Steppers
What steppers do for you
An apparatus for simulating clinging stairs, used for low-impact toning workout focusing on glutes, hamstrings and calf muscles. Different stair machines and steppers have manual and advanced computer-controlled options, and the more you’re prepared the pay, the more features you tend to get.
What to look for?
- A sturdy built Stepper.
- A smooth and quiet motion.
- Options to allow you to vary your workout by adjusting resistance.
- Options of motivating programmed courses.
- A good warranty and service contract.
Kinds of machines.
Different stair machines and steppers have manual and advanced computer-controlled options, and the more you’re prepared to pay, the more features you tend to get. There are two kinds: steppers and stair machines.
Stepper: Cost-effective and small enough to keep in the bottom of the wardrobe. Steppers provide an effective low-impact cardiovascular workout.
Stair machine: More expensive than steppers, but these sophisticated machines provide a thorough low-impact workout and are comfortable to use for long periods because you can hold the bars while you exercise.
Technical data
Resistance: The resistance can be controlled in two ways: electronically-controlled, which offer smooth movement and predictable changes in resistance; and cylinder-driven, which is less expensive but more cumbersome to use. Cylinders create resistance using air or hydraulic fluid, and you have to turn a dial to alter resistance.
Heart rate monitor: detects your pulse, usually through touching the grips, so you can see how hard your heart’s working. Remember, the most effective heart rate for most people while exercising is 70-80% of maximum.
Displays: used to monitor your heart rate, distance climbed, number of steps climbed and calories burned.
Programmes: more expensive machines come with pre-programmed workouts that mimic hills and mountains.
Benefits
Very low impact on joints.
Steppers are probably the easiest exercisers (other than bikes) on which to read or watch television.
Strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
Heart rate compatibility means that you can monitor your performance and pace yourself at the required level, be it for fitness or fat-calorie burning.
