Stepper: Benefits, Contraindications and How to Use It

indoor that simulates the movement of "climbing stairs".

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Other tools with the same purpose are: treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, recumbent bikes, ergometers, excite, isoclimb etc.

Training with the stepper therefore offers the same benefits as any aerobic workout; in particular, there is an improvement in cardio-vascular and respiratory function, as well as in the muscular performance of the lower limbs. By allowing you to consume many calories - a decisive aspect in weight control - and also positively intervening on the most important metabolic parameters - blood pressure, cholesterolemia, glycemia, triglyceridemia, etc. - the regular use of the stepper is attributed to preventive and curative capacities against several diseases metabolism and cardio-vascular systems. Consequently, both the expectation and the quality of life increase. Note: In case of heavy sweating, the use of supplements may be advisable.

Similarly to what happens when using an exercise bike and elliptical, the stepper also shows the advantage of having little impact on the joints of the lower limbs. As it does not require any flight phase - instead typical of running - it is exempt from the non-negligible rebound effect on the back, knees and ankles.

On the other hand, the stepper shows the disadvantage of being very tiring and not everyone, especially in the circle of neophytes, is able to use it adequately from the first workouts. Nor is it the most appropriate choice in the case of functional rehabilitation - especially for the massive commitment of the knee and hip joints - and in motor therapy for the elderly.

Physical exercise with a stepper can have contraindications, based mainly on hypersensitivity or on certain pre-existing diseases - severe joint diseases, obesity, severe underweight, very high cardiovascular risk, etc. The physical requirements for the use of the stepper are the basic ones of a good and healthy constitution; consequently, the risks of training with a stepper are mainly related to the general psycho-physical inadequacy - which should instead be evaluated first by a sports doctor.

There are many models of steppers, designed for home fitness or for professional training in gyms; these can be very simple or quite complex. They can be distinguished by technology, materials, range, price etc. The choice of clothing is rather simple; comfortable garments and footwear should simply be preferred, which allow freedom of movement and allow sweat to evaporate.

To learn more: Complete workout only with the step and not only. Some tools have the ability to vary training and involve the warm-up, core body and cool-down phases.

: they are the evolution of the traditional ministeppers as they allow a more complete movement, not only from top to bottom alternately, but also laterally, thus producing an oblique trajectory. The action of the pedals of the oblique ministeppers is always braked by the action of hydraulic pistons. The market has focused heavily on this type of stepper, because in addition to having a similar price to the traditional ministepper, they present themselves with this improvement in general operation

Stepper: these are the most sophisticated models. The main difference is first of all in the presence of a stable frame that guarantees greater solidity of the instrument, often built in indestructible materials such as steel. Furthermore, the hydraulic pistons are increased to allow a higher excursion; the resistance then (in the more expensive models) is often contrasted also by a magnetic flywheel which makes the movement more fluid, saving excessive stress on the joints. The on-board computer, considering the larger dimensions of these steppers, becomes more complex, making training control precise in every detail (from the choice of pre-set programs, to heart rate control, etc.).