I've been hitting the stairmaster most every morning for six weeks. I use it because it seems I can go on forever when doing cycling but on the stairmaster I can gauge better perceived effort and if I go 100% it truly kicks my ass.

I've been upping the intensity as I get more conditioned but I've reached a point where my body does not recuperate properly after a 20 minute session. My legs and calves hurt, they knot up afterwards and (like this morning) I cannot go because my legs ache. If I skip today then saturday I am good as new and I can start again.

I think this is what is hindering my fat loss. I've lost about 10 pounds since I started but now I am stuck and I think it's because the stop-n-go cardio I have to do.

So I guess my questions are, is a starimaster a good choice for HIIT? What other choices are out there? Is HIIT a good choice only for some?

If I run or bike it takes me so much longer to reach the kind of exhaustion than when doing stairmaster which I think is the purpose of HIIT.

Thanks!

If you can get above 90% intensity then there is no reason why a stepmaster would not be effective. Do you warm down and stretch after a your workouts? Also consume a small High GI meal after the workout to assist in recovery. If you do these things then your body will begin to adapt and recover quicker without as much soreness.

Marcus :tucool:

I think the stairmaster is great and am moving to it this coming week for cardio from the stationary bike. I think once your leg muscles catch up, they won't limit your workout....so keep hammering them!

-chris

You can basically use ANYTHING for HIIT that can get your HR up to 80-90% and down to ~60%.