About Stair Climber Machines

Stair climber machines were once very popular in health clubs and gyms. They were designed to provide an aerobic or cardiovascular workout by simulating climbing stairs. In recent years they have been replaced by machines that are easier on the knee and hip joints and that are better for the back. However, you can still find them in some gyms today. If used correctly and combined with other forms of aerobic machines, they can add variety to your workout and they do help to tone the buttocks and legs.

Considerations

Stair climbers are very large and heavy pieces of equipment. They have a set of stairs that move on a belt. You use the machine by standing on the steps and holding lightly onto hand rails. As the stairs start to move you try to keep up by stepping up onto the next stair. The machines can be set at speeds that range from very slow to very fast. They primarily work the lower body and can be very effective in getting your heart rate up and giving you a good workout.

Types

Stair Stepper

Stair climbers are different from stair steppers. Stair steppers are much smaller machines that have two pedals. See the picture here. You stand on the pedals and push them up and down to help raise your heart rate. They are safer on the joints since you are not actually stepping up a set of stairs like the stair climber. They have become more popular then stair climbers due to their smaller size and the fact that they are easier to use.

Features

Some stair climbers are driven by a cylinder. These machines use air or fluid compressed in cylinders to provide resistance. Others are computer-driven. On less-expensive models you may need to manually adjust the control to change the speed and resistance. On computer models you can enter the information into a console. Consoles of stair climber machines can be simple or complex. Before purchasing a stair climber machine it is best to try it out and make sure you only buy the features you really need.

Benefits

The main benefit of a stair climber machine is the aerobic workout it provides. Climbing stairs is hard work and it can really burn calories and get your heart rate up. Since you are doing large leg movements it helps to tone and shape the muscles in the buttocks, thighs and calves. Since you are stepping, it also provides weight bearing exercise. Weight bearing exercise is essential in preventing and managing osteoporosis.

Warning

Stair steppers can be very tough on the back, hips and knees. Since they can be tiring to use it is common to see people leaning on the hand rails. This pulls your body out of alignment and places a lot of strain on the back, hips and knees. In addition, the motion of the stair climber is repetitive. Stepping up with your feet over and over again can stress the knees and hips. If you are going to use a stair climber, pay attention to your posture. Stand up straight and stop when you start to get tired. Forcing yourself to stay on the machine when you are fatigued will just lead to doing the exercise improperly which will create injury. Since it is a repetitive motion make sure you do other activities as well to get your aerobic workout.