A Stepper, also known as a Stair Stepper, or a Stepper Machine, is designed to engage lower body muscle groups to mimic walking up a flight of stairs. Steppers are ideal for rehabilitative solutions in environments like physical therapy or cardiac rehab. A stepper machine is also used in gyms, exercise centers, or homes for the enhancement of the user’s physical health.
A stair stepper machine is often used in physical therapy to provide the user who is recovering from surgery or an injury a safe way to relearn how to walk, strengthen their lower body, and increase blood circulation. Stair steppers are also used for cardio rehab because of the amount of information relayed from the stepper such as heart rate, heart rate goals, and cardio zone helping to let the user see achievable goals.
Steppers are also used in exercise centers, gyms, and at home for physical fitness. Many steppers come with a number of resistance levels to challenge any skill level and some come with various workout programs to simulate different types of stepping environments.
Stair Stepper Benefits
A stair stepper is a great choice to build glute, hamstring, and quad muscle groups. Working out or rehabilitating larger muscles not only strengthens muscle groups but also helps quicken the user’s metabolism. A faster metabolism can help improve energy levels and lower the risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. By using a stair stepper to strengthen leg muscles and joints the user can see improved function when completing daily activities.
Lower-Body Workout - Stair steppers don’t just help increase the user’s physical endurance they can also strengthen and tone muscles in the lower body that include the calves, quads, hamstrings, and glutes. A stronger lower body will make balance, walking, running, lifting, squatting, and other activities much easier.
Easy and Effective Cardio Workout - Stair steppers provide a great way to get an effective, safe, low-impact cardio workout that won’t damage the user’s joints. Because the users’ feet never leave the pedals, stair steppers can enhance the aerobic capacity and stamina of a user recovering from an injury or surgery without further damaging the joints.
Great for Beginners and Pros - A stair stepper can be used by individuals rehabilitating their lower body and cardio stamina as well as those who want to enhance their overall physical health. Using the indoor stepper is easier and safer than walking or running outdoors for people who are rehabbing or new to exercise and may be self-conscious. A stepper offers a gentle start for the inexperienced user, or a fast-paced workout challenge for those more experienced with using a stepper.