Body Workout: Stair stepper vs. elliptical vs. treadmill

Stair stepper, elliptical and treadmill machines are some of the most popular machines known for cardio vascular workouts. These machines are related to each other because their basic purpose is low impact endurance training but a closer look at these three will reveal the real differences in their functioning and impact. Given below are the points of differences between stair stepper, elliptical and treadmill machines.

• UPPER BODY WORKOUT: Both stair steppers as well as treadmill is not beneficial when it comes to upper body workout. Elliptical machines are known for the ski-like motion and these are very useful for the people who want to work upon their triceps, biceps and upper back muscles.
• LOWER BODY WORKOUT: In the case of stair stepper, there is a wavelike motion which tends to release the body muscles, thereby toning gluteus muscles, leg and quad exercises. In the case of treadmill, there is an increased calve motion which steer aerobic exercises and helps in improving inclination postures. Elliptical machines have a lower hand when it comes to lower body workout.
• CARDIO WORKOUTS: Amongst all the three cardio machines, stair stepper is known to be the best cardio workout machine. It is so because exercising on a stair stepper regulates the blood flow very fast, no matter at what speed you are working out. Treadmills are preferred because of the digital screen feature which can measure your heart beat and MPH speeds. While in the case of elliptical, the benefits to cardio muscles depend upon the intensity and speed but these machines are still known for the complete body toning and muscle workouts.
• CALORIE BURNING: If you are looking forward for the machine that would burn your calories in lesser time, go in for elliptical machines. It is so because both stair stepper as well as treadmill is not beneficial when it comes to upper body workout. 30 minutes of workout on an elliptical will nearly burn around 335 calories; on stair stepper you will burn nearly 223 calories whereas on treadmill the count would be approximately 300. It is therefore advised to choose an elliptical machine if you are looking forward for burning calories.
• BENEFITS: In stair stepper the power is generated through the legs and the speed of workout is totally dependent upon the user. In treadmills all the functions and aspects of the exercises that are performed can be controlled by the operator. Elliptical machines are beneficial in balancing quad and hamstring exercises. Also, these machines are highly safe for the obese and overweight people.
• DISADVANTAGES: Stair steppers and treadmills fail to provide upper body inclusion. Stair steppers sometimes result in posture problems and the actual calorie loss is lesser. In the case of treadmill, there is no reflex training because of the smaller stride length. Elliptical machines are often cursed because of the complexity of its movements. Many people fail to understand the rules and regulations of using the machine and many a times this result in injuries or posture issues.

Variety of these machines like Bowflex Treadclimber, NordicTrack Elliptical and many others are available in the market, among which you can make a choice depending upon your requirements.