A thorough cardio conditioning program, combined with strengthening the butt and legs makes stair climbing and running a favorite for athletes from the average "soccer mom" to elite professional athletes running stadium steps. Using a stair climber is, fundamentally, the same exercise, done in a never-ending circuit. The length of time, as well as the intensity of the stair runner workout can be more easily modified and controlled, based on the needs of the athlete.
The Best Commercial-Grade Stair Runner
According to a review published by the online consumer advocacy site GaltTech.com, the single best stair runners are those produced by the StairMaster company. The original producer of stair runner machines, the StairMaster is so prevalant that even many stair runners not produced by the company are commonly referred to as Stairmasters.
According to the review by Galttech.com, the best commercial-grade stair runner is the ProSTEP 6000 Climber. With a MSRP of $3,800, the ProSTEP has many cutting edge figures that make it ideal for commercial-level applications, whether in an actual commercial gym or a well-designed, cutting-edge home gym. These features include a control panel that makes it possible to track all major statistics at once, from heart rate and speed to intensity and duration. The ProSTEP 6000 also includes a step lock system and an electromagnetic resistance system, to allow for precise adjustments in resistance. Stepping speed can be adjusted on the ProSTEP 6000 from 30 to 120 steps per minute. The machine also has a 250-lb. weight limit, making it more than adequate for most people.
The Best Portable Mini-Stair Runner
A ConsumerSearch.com review of the best stair runners cites a Wall Street Journal review of mini-stair runners as naming the "Fold-A-Way Stair Stepper" from Brookstone as the best mini, or portable, stair runner. The Fold-A-Way offers a 16-inch height, a telescoping handle to allow for stablity, and a battery powered digital display. It is also one of very few portable stair climbers to offer a heart rate monitor, which is a critical element to quality cardio conditioning. The Wall Street Journal review tested five of the Fold-A-Ways and the reviewers were unanimous in their praise of the quality of the runner, even citing the quality balance without using the handle.
The Best All-Around Stair Runner
The GaltTech.com article cites another StairMaster product as the best stair runner, period. That is the "StairMaster FreeClimber 4200 PT." This model of stair runner features commercial quality construction in a home-use priced package. With an MSRP of $2500 it is one of the most popular and high rated stair runners on the market. Features like four separate workout programs pre-programmed, 20 different levels of resistance, and speeds from 26-174 steps per minute make this a great stair runner. Combined with a large LED-lit computerized display console that records everything from heart rate and the number of "floors" climbed, to step rate speed and estimated calories burned, and a great warranty, these make the FreeClimber 4200 PT the best all-around stair runner.
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