Stair Climber: how to do it and muscles worked

The stair climber mainly works your cardio, with help from your glutes and quadriceps. You need a gym machine.

Muscles worked

How to do the stair climber

  1. 1

    Step onto the machine and hold the handrails lightly for balance. Start at a slow speed for a warm-up and stand tall with your core engaged.

  2. 2

    Climb with full steps, pressing your whole foot into each step, and keep your hips under your shoulders. Increase the speed to a challenging, steady pace.

  3. 3

    Breathe steadily and keep a smooth rhythm for the time set. Slow down for the last few minutes to cool down before stepping off.

Form tip: Do not lean heavily on the rails or hunch over. Keep your weight in your legs, and slow down if you feel dizzy.

Common questions

Which muscles does the stair climber work?
The stair climber mainly works your cardio. It also involves your glutes and quadriceps.
What equipment do I need for the stair climber?
You need a gym machine.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
How do I track the stair climber in SweatByte?
Add it to a routine or a workout. Log how long you hold or perform each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

More cardio exercises

General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.

Stair Climber: how to do it and muscles worked · SweatByte