The stairmaster is a popular choice when it comes to home exercise equipment, especially since most people think of it as a way to lose weight. However, while the stairmaster certainly provides many benefits, it’s not exactly cheap. In fact, the typical Stairmaster setup costs around $600, which makes it one of the more expensive pieces of fitness equipment out there. Does it pay for itself? We think so! In this article, we’ll review the key benefits and considerations when deciding whether or not to purchase a Stairmaster.
The Stairmaster Provides Many Benefits
Let’s start with the basics. The Stairmaster is a combination of a treadmill and an exercise bike. The treadmill provides a smooth and flat surface against which to run. The bike, which is attached to the treadmill via a metal crank, provides a way for you to get your daily workout without having to worry about uneven surfaces or whether or not the machine is the right fit. The combination of the two provides many benefits, including but not limited to:
- Increased metabolism
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Lower blood pressure
- Weight loss
- Increased strength
- Greater flexibility
- Reduced stress
- Makes falling asleep while watching TV a thing of the past
Perhaps the most significant benefit of the Stairmaster is that it can help to improve your mental health. As we age, our mental capabilities can start to decline. Studies show that being physically active can help to improve cognitive functioning, resulting in a significant improvement in overall well-being. The combination of a good night’s sleep and regular exercise has also been shown to be beneficial for reducing depressive symptoms.
Purchase Considerations
It’s important to keep in mind a number of factors before buying a Stairmaster. For starters, make sure that you’re aware of the various different types of stairmasters out there. Some of the more expensive versions are more versatile than others, allowing for a wider range of exercises. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider looking into other affordable fitness equipment, such as a pair of running shoes or a yoga mat and blanket. The key takeaway from this section is to be sure that you’re aware of the various tradeoffs that come along with buying a Stairmaster.
How Does the Stairmaster Work?
When you turn on the Stairmaster, you’ll hear a loud dinging noise as the sensors in the machine lock into place. This indicates that it’s ready to use. To start off, simply walk or run on the treadmill until it shows an appropriate pace for your body’s current fitness level. Once you reach this point, you may choose to engage the bike by turning the crank. As the crank turns, the attached bike will begin moving as well. In this way, you get a full-body workout, targeting a broad range of muscles from head to toe. Some people like to use the stairmaster before bedtime to motivate themselves to get their workouts in before their bodies start to shut down for the night. As a general rule of thumb, using fitness equipment before going to sleep can help to improve your sleep quality. It’s been shown that exercise can help to lower your stress levels and enhance your relaxation time. The bright LED lights and the dinging noise are bound to make you smile each time you use the Stairmaster.
The Stairmaster Makes Walking Upstairs Fun
It should come as no surprise that the Stairmaster appeals to those who find walking up and down stairs tiresome. The machine’s design and adjustable stride length allow for a variety of exercises, keeping things interesting for even the most dedicated couch potato. Studies have shown that the Stairmaster can increase your heart rate and oxygen intake while also burning calories. This last benefit makes the stairmaster a great option for weight loss. Simply put, the more you use it, the more you’ll lose.
For the fit individual looking to stay in shape, the Stairmaster provides a combination of cardio and strength training, making it one of the most versatile pieces of home gym equipment around. If you’ve been searching for a way to get in some extra workouts without having to spend too much money, consider investing in a Stairmaster.