster decreases the time it takes for oxygen-rich blood to reach the working muscles improving one's cardiovascular endurance. In addition, the StairMaster provides resistance for the glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves enabling one to sculpt and lean out the lower part of her body. Combining both cardio and resistance training, makes the StairMaster an efficient workout. Depending upon one's weight, an individual can burn approximately 250 calories in 30 minutes. The body's resting metabolic rate increases when slight resistance of the StairMaster is applied to work the larger muscles of the body. This resistance increases lean muscle tissue, which is metabolically active tissue, thereby increasing the amount of calories one burns at rest. Also, the StairMaster increases the number of mitochondria ("the powerhouse of the cell") within the body's cells which is necessary for aerobic energy production and controlling fat burning at rest. The StairMaster is a natural, easy, low impact activity which is gentle on the knees, ankles, and back. The StairMaster provides a safe and intense workout for both the beginner and fitness enthusiast through the variety of workout programs featured on the exercise machine.
Stepping Technique
Proper stepping technique requires practice and patience. You should stand upright with a slight lean forward. Avoid leaning too forward placing too much pressure on the back. Lightly place your hands on the rails with little to no pressure. Ensure that you step with the entire foot in contact with the pedals or the step. If stepping on the StairClimber, do not allow the pedals to hit at the top of the range of motion, and do not allow the pedal to "bottom out" on the floor. Keep the stepping pace even and steady.
StairClimber Vs. StepMill
When comparing the StairClimber to the StepMill in terms of the better machine to lose weight and improve overall fitness, ultimately you should choose the machine that you will most likely stick with over the long run. However, if training for hiking, according to David Musnick, author of Conditioning for Outdoor Fitness, "A StairMaster StepMill is better hiking preparation than the StairClimber, which doesn't require you to pick up your feet." (See Reference 4)
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