soapdragon Posted January 23, 2015 Share Posted January 23, 2015 I have just bought (2nd hand on E bay!!!!) a basic stepper. It has a dial so that you can adjust the resistance but thats all (VERY basic!) On the face of it, it seems very obvious...get on, move up and down But I wonder if there is a 'proper' technique to using on of these. Should I be trying to go as fast as possible or just crank it up and work out slowly? How long should a session be to get max benefit? It only cost £2.02 and my thinking was that I'd get a cheap basic one and, if successful, I'd look at getting one with bells and whistles (well, not literally but a bit more upmarket ) The idea is that I can do it whilst watching tellie which doesn't work with the rowing machine (as its not in the same room as the tellie ) or the Wii Fit step which just shows a Mii of me! Any hints or tips welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 The answer is both - use the higher resistance and step more slowly to build up muscle and keep good technique, then use the lower resistance for 'sprints' to raise your heart rate and increase tone and fitness. Higher weights will also use your 'glutes' (bum muscles) more. What is important is your posture; lots of people use them slightly bent over and hanging on to a chair back for support, but steppers are an excellent way of also strengthening your core muscles and improving balance. So stand up straight, slide your pelvis sightly forward, engage core muscles and chest up, shoulders back. Start slowly while you get used to the correct technique, then build up time and speed as you get more confident. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 Blimey DM you sound like my Pilates instructor . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 Pilates is excellent. I trained and worked as a personal trainer about 25 years ago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 £2.02!? Sorry, I can't offer any advice though as I'm not allowed to do exercise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted January 24, 2015 Author Share Posted January 24, 2015 Thanks DM......will put in lots of practice!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
