How do you do the Stair Climber?

Step onto the machine and start at a low level for a few minutes to warm up. Stand tall with your core braced and your whole foot on each step. Climb with steady steps in rhythm with the machine, pushing through the step. Let your arms swing naturally as on stairs, or rest your hands lightly on the rails for balance. Raise the level gradually, and drop it if your form slips.

What muscles does the Stair Climber work?

Mainly the glutes, quads and hamstrings, with help from the abs, obliques and lower back.

What are common Stair Climber mistakes?

Leaning or hanging on the rails. Slouching or folding forward as you tire. Pushing the level past where you can hold your form.

Stair Climber: how to do it, form cues and muscles worked

How to do it

Step onto the machine and start at a low level for a few minutes to warm up.
Stand tall with your core braced and your whole foot on each step.
Climb with steady steps in rhythm with the machine, pushing through the step.
Let your arms swing naturally as on stairs, or rest your hands lightly on the rails for balance.
Raise the level gradually, and drop it if your form slips.

Key cues

Stand tall, core braced
Stand tall without leaning on the rails
Whole foot on the step
Steady steps, in rhythm
Push through the step

Common mistakes

Leaning or hanging on the rails
Slouching or folding forward as you tire
Pushing the level past where you can hold your form

Muscles worked

Primary: Glutes, quads and hamstrings
Secondary: Abs, obliques and lower back

Equipment

Stair climber machine.

References

Garage Gym Reviews: Beginner StairMaster Workout
BarBend: StairMaster Workout