Stair Stepper Vs. Elliptical

Elliptical trainers and stair steppers are two popular cardiovascular workout machines common in gyms and households. Both machines have several advantages and disadvantages over each other and other similar workout devices like treadmills.

Joint Impact

One of the primary reasons people use elliptical machines and stair steppers is to reduce the impact that cardio activity places on the joints. Running and walking are two of the most common cardio activities, but both involve lifting the feet up from the ground and stepping down, which creates force that must be absorbed by the feet and legs. Both elliptical trainers and stair steppers have low joint impact because the feet are planted on pedals at all times. Between the two, stair steppers may cause more stress on the joints since the knees must bend more deeply during the stepping motion.

Muscle Use

Elliptical trainers have pedals that move in a motion that is a hybrid of running and biking, which results in an exercise similar to both that works all the major muscle groups of the legs. Ellipticals also have arm handles that the user can pump to work the arms. The strain on the leg muscles when using elliptical trainers tends to be lower than stair steppers, which can tire the legs more quickly since they move in an up and down motion rather than a forward and back motion. Additionally, stair steppers do not involve handles that work the arms.

Weight Loss

Elliptical trainers and stair steppers are both common machines employed by people who want to promote calorie burning and weight loss through cardio activity. The amount of calories burned on either machine will depend on the intensity of the workout, but the calorie burn is likely to be similar to running or cycling. Many workout machines display calorie burning estimates. Since elliptical trainers tend to be easier on the leg muscles and spread the workout to the arms, they can seem easier to use than stair steppers, allowing workouts to last longer and resulting in more calories burned and better weight loss results.

Safety

Both elliptical machines and stair steppers are very safe workout machines compared to similar workout devices like treadmills and even stationary bikes. On a treadmill, if the user trips or runs too far back on the belt, serious injury can result. On certain stationary bikes, if the pedals are moving very fast and the feet come off the pedals, the whirling pedals may strike a foot and cause injury. Since the feet are planted on pedals when using ellipticals and stair steppers, the chance of falling is low. A good stair stepper will also have rails surrounding the pedals for support.

Alternatives

Elliptical trainers offer a unique workout that cannot be mimicked by doing other types of exercises. Stair climbers, on the other hand, are designed to mirror the workout that one would get from traveling up flights of stairs. Many people prefer to run up and down actual flights of stairs rather than use a stair stepper, and for those without gym memberships, climbing real stairs presents a free and easily accessible alternative to using a stair stepper machine.

References

• Info on elliptical trainer benefits
• Info on stair steppers