Daily gym sessions can feel great, giving you high energy and motivation until you face the dreaded finisher: the stair master. Climbing steps over and over again can get boring fast, so here are some of VALLEY’s favorite routines and tips for you to implement into your next gym session.
Introducing the StairMaster Queen

Hailey Fernandes is a fitness influencer who gained popularity through her famous StairMaster routine. This routine consists of 45 minutes on the StairMaster a day, which sounds excessive if you haven’t done it before. Once you complete it and familiarize yourself with it, you’ll never go back. A helpful tip when starting is to begin with a lower time, then slowly add minutes each day to reach that final 45.
45 minutes of climbing stairs can get boring, so what better way than to spend it listening to your favorite songs? Create your own with your favorites, or Hailey Fernandes has her own StairMaster playlist, which will have you wanting to stay on for longer.
25-7-2

This isn’t just a random set of numbers but rather a number-based workout. This routine was created by Camilla Dilan Akbas, a fitness influencer, who shared this routine with her many followers. She claims it’s “a way to build abs fast.” It consists of 25 minutes on the StairMaster at level 7, twice a week. The catch? You can’t hold on.
Pro Tips
- Don’t slouch or lean over: keep your shoulders back and down and your body straight. Hold your eyes ahead and gaze up. It is ok if you occasionally glance down because you are getting familiar with the motion, but try to stare as far forward as you can.
- Don’t hold on: The purpose of the handrails is safety, not to support your weight. You will strain your legs if you place too much weight on the railings. Avoid bearing all of your weight on the rails; instead, hold them lightly.
- Use your whole foot: To step up, make sure your entire foot is on the step and push your weight through your heel. Your quads and glutes will not be used if you merely place your toes on the step and leave your heel hanging off the edge.
- Take your time: Although it appears simple, the StairMaster is not. If you find it difficult at first, aim for just five or ten minutes, and start slowly. As you grow more comfortable, you can Increase the length of each session and raise the speed.
- Challenge yourself: Use the routines in this article to push yourself when you want a great sweat!
No Boredom Here

No playlist? No problem, podcasts are a great way to pass the time on the StairMaster. Try branching out and listening to a new one, or catch up to one of your favorites. VALLEY’s favorites include Call Her Daddy or Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcasts for gossip and motivation.
If neither of these interests you, call someone! It may be hard if you’re someone who gets out of breath quickly, but if you’re not, call your best friend or family. It’s a great way to catch up with your loved ones while getting a workout in.
If you’re feeling crazy, sometimes just being in the moment, not listening to anything, and focusing on your workout can be motivating.
Would you do these routines? Let @VALLEYmag know on X!
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