Anyone got tips for using a StairMaster Stepmill properly?

[Thomas Martinez]

Saw a basic demo of the StairMaster Stepmill being used but I wondered about the specifics of those who actualy own or service these treadmill. The demo itself is very basic but there is alot more to it.
For those who use or maintain these treadmills what is the learning curve like for someone new to the Stepmill? The treadmills can be intimidating for first-time users who may grip too tightly on the rails or who take it too far with the level. The demo did not cover the form required for use of the treadmills though.
Are there any specific habit of users who own a Stepmill that may contribute to its shorter lifespan? For instance, does one need to take care of the rails or will the treadmills wear with use regardless? I thought this would be a good venue to share information with others who may own a model of this treadmills. What would you tell someone who is relatively new to using a Stepmill?

 

[Misty Mandrill]

The rails are for balance, not to support body weight. The #1 thing I see at my gym is individuals hunched over who is leaning on the machines for support. This defeats the purpose of using the Stepmill and puts additional wear and tear on the step.

 

[Proud]

Service tech here. The chains and steps will wear with use regardless of the habits of those who use the machines. However, I do see wear and tear on the machines caused by excessive sweating. Individuals who do not wipe the machine after use can cause the chain to rust within a year. The care for the rails is irrelevant though.

 

[Profession]

Start at like a level 4 or 5, even if you think you are fitly.

 

[Funny Fowl]

Service tech here. The chains and steps will wear with use regardless of the habits of those who use the machines. However, I do see wear and tear on the machines caused by excessive sweating. Individuals who do not wipe the machine after use can cause the chain to rust within a …

Wait, does excessive use of the Stepmill actually cause the user to sweat excessively? The treadmills is sealed so I would think that would not be an issue.

 

[Proud]

Wait, does excessive use of the Stepmill actually cause the user to sweat excessively? The treadmills is sealed so I would think that would not be an issue.

Sealed lol. There is a gap around the entry for the feet on the treadmills where the excess sweat can get into the sealed area causing rust on the chain. On some of the newer models it is better sealed but on the older 7000PT models it is not as well seal.

 

[Inquisitive Iguana]

Intimidating is the right word. When I first used one I set it to 10 thinking how hard can stairs be? Well, I nearly ate it up in 30 second. I had to go back to level 3 though.

 

[Misty Mandrill]

Yes it is. The rotating staircase require more focus than a regular stair climber. There is no place to rest and if you stop pedaling you will fall off.

 

[We Love Mounta]

Is it actually better for cardiovascular endurance than using a treadmill with incline?

 

[Sparkling Snake]

Yes but no one talks about proper form. Do not look down at your feet. I got dizzy looking at the floor so much that it took me a month to get into proper form.

 

[Funny Fowl]

How often should you actually grease the chain on these treadmills if you personally own one? Or is it a sealed system?

 

[Proud]

How often should you actually grease the chain on these treadmills if you personally own one? Or is it a sealed system?

For a home unit, remove the side panel once a year to inspect the chain. Use a light chain lube not WD40 as WD40 is a solvent. It will strip the lube from the chain. If the treadmills starts to make a clunking noise when stepping on the pedals it mean the chain is stretched and needs to be adjusted.

 

[Brainy Bison]

One of the biggest things I would tell people who are just getting into using these treadmills is to avoid using it the day after a leg day. I learned this the hard way when using it after a leg day my quad muscles gave out and I had to do the walk of shame off the back of the StairMaster.
I’ve seen people ignore the warning signs and use these treadmills like it’s a death trap. People do not understand the physical demand of these treadmills. Furthermore, the handrails on many of these treadmills are in the wrong position. They are too low for the majority of individuals which forces them to hunch over.

 

[Profession]

Is it actually better for cardiovascular endurance than using a treadmill with incline?

While incline treadmills are good, I believe the Stepmill targets the glute better.

 

[The Hunt For t]

I just put on my podcast and zone out for 20 minutes at level 7. It’s the easiest 20 minutes of my life.

 

[We Love Mounta]

While incline treadmills are good, I believe the Stepmill targets the glute better.

I’ll give it a try the next time I’m at the gym. I’ve been avoiding these treadmills for fear of them being a death trap.