We say it all the time, but it’s really the smallest changes that can make the biggest differences – like taking the stairs.
Stair climbing might be something you only do when the elevator is defunct, but if you’re looking to up your fitness game, you should start to rethink those steps you take. From core strengthening to butt-lifting, each step you take can help transform your body into a strong, lean workout machine. Chelsey Rose over at Our Body Book is here to fill us in on the benefits of taking the stairs and reclaming one of the most neglected pieces of equipment in the gym: the Stair-Master!
Jumping on new equipment at the gym can be terrifying. It can be so scary that many of us don’t even try. I’ve personally seen new machines at the gym and had to look at the picture example exercises for a solid five minutes just to figure out where to even start!
So when my trainer had me jump on the StairMaster every day to train for a fitness competition, I was apprehensive, but I fell in love! I know you’re supposed to switch up your cardio regimen a couple times throughout the week, but I couldn’t help myself! I was on that thing for 25-45 minutes everyday sweating more that I even knew was possible, toning my legs, building my stamina and…my butt. Hallelujah!
A note on proper form: Your instinct will be to look down and watch each step, but instead, keep your head looking forward, your shoulders down (away from your ears) and your core tight.
5 Reasons To Take The Stairs
TONES LOWER BODY:
This was something I found to be especially true after continuously using the stair master. With every step you take for 20-30 minutes you are engaging your calves, glutes, quads, and hamstrings to burn fat and build lean muscle mass.
STRONG CORE:
It’s easy to want to fold over and rest your upper body on the machine, but if you remain upright and activate your core, you also train all those core muscles while training your lower body.
EASY ON YOUR JOINTS:
The step-after-step motion is a hard workout, but it is not hard on your joints. Regardless of how slowly or how quickly the stairs are moving, you are still getting in a very beneficial workout. (Compared to the treadmill which causes much more impact on your body and doesn’t offer the same benefits at a slower pace.)
EFFICIENT:
If you are going to work out, you definitely want to make it worth your while. The stairs allow you to accomplish cardio, toning, and muscle building all at once!
WEIGHT LOSS:
Stair climbing uses the largest muscles in your body to continuously carry your own body weight up throughout the entire workout, which means more calories burned!
For more tips and ideas on how to maximize your stair climbing workout, visit Our Body Book by clicking through here!
