Aerobic exercise is an important component of any physical activity. There are many cardio machines in gyms and many people are unsure which one is right for them. Two popular machines are the elliptical machine and the Stairmaster.
Both offer unique health benefits. Elliptical machines allow you to perform walking and running movements with minimal strain on your joints. It is ideal for people with joint injuries or pain.
John Fawkes, the NSCA-accredited personal trainer and nutrition consultant, says: “The elliptical is the lowest impact option compared to a treadmill or Stairmaster because it doesn’t support body weight.” It provides a continuous, low-impact gliding exercise that is ideal for people with knee or back injuries.”
Elliptical machines are great for people with joint problems or pain, but it can be difficult to do strenuous exercise on them. It is also healthy to put some strain on muscles and bones, as long as you do not injure yourself. If ellipticals are only used for aerobic exercise, there is a risk of bone density loss.
Improving physical fitness and general health should be a priority for all. According to fitness experts, at least two and a half hours of exercise per week is necessary for optimal health.
This level of exercise helps prevent cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. A certain amount of exercise also makes the muscles more active. Some people like to get moving by jogging or running, while others like to go to the gym. In both cases, the goal is to stay healthy and active.
However, thanks to recent technological innovations, machines such as elliptical trainers and Stairmasters have become indispensable tools for improving fitness.
These fitness machines are as easy to use as a regular treadmill and will not bore you.
If you are a gym-goer, you may have noticed ellipticals and Stairmasters. And if you have used these machines, you may be wondering which one is best for losing weight, toning muscles, and staying fit.
This article reviews the differences between the Elliptical and Stairmaster and tells you which is better.
Elliptical Vs Stairmaster Comparison
Elliptical Trainer
The elliptical is one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment available today. Mimicking running, this machine allows you to enjoy the benefits of running in the comfort of your gym or at home. The elliptical has paddles to put your feet on and handles to move your steps and arms at the same time.
It provides low-impact aerobic, aerobic, and core strengthening exercises. The machine is also preferred by many people because of its low impact on the joints. With the elliptical, you can lose weight, strengthen your upper body and relieve back pain.
Also Read: Gym Equipment names and functions
Stairmaster
Stairmaster is excellent fitness equipment that mimics the movement of climbing stairs.
It is popular with endurance athletes such as cyclists and triathletes. It can perform the same activities like the elliptical, but the Stairmaster is specifically designed for this type of exercise and therefore provides better results.
The machine works the quads, glutes, and hamstrings and builds leg strength. It also provides a low-impact workout that is particularly effective for toning the lower body.
So if you want to get a toned butt and legs, the Stairmaster is a perfect choice.
Also Read: Gaining Muscle Mass
Comparison of training efficiency
Both ellipticals and Stairmasters work the glutes, quads, calves, and hamstrings. However, the elliptical focuses on the front of the thighs and works the chest, arms, and back at the same time.
By moving the pedals forward, you can train the glutes and hamstrings, making it a very versatile machine. Pedaling backward works the quadriceps.
Some elliptical machines allow the user to adjust the length of the stride to work for different muscle groups. The impact on the knee is reduced and exercise time is shortened.
The Stairmaster works the quads and calves in a stair-climbing motion. By continually moving your body forward on the machine, you can strengthen your lower body and build muscle.
It is recommended for those who want to achieve a toned lower body. However, if you want a full-body workout, you should choose an elliptical.
Also Read: Is walking as good as running?
Stairmaster Or Elliptical | What Burns More Calories?
The elliptical is said to burn more calories than the Stairmaster. A person weighing 70 kg can burn approximately 800 calories when training for one hour on the elliptical.
On the other hand, the same person can spend one hour on a stairlift and burn only about 450 calories.
Which is better for aerobic and cardiorespiratory fitness?
Both machines are good for aerobic and cardiovascular health because they burn calories, increase oxygen intake and make us more active.
So, although the elliptical burns more calories, both machines are good for cardiovascular health.
Also Read: Running is good for your health
Impact.
Both the Stairmaster and elliptical are low-impact cardio machines. However, ellipticals have far less impact on the joints because the feet never leave the paddles during the workout.
Stairmaster, on the other hand, requires the user to keep moving their feet in response to the machine’s movements. The legs need to be strong, especially the calves and backs of the thighs.
Control and coordination
Elliptical trainers work after you exercise, giving you more control over your movements. They use your own body weight and controlled movements to add resistance to your workout. This requires more coordination as you move your hands and feet.
Like a treadmill, the steps of the Stairmaster move automatically at a constant speed and you have no control over your movements.
You have to follow the speed at which the steps move. So it does not require much coordination. They can follow the natural movement of the steps as if they were walking downhill. This makes it less demanding than training on the elliptical.
Also Read: How To Train At Home Without Going To The Gym
Adaptation.
Both types of fitness equipment are suitable for everyone, but the elliptical is more suitable for people who want low-impact exercise, especially older people. It is also useful for people who are losing weight. Furthermore, it is also ideal for people who want to train their entire bodies.
The Stairmaster endurance fitness machine is essential for athletes. It is designed to train the lower body and is easy to use for everyone. However, obese people need to lose some weight before using the Stairmaster. If you are overweight, training on stairs can be hard on your knees.
Versatility.
The elliptical is more versatile than the Stairmaster.
The elliptical comes pre-loaded with exercises and the resistance can be adjusted. Some can be tilted during the workout.
Pedaling can be done forward or backward and at different speeds to challenge you.
Stairmaster can only be challenged by adjusting the speed of the pedals and the steps underfoot.
What are the main differences between ellipticals and stairlifts?
The main difference between ellipticals and Stairmasters is that ellipticals mimic running movements, whereas Stairmasters go up and downstairs. Also, stair climbers burn fewer calories than ellipticals. Another difference is that the Stairmaster does not provide a full-body workout as the arms do not move like the elliptical.
Also Read: How To Increase Bicep Size Without Weights
Conclusion.
Ellipticals and Stairmasters are reliable options for improving fitness. They help to strengthen and tone your core and lower body muscles. In addition, they mimic natural activity but are more focused and effective.
Whichever method you choose, you can be sure that your body will get the exercise it needs. Ultimately, we recommend choosing the one that best suits your fitness goals.
Hi, I am Matt Storace and I am a former personal trainer and founder of Beast Biceps. We had to find ways to train at home. When I started looking for the equipment I needed, I quickly realized that there were no good resources online. So I created Beast Biceps. It is a treasure trove of information developed from my experience and research. Read More Here
