Heart problems are reduced by 63% just by regularly walking up 3 flights of stairs. Over 1 million people die from heart conditions every year. Stair climbing may be something you want to invest in.
Stair climbers are great to help your cardio workout, but they also have many more benefits. You will be getting more bang for your buck by investing in a stair climber.
Below we will discuss some of the benefits of using stair climbers.
Real Stairs vs the Stair Climber
When you’re working out on a stair climber you will be at one consistent pace. Your speed won’t fluctuate. Both real stairs and stair climbers you can choose how fast you are going. Yet, with real stairs, you may not realize if your speed is changing.
Whether you use real stairs or a stair climber they will both have a lower impact on your joints vs running. Running causes more strain since you are lifting more off the ground.
You are more likely to have less impact on a stair climber since you know each step will be consistent. The steps will always be at the same level when using a stair climber.
Further, when walking on a stair climber the pedals will be softer, whereas real stairs are not. This means you will have less strain on your joints when using a stair climber.
Muscle Building
Stair climbing is a great way to build lower body muscles. They will strengthen your hips, legs and, thighs better than treadmills or ellipticals.
Not only will they help build your muscles up, but they have the added benefit of toning those muscles. It will help firm up your muscles, making them stronger.
Cardio
Stair climbing will increase your heart rate. Using one will reduce your risk of getting high blood pressure and clogged arteries.
It can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or other heart problems by a significant amount. So, if you haven’t started stair climbing yet, now would be a great time to start.
If you have heart conditions you may want to consult your doctor before using a stair climber.
Core Strength
If you have good posture while stair climbing it will help build your core strength. To have better posture, try to avoid leaning your body when using the railings of the machine. If you choose to use the railings, have a lit grip while keeping your back straight.
If you walk with good posture on the stair climber it will help you keep that posture when you are out and about. Walking with good posture helps prevent the chances of getting chronic back pain. If you already have back problems stair climbing can help reduce it.
When you have a stronger core it increases your functional movement. It makes carrying out your regular tasks much easier.
Weight Loss
When using a stair climber you will burn more calories vs walking on a treadmill. If you were to jog on a treadmill you would burn about the same amount of calories as you would using a stair climber. Based on how you workout will change on how many calories you burn with each activity.
Since stair climbing tends to be more of a workout on your body, you will get more done in a shorter amount of time. You would have to double or triple the amount of time you are walking on a treadmill to have the same calorie loss.
Bone Strength
When using a stair climber your lower bones need to be able to support your weight while you are working out. Stair climbing helps to build cell activity in your bones boosting their strength.
As you get older your bones will become fragile and break easier. Stair climbing can help reduce the chances of breaks and fractures in your bones. Stair climbing decreases the likeliness of getting osteoporosis.
Endorphins
Stair climbing helps to release endorphins into your body. Endorphins are what make you feel good and give you a more positive outlook on life. It is a great boost to your mental health.
You will feel happier and more motivated to get things done throughout your day. Depression and anxiety will be reduced, making you feel lighter. You will have an easier time getting your day to day tasks completed.
Variety
When working out you want to walk and stair climb. To get the best workout possible you need various types of workouts to improve all parts of your body.
If you have only been walking up until now, stair climbing will definitely spice things up. Stair climbing will help reduce the monotony of walking in a straight line (if you are using a treadmill).
Further, if you are using a stair climber you can change your workout so your body doesn’t get used to the workout. With walking or jogging, you can only go so far before your body is used to what you are doing. Yes, you can incline, but you can only go so high.
To intensify your workout you can incorporate side-stepping, skipping steps, or leg kickbacks.
The Final Stretch
Stair climbing helps you get fast results. It will build your muscles, improve your health, and give you a more positive outlook on life.
No matter what form of workout you choose, make sure it is right for you. If you are new to stair climbing, make sure to take it slow so you avoid injury.
It doesn’t make a difference what workout you do, make sure you are stretching your muscles. Stretch before and after each workout to reduce injuries. Stretching helps to relax your muscles and loosen them up.
Contact us if you would like to learn more about stair climbers or any other types of fitness equipment.
