Doing steps a good way to train?

[TEXMAN]

Fair enough, but at least explain your rational. There's NO WAY that club StairMaster is going to prepare you or the OP for a "hike". Yes, Im talking actually "being outside", on real ground, with real terrain. In the gym there'sn o twisting of the ankles, not real time shoe fit feel, no hardening of the feet skin, there are just so many dynamics that are missed. Google around and you will find countless articles about how gym machines such as the stairmaster are no substitute for real work up and down hill. Great for the yoga pants crowd though.

Not all of us are lucky enough to live where outside looks like North Carolina. Here in Dallas when I "HIKE" 5 flights of a parking garage I am at the highest point for a 30 mile radius...I can walk all day long outside and never use the muscles I will feel climbing that first hill on the AT.

[MuddyWaters]

Steps are better than laying on sofa eating bon-bons.

Weight training, running, cardio year round have always worked well for me. Only a couple days and im on cruise control. YMMV.

[Ethesis]

Not all of us are lucky enough to live where outside looks like North Carolina. Here in Dallas when I "HIKE" 5 flights of a parking garage I am at the highest point for a 30 mile radius...I can walk all day long outside and never use the muscles I will feel climbing that first hill on the AT.

True even of the hiking paths in Plano and along the trinity. You will get more vertical in that garage than 4-5 Miles of hiking will give you here.

[George]

I do the same on a stairmaster at the gym. I think the only thing it doesn't really prepare you for (vs actual hiking) is the uneven nature of the trail footbed. I found that despite a lot of time on the machine, doing a 5 mile roadwalk with my pack on really did a number on my ankles and calves.

SOBO is all downhill, since Katahdin is taller than Springer.

I like to use the bottom of the stair master until the foot ages up and slips off - straight up and from both sides - good stretching and endurance training

[saltysack]

Steps are better than laying on sofa eating bon-bons.

Weight training, running, cardio year round have always worked well for me. Only a couple days and im on cruise control. YMMV.

+1....if your in good physical condition it makes the trail much easier.....I live at sea level in Fl and never have an issue hitting 18-20 mpd first day out.....I do remember being in a high rise hotel downtown Miami a few years ago climbing stairs just before I flew out to do JMT....the golden staircase was a BITCH...training or not!!!


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[AllDownhillFromHere]

I like to use the bottom of the stair master until the foot ages up and slips off - straight up and from both sides - good stretching and endurance training

I found a significant boost comes from not holding onto the rails/sides of the stairmaster as well. It's subtle, but after a few steps you really feel the additional calf and other balance muscles kicking in.

[lonehiker]

I found a significant boost comes from not holding onto the rails/sides of the stairmaster as well. It's subtle, but after a few steps you really feel the additional calf and other balance muscles kicking in.

You see people making the same mistake with treadmills on high incline. They grab the console which negates the entire purpose of the incline.

[Night Train]

Absolutely! Hard work matters.