Thing #6 The Stairmaster

OK, yeah. I admit it. I’ve used the Stairmaster before, many years ago in a life far, far away. When I was in college I got PE credit for going to the gym, and I went faithfully for about six or seven years in college and grad school. I had occasion to use the stairmaster. But I haven’t considered it much of an option in the last fifteen years, frankly, and I put it on the list this time to see if it should be one again. It was strange to hop back on, and have a little shot of nostalgia added to my morning.

Cons: At both of my gyms, the stairclimbers are relegated to remote and boring parts of the gym. The capacity to cheat is high – leaning forward on the arms, leaning back, not doing a long stride. And cheating means injury if done too much.

Pros: It wasn’t hard to figure out. It surprisingly didn’t hurt my knee. It was a good workout. It will help me prep for the Cystic Fibrosis IDS Stairclimb in February. The remoteness means fewer opportunities for people to watch the indignity of a new endeavor. I can do it at my own pace, whenever I can make it to the gym. It’s indoors for the winter.

Regardless, I’m glad I worked out this morning. I didn’t do much of anything over the weekend, and my mood and my brain function can tell. I’m happier, more productive, and feel better on the days I have exercised.

I’ll try this one again.