Why is the stairmaster so painful at the gym?

[mads2727]

Just feel like my calves are burning like hell after like 2 minutes. Hasn’t really shaped my glutes as well

Yes, it’s a killer!
I also can’t use it without looking at my feet the whole time, which is quite odd as I can climb normal stairs without doing so 😁

When I was a gym member years ago I could only do about 5 mins on it and then my quads were cramping. When I got off it my legs were all wobbly.

I should have persevered but I didn't.

I can do one minute. ONE! It's ridiculous. I don't know why it's so hard, I can climb stairs no problem?

It’s the hardest thing in the gym for me and I have avoided it for as long as I can remember. Might do a few minutes next week.

What level are you all setting it to?
I go slow ish, like 40spm, and usually do 30-45 minutes (I watch an episode of something on Netflix).
I obviously didn’t do this from the very start, but it didn’t take long to build up. But there was no way I could have managed this if I was doing any faster.
I also don’t hold on as sometimes that takes away the benefits, and not holding on requires more use of your core. But obviously holding on will help to build your confidence at the start.

Basically, do you just need to go slower??

Oh I love it! First time I got on I did less than a minute and thought I was going to die of a heart attack! I left it well alone for months then went back on and I can do between 20-30 mins now. I start at 65 (?) and go to 70 for second half. It’s brutal and I have one one minute break half way but it’s made such a difference when walking up steps and slopes etc.. that’s what motivates me !

@Inwhitelights how long did it take you to build up to half an hour? Especially if you only did a minute the first time. That is a lot of floors!!

I must admit, I avoid it… I should really get started on that

You know I can’t really remember but I gym 3/4 times a week and was always making sure I’d go on it.. not long I don’t think..

I don't do half an hour as I'd be bored to tears, but I can easily do ten minutes. I don't find it any harder than the other cardio equipment. The arm pull down ski one I could only do a few minutes on though.

Okay

it sounds so intense but I guess it’s really good to climb 100 flights!