StairMaster Weight Loss Calculator
Estimate how much weight you can lose with your StairMaster workouts. This calculator uses physics-based calculations with your step cadence, body data, and weekly routine to estimate your calorie deficit and expected weight change over time.
Step 1: Your Weekly StairMaster Workouts
Enter your typical StairMaster settings and weekly frequency.
Typical range: 60-120 steps/minute
Most StairMasters: 0.20-0.21m
Step 2: Your Body & Lifestyle
Step 3: Your Weight Loss Goals
About the StairMaster Weight Loss Calculator
Learn more about the calculator and its creator
Jonas
I'm a software developer and fitness enthusiast from Germany. I created this weight loss calculator to help gym-goers plan their fitness journey with data-driven projections.
How the StairMaster Weight Loss Calculator Works
This calculator estimates your potential weight loss based on your weekly StairMaster routine combined with your personal metabolic data. It uses physics-based calculations for accurate calorie burn estimates.
1. Weekly StairMaster Calories
We use a physics-based approach to calculate calories burned on the StairMaster, which is more accurate than simple MET estimates:
Step-by-Step Calculation:
1. Vertical Velocity: v = (step height × step cadence) ÷ 60 m/s
2. Mechanical Power: P_mech = body mass × 9.81 × vertical velocity (Watts)
3. Metabolic Power: P_met = P_mech ÷ 0.20 (assuming 20% gross efficiency)
4. Calories/minute: kcal/min = P_met × 0.01433
Example Calculation (70 kg, 80 steps/min, 0.20m step)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Vertical Velocity | 0.267 m/s |
| Mechanical Power | ~183 W |
| Metabolic Power | ~915 W |
| Calories/minute | ~13.1 kcal |
| Calories/hour | ~786 kcal |
2. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
For men: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) − 5 × age(years) + 5
For women: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) − 5 × age(years) − 161
3. Why StairMaster is Excellent for Weight Loss
- High calorie burn: One of the highest calorie-burning gym machines per minute
- Low impact: Easier on joints than running or jumping
- Muscle engagement: Works glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves
- Cardiovascular benefits: Excellent for heart health and endurance
- Functional movement: Mimics real-world stair climbing
4. Calorie Deficit and Weight Loss
Weekly deficit: StairMaster calories + (TDEE − daily intake) × 7
Weekly weight loss: Weekly deficit ÷ 7,700 kcal (approximately 1 kg of fat)
Time to goal: (Current weight − goal weight) × 7,700 ÷ weekly deficit
Important Considerations
- Results are estimates based on physics and average metabolic rates—individual results may vary
- StairMaster machine calorie displays may differ from our physics-based calculations
- Weight loss may not be linear—expect fluctuations due to water retention
- Sustainable weight loss is typically 0.25–1.0 kg per week
- Proper form is essential—holding the rails too tightly reduces calorie burn significantly
References
- Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, et al. "A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals." Am J Clin Nutr. 1990;51(2):241-247.
- Ainsworth BE, et al. "Compendium of Physical Activities: an update of activity codes and MET intensities." Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2000;32(9 Suppl):S498-504.
- Minetti AE, et al. "The relationship between mechanical work and energy expenditure of locomotion in horses." J Exp Biol. 1999;202:2329-2338.
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