For most healthy adults, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise five days a week. A stair stepper machine not only helps you meet this goal, it also provides a few other added benefits. Before committing to a stair stepper workout, research the different models to determine what's right for you, and see a doctor to make sure this form of exercise is suitable and safe for you.
Strength And Exercise
Stair stepper machines provide lower-body strength training, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. While a stair stepper can help tone your thigh and gluteal muscles, you won't get an upper body or full body workout. You will benefit from the aerobic exercise a stair stepper offers, and spending time on one of these machines can help you burn calories through cardiovascular exercise. Harvard Health Publications estimates that a 125 lb.person burns about 180 calories in 30 minutes on a standard stair stepper machine. A 155 lb. person burns about 223 calories in 30 minutes, and a 185 lb. person burns approximately 266 calories per half hour on a stair stepper. Harvard Health rates stair stepping as slightly more effective than low-impact aerobics in terms of calorie burning.
Features
Most computerized stair stepper machines feature a console that displays information about your workout. Depending on your particular stair stepper model, your console may monitor and display how many calories you've burned, total steps taken and total time spent on the machine. Seeing this information displayed on the console as you exercise can help you keep track of your progress and also may provide motivation and inspiration during your workout. Certain stair stepper models also offer pre-programmed workouts at different intensity levels, allowing you to customize your stair stepper routine to suit your preferred heart rate range and intensity.
Convenience And Safety
Stair steppers offer the same benefits as running or walking up and down stairs, with less stress on your knees and legs, according to Travis Van Slooten, Founder & Editor of Men's Total Fitness. Stair steppers also generally come with stationary side rails and a front rail that you can hold onto while on the machine. These rails may prove especially beneficial if you need a little extra help steadying your balance to prevent falls as you work out. Stair steppers also allow you to work out in a climate-controlled indoor space where you can exercise any time of day regardless of outdoor heat, snow, mosquitoes or other issues. You can also prop a book or magazine against the front rail and read as you work out, or situate your stair stepper in front of a television for a little boredom-relieving entertainment during your exercises.
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