As we approach a new year, fitness is always at the top of our minds, more so than ever.
With the New Year also comes with the advent of gym membership sign-ups. For some, the main driver to subscribe to a gym is for the equipment — but most major equipment is accessible online.
Even stair masters.
You may be in disbelief, thinking: aren’t treadmills and at-home exercise bikes more common? Well, specifically on Amazon, you can grab top-rated stair masters, along with elliptical machines and rowing machines.
“The stair master is an oldie but a goody,” Ashley Borden, certified personal trainer with more than 50,000 hours of experience, told the New York Post. “If you can walk up stairs without instruction, you probably can use the stair master with ease.”
Though a splurge, she says It’s a great piece equipment “because of the decrease of impact and the challenge it presents.” Because you have to control your body moving through space while stepping up, you’re essentially putting in all of the effort.
Click to jump to the best stair masters:
What is a stair master?
First things first: what is this popular equipment and is it worth it? Borden defines it simply: a stair master is a machine with a continual step that you can make faster or slower depending on the level you choose.
What muscle groups does a stair master target?
“The stair master targets your entire lower body and core (if you stay braced),” Borden notes. This extends to your quads, glutes, calves, hamstrings and core.
Best stair master workouts, according to an expert
Borden recommends taking the stair master by every other step for best results, yet outlines a workout to keep in mind while on the much-talked-about machine:
- Set the stair master to ‘regular speed’ for one minute, then recover for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Set the stair master to a slower speed and take it every other step for one minute, then recover for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Set the stair master to a faster pace for one minute, then recover for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Repeat this cycle for four to five rounds.
How can I tell which stair master speed is right for me?
Regardless of what you’re doing on the stair master, be sure to never drape over the bars or use the handles for total support.
“If you feel like you have to grab on for dear life, lower the speed so you feel like you are controlling your steps,” Borden advises. “You don’t want to feel like you trying to keep up with the stair master speed.”
And, as always, focus on posture and keeping your core engaged. “If you can’t keep your body engaged, it’s too fast,” she adds.
How do stair masters compare to treadmills and other machines?
Unlike an electric treadmill where it could ‘pull you along’ with the belt constantly moving, with the stair mater, you’re stepping up and using your own body weight as the ‘resistance,’ Borden explains.
“The intensity will depend on you, your size and your aerobic capacity,” she notes. “There is no impact with a stair master and it’s a great alternative to running while being just as effective.
Best Stair Masters
1. Aspen Stair Climber, $3,495
The Aspen Stair Climber offers a low-impact, high-calorie burn workout, offering a large range of movement compared to some other models. Namely, it’s one of the best for home use if you’re looking for a quality stepping machine and doesn’t take up too much space in your home gym (compared to a professional fitness model, this one is a bit smaller).
The StairMaster SM3 StepMill is a top-of-the-line option that offers a step range of 26 to 162 steps per minute. With 10 total workout programs — including a fat burner, calorie burner and intervals.
What’s more, it comes with an easy-to-read backlit LCD display, which is perfect for following along to the settings you program.
The Signature Fitness Stepping Machine is the most affordable option on this list, but doesn’t compromise on the features. You’ll appreciate its fitness-grade make, variable levels of intensity from one to 15 and included reading rack and water bottle holder.
Plus, its quality electronic display shows the time, calories burned, heart rate, mileage and steps.
For a hefty option that won’t make you ever need a gym membership again (literally ever again), the StairMaster 10 Series Gauntlet LCD Machine is a beast and a half. Once assembled, you’ll enjoy its OverDrive Training Mode that stimulates carrying or pushing a load up the stairs for a never-before-seen level of HIIT.
Uniquely, it boasts the widest and deepest step in the stair master industry, along with the lowest step height. Its GymKit allows the LCD screen to be compatible with your Apple watch, too, making this a well-worth-it investment for the fitness lover (or, yourself).
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