STAIRMASTER

The StairMaster at Spark Fitness Zone is one of the most effective cardio machines for simultaneous fat loss and lower body conditioning. Unlike the treadmill or bike, stair climbing places the body in a hip-flexed position that directly loads the glutes and quads through a functional range of motion — producing both a cardiovascular stimulus and meaningful muscular work in the same session.

This dual-effect makes it the preferred cardio tool for members focused on body recomposition. The revolving staircase design forces continuous, rhythmic step climbing at a pace you control — from a slow, deliberate 26 steps per minute for Zone 2 fat-burning work up to an aggressive 160+ steps per minute for high-intensity conditioning. The self-powered rotating steps never allow momentum or coasting, meaning every step requires active muscular effort.

Grip the side rails lightly for balance only — leaning heavily reduces glute activation by up to 40% and shifts load to the arms. At Spark Fitness Zone, the StairMaster is heavily used in both the fat loss programme and the lower body development circuits. Fifteen minutes on the StairMaster at moderate intensity burns more calories than an equivalent treadmill walk, and produces significantly more glute and hamstring activation.

For members who want to develop the glutes while maintaining cardiovascular fitness, it is the single best machine in the cardio zone.

• →Burns more calories per minute than treadmill walking at equivalent effort
• →Superior glute and quad activation versus flat cardio machines
• →Functional stair-climbing motion transfers directly to everyday movement
• →Zone 2 fat-burning: sustain conversation pace for 20–40 min to maximise fat oxidation
• →Builds lower body endurance and muscular conditioning simultaneously