If you’re in the market for a new cardio machine for your home, you may be considering a classic piece of gym equipment such as a treadmill, or something that offers a more unique workout such as a stair climber. Both pieces of cardio equipment offer a great overall workout, but which is better? The results may surprise you!
Treadmill vs. Stair Stepper: What’s the Difference?
Since these are both cardio machines many think these two machines offer the same benefits but the reality is they have different advantages and best-use cases. Some of the main differences between a treadmill and a stair stepper include:
- A stair stepper machine is considered to be better for strengthening the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and core.
- The treadmill can be better for improving cardiovascular endurance and conditioning.
- The treadmill boasts higher levels of control with speed, pace, distance, time, and incline.
- Stair stepper machines can be more expensive than treadmills.
- Stair steppers may be harder on the knees and joints.
Now let’s take a deeper look at each machine’s range of benefits so you can decide which machine is right for you.
Stairclimber and Stair Stepper Benefits
Here are some of the top benefits of using a step machine for your cardio workouts:
They’re Easy to Use
Have you ever climbed a set of stairs? Then you already know how to use a stepper! A stair machine is extremely user-friendly and can be beneficial for all fitness levels. However, keep in mind that this machine may not be ideal for those with mobility or balance issues.
They Help Improve Balance and Coordination
Stair climbing machines are considered functional exercises, which means they require the user to mimic daily movements – in this case going up stairs. Incorporating these types of exercise may help strengthen your body for everyday use through higher levels of balance and coordination. Additionally, this machine requires you to use stabilizer muscles, improving your balance even further.
It Strengthens Leg Muscles
A stair stepper can a great machine for strengthening major body muscles as they can improve muscular endurance in the following areas:
- Glutes
- Hamstrings
- Quads
- Calves
- Core
When using the correct form, you can quickly strengthen even the largest body muscles and feel the benefits for years to come. When you work to increase muscle strength in your legs and core you will find it is also noticeable in your daily activities and when performing other workouts.
It Offers a High Calories Burn Workout
Similar to other cardio exercises, the stair stepper can burn tons of calories. The machine uses the largest muscle in your body and can burn anywhere from 180-250 calories per 30-minute workout session. Plus, if you are able to increase your intensity, you can burn even more calories per session.
It Improves Cardiovascular Health
Similar to the treadmill, a stair stepper is a great machine for improving cardiovascular health and your overall well-being. The machine works to strengthen your heart and lungs, which are fundamental to cardiovascular fitness. Stronger lungs, in turn, help you get more oxygen, while a healthy heart will pump more blood to your muscles and organs.
Treadmill Benefits
Here are some of the top benefits of using a step machine for your cardio workouts:
It Helps to Improve Heart Health
One of the primary health benefits of using a treadmill in your workouts is that it can significantly improve your heart health. The treadmill allows the user to perform aerobic exercise, which allows you to maintain constant heart rates and hit target heart rate zones. Low-impact aerobic exercise has been found to be beneficial for strengthening heart muscles, lowering blood pressure, and lowering your risk of heart disease.
It Can Help to Improve Mental Health
It may not be well known, but the treadmill can be an excellent tool for improving symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. In fact, research indicates that just 10 minutes of moderate-intensity running can have a positive impact on your mental health.
So, if you’re looking for a great way to boost your mental health, a 10-minute session on the treadmill might be right for you.
It’s Easier on Your Joints
In most cases, a treadmill is easier on the joints when compared to running outdoors. The construction of the treadmill absorbs more shock and impact with each stride, which can be very beneficial for individuals with joint pain in the knees or ankles.
Offers Higher Levels of Control
Most treadmills offer high levels of control. Users have the ability to adjust factors such as speed, incline, time, distance, and more. The higher number of settings allows you to hit weight-loss and fitness goals easier, plus it makes for a more varied workout. This also assists users to may need to modify their workouts due to an injury or physical limitation.
Helps You Stay in Shape
A treadmill is a great piece of workout equipment to help you stay in shape. The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours, of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Using a treadmill, it’s easy accomplish this, plus it’s extremely convenient for those who own one and have it in their home gym. Additionally, the calorie burn from the treadmill can help you hit your weight-loss goals.
Which Machine Offers the Better Workout?
Ultimately, which machine is best for you and offers the better workout depends on what level and intensity you’re using the machines. Both the stairclimber and the treadmill have different settings, however, you have the ability to up the intensity a bit more on a treadmill. The bottom line, however, if both machines offer a great aerobic workout and focus on working out large muscle groups. For those with knee or hip problems a treadmill is a better option, but if you don’t have limitations, consider the type of workout you prefer and make your choice based on that.
Buy a Stair Climber or Treadmill Today
If you’re looking for a stair climber, the Pro 6 Aspen StairMill Stair Climber is a great option. This machine combines durability and a streamlined feature set for light industrial and home use applications. With the Pro 6 StairMill Indoor Climbing Machine and enjoy the best uphill workout in a small footprint available anywhere!
For those in the market for a treadmill consider the Body-Solid Endurance series. These treadmills have all the features and functions for safe, reliable fitness we all know and love when it comes to the Body-Solid brand. Whether you’re looking for a great cardio workout or rehabbing an injury, the Endurance by Body-Solid Endurance Treadmill line has something for everyone.
