Ok, so I hopped on the stair master for the first time in months yesterday, determined to conquer this mechanical beast.

I'm proud to say I did 20 minutes on it without stopping! But, here's my question: I selected an interval training program that had little "peaks" and then less strenuous rest periods. The peaks were ****, and I had to scale the whole thing down from level 2 (resting) - 5 (max peak) down to level 1 - 4. The level 4s were still kicking my butt, but I found the level 1s to be not challenging at all.

I know interval training is good, and that having little rests in between pushes lets you get conditioned faster, but I'm wondering if I should ramp up the rest periods to level 2? Right now it feels like I'm going all hardcore at level 3 or 4 and sweating up a storm for 2.5 minutes and then stepping in place for 45 seconds, then going hardcore again. Should I be more challenged on the rest periods too?

In interval training the rest periods are meant to bring your heart rate down (that's my understanding anyway). I'd say maybe cut down your rest time before upping the intesity level IMO.

I did the stairmaster again yesterday on the same program and I've decided it kicks my butt enough for now. I think maybe I had more energy the day before.