Stair Stepper Exercise Machine vs. Elliptical in Jackson MS

If you are looking to burn calories, improve stamina, and stimulate the muscles of the lower body, the stair stepper exercise machine and elliptical trainer are both ideal fitness equipment. Although both machines can offer an outstanding workout, there are some notable differences to consider which machine to use for your exercise routine.

Basics of a Stair Stepper Fitness Equipment

The stair stepper machine offers a low-impact cardiovascular exercise which mimics the motion of walking up a staircase. There are various models available today that you can find whether online or in physical stores. 

When making use of the step stepper, you will never remove your feet from the pedals, which rise and depress in a straight line.

Basics of an Elliptical Machine

The elliptical trainer is a low-impact cardio machine which allows you to mimic a running motion by using moving pedals, therefore you never lift up your feet. An elliptical machine provides adjustable resistance so the user can customize the workout for personal fitness goals.

The pedals can be adjusted on some machines to allow you to target and focus on specific muscles. If you aim for a lower incline then you will be targeting your quadriceps, while a higher incline, on the other hand, will focus your workout on your glutes and hamstrings. 

Some of these elliptical machines may also include moveable arm handles for an upper-body workout. By pushing the handles, your chest muscles will be targeted and pulling them will target your upper back muscles.

At Fitness Expo Stores we offer both machines for sale. As an example of stair stepper gym equipment, we have the StairMaster TreadClimber 5 with customizable workout and added comfort features.

As part of our ellipticals, one of the best and comfortable options is the Precor EFX883 Crosstrainer due to its long-lasting appearance with covered ramp. You can visit our Jackson MS store. 

Stair Stepper vs. Elliptical

Torn between the two? Here, we have listed some considerations that you might want to look into to help you come up with the right decision. 

Which Burns the Most Calories?

When it comes to burning calories, the elliptical is a clear winner due to its more intense workout. Its advantage comes from the fact that on the stair stepper you only move your legs, however, on an elliptical both your arms and legs are engaged. 

Numbers show that a 150-pound person burns about 80 calories in 10 minutes on a stair stepper while on an elliptical trainer this same person can burn over 129 calories.

Which Helps Gain Muscles?

Both the elliptical and stair stepper machine focus on lower-body muscles such as quadriceps, gluteal muscles, hamstrings, calves, and hip flexors. 

But the stair stepper engages your core more than the elliptical machine if you do not hold onto the side rails. Your body is forced to engage your core further when you try to keep your balance while stepping up. 

The elliptical can be considered as a lower-impact machine than the stair stepper as there is no need to pick up your feet while working out.

Which Provides a More Effective Cardio Workout?

The cardio benefits on both the stair stepper and elliptical are pretty similar. When it comes to choosing which to use, you may prefer to focus on intensity level to evaluate your options. 

Whichever machine you choose, make sure to begin your workout with a 5 to 10-minute warm-up. This way, your heart rate will gradually rise and your body will be prepared to exercise. 

Once you are done with the workout, you might want to cool down so your body can slowly adjust to its post-exercise state. 

Although both machines are quite similar, in the end, whichever machine you decide to use should be appropriately aligned with your goals. It is your decision to set what level of intensity you are looking for. 

Our recommendation for cardio workouts is 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity or  75 to 150 minutes of intensive exercise per week.

Which is better?

As we have mentioned, the best machine will depend on what you need and what fits your requirements. 

An elliptical trainer offers a lower impact exercise than the stair stepper exercise machine, it also engages your arms which helps your body flexing your triceps, trapezius, and core muscles. 

The stair stepper gym equipment targets the same muscles with a higher impact and a higher focus on your lower body muscles, including your hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes.