Stair Climber
The most brutal calorie-per-minute machine in the gym.
Stair climbing is uphill walking that never ends. It elevates heart rate quickly at slow speeds, which makes it ideal for people who want intensity without running. Posture is everything — stand tall, do not lean on the rails.
Why it works
- • Very high calorie burn per minute
- • Builds glutes, quads and calves
- • Lower impact than running
- • Excellent hiking and summit preparation
What you need
- • Stair mill or stadium stairs
- • Water — you will sweat
Guided sessions
Beginner tips
- • Stand upright; leaning on the rails cuts the workload in half.
- • Full foot on each step, not just the toes.
- • Start with 15 minutes — this machine humbles people.
- • Best cross-training tool for hikers and trail runners.
Questions
How long should I use the stair climber?
Fifteen to twenty-five minutes at steady effort, or 20 minutes of intervals, is plenty. It is far more demanding than it looks.