Some Information about Stairmills and Steppers

Steppers and climbers are well known to be one of the most difficult exercise machines in the gym. Just like climbing stairs, exercising on a stairmill primarily uses the muscles in the leg and is a continuous upward motion against gravity. Many people who exercise have concerns about steppers, believing that they limit the amount of muscles used, leading to bulging muscles in the legs but little other benefit. It is true the steppers and stairmills mainly work the muscles in the leg, but these muscles are the largest and most used in the body; working them out provides huge benefits.

Steppers and climbers have a double pronged effect. The primary use of a stepper is for cardiovascular exercise. Continuously climbing up an endless staircase drastically increases blood flow because the leg muscles need a constant and rich source of oxygen from the heart and lungs. At the same time, these muscles tear and then rebuild themselves to create more muscle fibers, increasing muscle mass. Using a stepper or climber is unlikely to build as much leg muscle as doing strength building exercises like squats, so there is no real need to worry about getting giant bulging legs like a body builder.