Legs·Machine

Stairmaster

Quads · Machine

Intermediate

Body Part

Legs

Equipment

Machine

Level

Intermediate

The Stairmaster is an intermediate machine exercise that primarily targets the Quads.

Muscles Worked

Quads primaryCalves secondaryGlutes secondaryHamstrings secondary

How to Do the Stairmaster

  1. 1To begin, step onto the stairmaster and select the desired option from the menu. You can choose a manual setting, or you can select a program to run. Typically, you can enter your age and weight to estimate the amount of calories burned during exercise.
  2. 2Pump your legs up and down in an established rhythm, driving the pedals down but not all the way to the floor. It is recommended that you maintain your grip on the handles so that you don't fall. The handles can be used to monitor your heart rate to help you stay at an appropriate intensity.
  3. 3Stairmasters offer convenience, cardiovascular benefits, and usually have less impact than running outside. They are typically much harder than other cardio equipment. A 150 lb person will typically burn over 300 calories in 30 minutes, compared to about 175 calories walking.

Related Exercises

Exercise data from the open-source Free Exercise DB.