About Stair-Steppers

Skipping the elevator and taking the stairs is the methodology behind the stair-stepper exercise machine. Stair-steppers simulate flights of stairs allowing the person who is exercising to set the incline, number of steps and speed at which they are climbing. Like other cardiovascular machines, the stair-stepper promotes weight loss, muscle tone and a stronger heart.

History

In 1983, Stairmaster appeared on the market with the latest exercise trend: the stair-stepper. The name Stairmaster became a brand identity like Kleenex and Coke. The stair-stepper featured two pedals the user could stand on with bars for support. The machine allowed you to program in weight, age and length of exercise. Then you began climbing. The workout challenged the thighs, buttocks, calves and abdomen. The machine became popular with gym goers looking for something different and climbing stairs provided a more intense workout than walking on a treadmill.

Significance

The stair-stepper represented a change in dynamic exercise. While workout gyms did not hold the popularity in 1983 that they would find 20 years later, they were a growing concern for the fitness industry. Treadmills existed, but were often dismissed in favor of a walking or running track that would circuit the exercise equipment. Most standard equipment featured weight machines and a treadmill here or there. The stair-stepper gave people something else to do with their exercise. It also combined lower body exercise with cardio, toning flabby thighs and buttocks with regular 30 minute workouts three to five times a week.

Function

The stair-stepper features a stand-alone, dynamic exercise option. The footprint of the equipment took up a relatively small amount of space in a gym. The options allowed users to increase speed or tension. When tension is increased, it is harder to push the pedal down, forcing the muscles in the buttocks and legs to compensate. Lower tension, but higher intensity requires the user to climb faster. Heart rate monitors added to the equipment over time allowed users to focus on hitting their target heart rate while exercising, creating a comprehensive lower body workout.

Benefits

Stair-steppers are fun. Modern devices include portable stair-steppers that can be slid under the bed when not in use. Instead of a large piece of equipment, they feature the standard pedals and two exercise bands. Users stand on the pedals and simulate climbing stairs while using the exercise bands to work out the upper body. The cardio benefits are well documented in weight loss and general health, but stair-steppers are also designed to work the lower body muscles eliminating the need to use more specific weight equipment.

Warning

When using the stair-stepper, form is important. You should stand straight. You may use the handlebars for balance, but you should not use them to hold yourself up and you shouldn't lean on them. If you become light-headed or out of breath, you should pause the machine and take a break. Cardio machines allow you to build up your heart and lungs, but they should not leave you ready to pass out. The stair-stepper allows you to burn a lot of calories, so drink plenty of water before, during and after a workout.