A stepper can also be called a “stair climber”, “stepping mill” or a “stepping machine”. All of these refer to a stationary machine which simulates the motion of climbing a flight of stairs. It works on the same general principle as a treadmill or an elliptical trainer but with some differences. For example, on a treadmill a person can only simulate walking, or at best, walking on an incline. This does not, however, exercise all of the leg muscles. On an elliptical trainer, one can simulate the climbing of stairs; however an elliptical trainer goes a stage further and can also exercise the arms, chest, back and even the upper torso.
A stepper is used to exercise the same muscle groups that are used while climbing a staircase i.e. the buttocks and the thighs. The advantage of a stepper is that users do not need access to a real staircase and they can place the stepper anywhere they like. Modern steppers also offer several add-on features which provide the user with statistics such as the amount of calories burnt, the number of stairs climbed and their heart rate. Moreover, the stepper can be folded and stored away after use to save valuable floor space either at home or in the gym.
There are two types of steppers. One is known as an independent stepper and the other is known as a dependent stepper. An independent stepper has pedals that are not linked to each other. This means that the user has to make the effort of pushing each pedal downwards. Whereas in a dependant stepper, both pedals are linked to each other; so while one pedal comes down, the other pedal is automatically pushed up. Both types of steppers are popular, but users who require an intense workout should consider using an independent stepper which helps to burn more calories.
When used correctly the stepper provides high intensity workouts. The stepper is gentle on the knees and other joints. In order to avoid injury and fatigue, it is important not to rest your body weight on the handlebars but allow the weight of the body to be carried by the legs, as this affords a more intense exercise. To burn more calories, users swing their arms and stand up straight while using the stepper.
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