If you weren’t already aware, the StairMaster Gauntlet has quickly become one of the most popular pieces of gym equipment. Not only does the StairMaster machine provide a great form of exercise, but it’s also incredibly easy to use regardless of skill level, and comes jam-packed with plenty of benefits for those suffering from aching knees.
Those with aching knees know that exercising can be a pain. In fact, only 13 percent of men and 8 percent of women with knee osteoarthritis get the minimum recommended amount of weekly exercise — this is an unfortunate statistic, as exercise is the best thing one can do for their knees.
The key to exercise being good therapy for the knees is to ensure that it’s the right kind of exercise for you, and the StairMaster machine is perfect option. While it may not be completely ideal for those who are already experiencing serious knee pain such as arthritis, those who are not there yet can strengthen their muscles with the StairMaster.
Although the StairMaster has been gracing gym floors all over the world for years, they have recently become one of the most frequently used pieces of gym equipment. Let’s take a look at some fantastic benefits a StairMaster has to offer.
Why is the StairMaster Gauntlet better for the knees?
Low-Impact Cardio
A StairMaster machine provides you with an intense cardiovascular workout that helps strengthen the muscles surrounding your knee joints. In other words, the StairMaster Gauntlet can produce the same cardio and muscle advantages that come from simply climbing real stairs — and with less impact, which is crucial for those with aching knees.
Other activities such as running on a treadmill or outdoors can have a very significant effect on the joints in our body. Luckily, climbing the stairs is heavily regarded as a low impact exercise.
After all, high-impact exercises can make knee pain worse, which is why working out on real stairs should be avoided. This is because once you reach the top of the staircase, you’ll have to come back down — and it’s the descent that puts a lot of impact on your knees, which can be bad when repeated over time.
Strengthen bones, muscles, and joints
With stair climbers like the StairMaster 8 Series Gauntlet, you’ll get to develop the bones that make up your knee joint, which include your thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia) and kneecap (patella). Indeed, our body reacts to weight-bearing exercises by building stronger bones, which is critical as we grow older — and the StairMaster is an easy way to do just that.
Not only does the StairMaster help you build stronger bones, but it also lets you strengthen the muscles that support your fragile knee joint while reducing excess body weight. This includes your quadriceps, hamstrings, and the muscles of the calf. Together, these muscles work to flex, extend, and stabilize your knee joint.
When working with a stair climber like the StairMaster Gauntlet, you’re working against the pull of gravity and continually raise your body up. This action works the muscles that flex and extend your knee, ankle, and hip. By developing these muscles, you’ll get to protect your knee for future high-stress activities such as basketball or soccer.
If you’re looking for a great exercise that is less taxing and stressful on your feet, shins, and bones, the StairMaster is the solution for you.
Using a StairMaster Gauntlet with Aching Knees
If you’re experiencing knee pain, it’s crucial to use the StairMaster Gauntlet properly. Here are some tips to ensure you don’t cause yourself further pain.
Ensure proper posture
While using a stair climber like the StairMaster, it’s important to check your posture throughout your workout. Stand straight and avoid leaning forward or back, as it can increase your risk of falling and stresses your back. While you can lean on the rails for balance, refrain from leaning on it completely, as it can strain your arms and wrists. This also takes the work away from your legs, reducing the benefit for your knees.
Additionally, proper form requires ensuring that your entire foot is always on the pedals, pushing down with a focus on your heel. Using only the front of your foot on the StairMaster’s pedal can increase the pressure placed on your knees.
Use the right footwear
Unbeknownst to many, the right footwear can make a world of a difference when using a StairMaster. This is because shoes that don’t provide the necessary support around the foot and ankle or are ill-fitting can cause injuries to your knee joints.
That said, the right shoe for stair climbing exercise should provide adequate support for your foot and ankle, as well as ample cushioning.
Put safety first
In order to remain safe while using a StairMaster, the proper posture we mentioned earlier is essential. Make sure that your back is straight, shoulders back, head up looking forward, and that your hands lightly resting on the bars on either side.
If you experience pain in your knees during the workout, stop using a machine. Should the pain persist or become worse after resting, make sure you get checked by a medical professional.
Contact Primo Fitness and Purchase Your StairMaster Today
The StairMaster provides a great cardiovascular workout that’s available for all gym-goers, regardless of experience level. Because a StairMaster is a relatively straightforward piece of gym equipment to use, it eliminates the need for excessive training or supervision. All one needs to do is jump on and start climbing.
Are you looking to add a new StairMaster 8 Series Gauntlet to your workout facility? At Primo Fitness, we are a seasoned group of exercise equipment professionals who are eager to offer you support with everything from pricing to equipment recommendations to make your search for gym equipment as seamless as possible.
With our broad selection of new and used gym equipment, looking for a StairMaster Gauntlet for sale has never been easier. We can help you outfit your fitness center with the best equipment available at a reasonable price.
To learn more about how we can help equip your workout facility with the best equipment your money can buy, contact Primo Fitness today!
