Stair-stepping machines provide one of the most intense workouts at your fitness center or home gym. One hour on a stair-stepper burns more calories than aerobics, jogging or cross-country skiing, according to MayoClinic.com. StairMaster, a brand of stair-steppers, has become an interchangeable term for this machine.
History
The StairMaster was developed in 1983, according to its marketing brochure. The brand was eventually acquired by fitness equipment manufacturer Nautilus in 2002 before being sold in 2010 to Fit Dragon International. A 2010 profile of StairMaster CEO Dustin Grosz in "Portland Business Journal" placed the company's annual sales at $25 million.
Types
In 2010, StairMaster produced two types of stair-stepping machines. Its SC916 model is a traditional stair-climber, featuring pedals with adjustable resistance that permits between 26 to 174 steps per minute, and adjustable step height from 1 to 14 inches.
The SM916 has an escalator-style stair track that simulates real steps. The steps possess a fixed 8-inch height with speeds adjustable from 24 to 162 steps per minute.
Operation
The SC916 and SM916 possess relatively similar internal workings. According to each product's technical specifications, the step mechanism is operated by a chain-driven motor to regular speed, depth and movement of each step. The on-board computer controls the drive system, regulates the programs and monitors health measures, including heart rate and calories burned.
Benefits
Improved physical fitness is the primary benefit of any exercise routine. MayoClinic.com cites a chart from the medical journal "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise" showing calories burned for people weighing 160, 200 and 240 lbs. One hour on the StairMaster, defined by this chart as a stair treadmill, burns 657, 819 and 981 calories, respectively. Only two other cardiovascular exercises top it. Running 8 mph, or an average of seven and one-half minutes per mile, burns 986, 1,138 and 1,472 calories, respectively. Inline skating eliminates 813, 1,138 and 1,363 calories, respectively.
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