Gone are the days of having to run up and down the bleachers at the local stadium in order to get a powerful cardiovascular workout. Stair steppers simulate the muscle-building exercise without the threat of gum on the bottom of your shoe. You'll find some of the best stair steppers by fitness equipment manufacturers StairMaster, Star Trac, Schwinn, and NordicTrac. Always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Benefits
The best stair steppers offer high-intensity, low-impact exercise in the privacy of your own home or in the comfort of your local gym. A 200-lbs.man can burn up to 650 calories with just 30 minutes of very vigorous exercise on a stair stepper. The quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles are the major muscle groups worked on this type of fitness equipment although some offer additional features to work the upper body as well.
Stability
Stability is an important feature when looking for the best stair stepper. The American College of Sport Medicine recommends using a machine with solid construction and a stable frame. A wobbly, loose frame can cause you to lose your balance and fall. Additionally, the stepping action should be smooth and steps should operate independently of each other--pushing one step down should not cause the other step to rise. Self-leveling pedals allow you to keep the step flat throughout the workout which is important in maintaining proper posture throughout your workout.
Handrails
Stair steppers with handrails help keep you safe while exercising. Some mini stair steppers eliminate handrails to make them more portable but they can increase your risk of falling. Because bending forward places a great amount of stress on the back, handrails should be placed at the proper height and positioned to keep your posture upright so your knees stay behind your toes. Putting too much of your weight on the handrails can reduce the number of calories burned and may be detrimental to your posture.
Effectiveness
Ultimately, the best stair stepper for you is the one you'll use. Getting the results you want helps keep you motivated, so a stair stepper with feedback may be beneficial. Most stair steppers include a digital readout that displays intensity levels and calories burned, while most mini steppers do not.
A heart-rate monitor can help keep you in the target fat-burning zone. If your heart rate goes above 70 percent of your maximum heart rate, your body starts burning fuel from your muscles and moves you into anaerobic exercise which is less effective at burning fat.
Stair steppers with a variety of programs and resistance levels can help you move from a beginner workout to one with more intensity. Varying the type and intensity of exercise can keep your body from becoming "familiar" with your exercise routine, which can lead to a slowing of weight loss.
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