Steppers
Steppers or climbers as they are also commonly known are mainly used as a warm up machine. A stepper machine has two platforms for placing your feet, the idea is to stand on the platforms and to keep them moving using leg strength. You shift your weight to one foot, thus taking the weight off the other. Taking the weight off this leg lets the platform beneath it raise. When it reaches the highest point, you then shift your weight to the other leg, which causes that platform to lower and the other to raise. Performing this routine builds up the muscle in your legs.
Steppers are manufactured with handles to enable greater balance whilst taking part in your workout. The biggest mistake is that people tend to use their arms to support their body weight whilst on a stepper machine. This when combined with leaning forward too far, can place pressure on the lower back. The correct way to use a Stepper is to maintain a smooth rhythm whilst keeping your back upright, use your hands as balance and let your legs support your body weight.
Steppers are great for providing a thorough and effective warm up before a workout. Steppers are an ideal way to tone and strengthen your legs and glut muscles, as well the benefits to your muscles, steppers also provide an effective, low impact, cardiovascular workout for your heart and lungs.
Unfortunately Steppers are not suitable piece of fitness equipment for weight reduction. Steppers don't allow your body to burn a large amount of calories, as they don't increase your metabolism thus failing to reduce body fat.
If you are looking for a good Stepper warm up routine then Gymworld recommend that beginners aim for 6 - 12 minutes on an easy level (which you can select on your Steppers computer), on a scale of 1 - 12 aim for a level 3 - 5. Intermediates and advanced trainers should aim for 10 minutes or more at a harder level, aim for level 6 – 10. Once you have completed your Stepper session we advice that you take around 5 to stretching your calf and thigh muscles, to simply ease the tension before the rest of your workout. 25 years of experience in home fitness equipment.
