Thoughts on Step Machines?

SunBunzz
SunBunzz Posts: 165 Member
edited November 19 in Fitness and Exercise
My gamer friend plays games and watches TV while using a step machine! I thought: GENIUS! It's a little dinky thing that simulates walking up stairs. Might not burn a LOT of calories, but it looks effective for toning and gradual strengthening of the legs & calves. I've looked on Amazon, and some range between $50-$100 or higher. Ouch. But I wouldn't mind getting one in a future so I can chill in the living room, either play games or TV and work out at the same time. I have a treadmill, but it's big & bulky, and in my office. (I can only watch stuff on my iPod while walking on it) What kind would you recommend and why? Any input appreciated! I have never used one before. (I used to use a step stool for step-ups, but I tend to lose my balance after awhile, and the constant slamming of joints when I tire out made it problematic.)

I was thinking of getting something like this:

pgudcsraxpb9.jpg

Replies

  • jkwolly
    jkwolly Posts: 3,049 Member
    You won't burn a LOT of calories unless you do it ALL day everyday.

    Do it if you want to, but don't expect amazing burns.
  • brightsideofpink
    brightsideofpink Posts: 1,018 Member
    I have one (Sunny Health and Fitness, with adjustable tension and step counter). I used it for a while. I found it possible to get my heart rate elevated with quick enough steps and tension set low, but mostly I liked it as a leg workout. However, it gave me knee issues for the first time in my life. It took physical therapy and a break from the machine to get rid of that pain. I won't go back to it.
  • MamaBirdBoss
    MamaBirdBoss Posts: 1,516 Member
    I like the big ones that are like moving staircases. I have bad knees, and given WHERE my knees are bad, it's the best thing for them. I don't like the movements from those little ones. The big ones are over a grand....
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    No, youd be better off going for a walk.

    Stairmaster imo is a completely diffeent thing and set at the right speed can be a very effective bit of cardio.
  • MamaBirdBoss
    MamaBirdBoss Posts: 1,516 Member
    999tigger wrote: »
    No, youd be better off going for a walk.

    Stairmaster imo is a completely diffeent thing and set at the right speed can be a very effective bit of cardio.

    Yeah, that's what I like--the stairmasters. The REAL ones.
  • SunBunzz
    SunBunzz Posts: 165 Member
    I think I'll try getting a set-up so I can have a monitor in front of my treadmill one of these days. lol
    If you all agree walking is better, than I got what I need. :)
  • Justthisgirl1994
    Justthisgirl1994 Posts: 226 Member
    The real ones give me a great calorie burn. Never heard of the one you're talking about. I wouldn't buy it. You could probs jog in place and get similar results
This discussion has been closed.

Categories