Leg tone and stairmaster question

live4turns
live4turns Posts: 314 Member
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I recently got hooked on the stairmaster and have been at it very hard (intervals mostly). This question is for those who have used the stairmaster for a while:

Do they make your legs (especially thighs) bigger or thinner and more toned...last thing i need are bigger thighs. Thanks.

I usually to 45 minutes on the stairmaster via intervals

work rate: 100 steps/min for 2 minutes
rest rate: 50 steps/min for 2 minutes

best workout ever.

Replies

  • PBmaria
    PBmaria Posts: 854 Member
    Omg, I know. It's the greatest machine ever!! It made my butt look quite nice :D
  • estelle74uk
    estelle74uk Posts: 465 Member
    I would like to know this because I am just getting back to the gym and love it. It is the only machine i like to use for cardio, as I have knee problems, and get quite addicted to it. Can only do about 35 mins at the mo, doing intervals, and am aiming for a better bum :)
  • Cmccracken1
    Cmccracken1 Posts: 326 Member
    if it's anything like what running does for you i think you'll be fine, i started running and was worried about that exact thing but it hasnt been a problem and i am running about 25 miles per week.
  • jenocelot
    jenocelot Posts: 47
    Great question. I wonder the same. Have used stairmaster three times now, over a period of 6 wks -- that's how grueling it is; this marathon completer is intimidated by the machine! Makes me feel gravity all too much, but i can tell it's working the muscles. My observation of people in the gym who use it is: determined, strong, dedicated to fitness, with strong-looking legs and well-defined rears. They look toned to the extreme. Almost too solid, though. ?? If such a thing exists. No chance of me getting that way as I can't deal with more than 15 minutes on the thing, maybe once a week. At age 48 i prefer elliptical (easy on joints) and running outdoors, not too fast. And I prefer a long, yoga-inspired muscle look. Maybe be sure to stretch after. Hope to hear from others about this.
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    Common misconception that people have is that their thighs are all muscle. In the majority of cases, there will still be a bit of fat to lose there. In saying that, any calorie deficit that is created through diet and exercise will help to reduce overall bodyfat. (can't spot reduce)

    I would say that even though the stairmaster is a hard machine, the fact that you can do it for 45mins means that it would still be considered an aerobic exercise.

    To build muscle, you generally have to work with much lower reps and volume (and have a calorie surplus).

    So in summary, I wouldn't worry about the stair master giving you massive legs. (That does NOT happen overnight :tongue:)

    What's wrong with powerful quads anyway?! Biggest muscle in the body. May as well make em bigger I reckon haha.
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