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    https://approvedbycoach.com/stepper-vs-elliptical/Stepper vs Elliptical

    Learn About the Differences Between Stepper vs Elliptical

    02 Feb 2021
    Written by LAVERA STEWART, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
    Reviewed by VANESSA BARTHELMES, FLEXOLOGIST, BA IN HEALTH SCIENCE
    1133

    By now we know that for a long and healthy life, we need to watch what we eat and develop an exercise routine. Although most of the time it is easier said than done. We tend to get preoccupied with our daily lives, work, children, etc., and we rarely have time to think about these things.

    However, the events that marked the entire previous and the beginning of this year got us thinking more about our health. So we started talking about this with some of our friends to see if they are feeling the same and are they doing something to improve their situation regarding exercise. And truth be told, we were pretty impressed at how many of them firmly decided to work out more and create home gyms.

    So we started to think about what type of equipment is needed. Everyone agreed it is best to start strength training with dumbbells and some bodyweight exercises, but they were all puzzled at which machines are best for cardio. The two that caused the biggest confusion were the elliptical and stair stepper machine.

    That got us thinking, and we realized that we have no clue about the difference between these two machines. They look similar, it appears that they do the same thing, yet they are sold as two completely different pieces of equipment! Are there actual differences between them? Do we need both of them if we want to get the full cardio training? Thus, we decided to investigate to answer these questions.

    We tested both of these machines, talked with experts and browsed through a lot of stepper vs elliptical reviews to find out once and for all, which of them is the best.

    Now, we wish to share this knowledge with you.

    Remember: all information, content, and material of this website is just for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or your healthcare provider/personal fitness trainer.

    LAVERA STEWART

    LAVERA STEWART

    Editor-in-Chief of the Approved By Coach

    Contents

    • 1 Stair Stepper Overview
      • 1.1 Stair Stepper Benefits
    • 2 Elliptical Machine Overview
      • 2.1 Elliptical Machine Benefits
    • 3 Elliptical vs. Stair Stepper: In-depth Comparison
      • 3.1 Muscle Used/Effect
      • 3.2 Calorie Burning
      • 3.3 Joints Impact
      • 3.4 Perceived Exertion
      • 3.5 Aerobic and Cardiovascular Fitness
      • 3.6 Overall Comparison
    • 4 Verdict and Our Recommendation

    Stair Stepper Overview

    There are several types of stair stepper exercise machine. A traditional type has two pedals where you put your feet. The other one is a vertical climber, and it mimics stair or ladder climbing.

    Another great thing is that they come with moving handlebars, so you get an arm workout as well, which is a highly praised feature in a lot of stair stepper reviews. Some of them also allow you to adjust the speed. And finally there is also a stair climber that looks like a mini escalator.

    Sunny Health & Fitness
    Women’s Health Men’s Health
    OMMO
    L NOW
    Doufit Stepper for Exercise Machine
    Sunny Health & Fitness Total Body Advanced Twist Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands - SF-S0979, Gray
    Women’s Health Men’s Health Bluetooth Cardio Stair Stepper with Adjustable Resistance Bands and with MyCloudFitness App, Black
    OMMO Mini Steppers for Exercise, Adjustable Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands and LCD Display, Portable Climber Stair Stepping Fitness Machine (Black)
    L NOW Mini Stair Stepper for Exercise Equipment Stair Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands and LCD Monitor,Mini Stepper for Indoor Workout S2
    Stepper for Exercise Machine, Doufit ST-01 Foldable Stair Step Machine Exerciser for Home Use with Resistance Bands and Handle Bar, 220 Lbs Capacity (Unadjustable Resistance) (Upgraded)
    $75.28
    $169.00
    $45.07
    Price not available
    $89.99
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    101 Reviews
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    Buy on Amazon
    Buy on Amazon
    Buy on Amazon
    Buy on Amazon
    Buy on Amazon
    Sunny Health & Fitness
    Sunny Health & Fitness Total Body Advanced Twist Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands - SF-S0979, Gray
    $75.28
    -
    -
    Buy on Amazon
    Women’s Health Men’s Health
    Women’s Health Men’s Health Bluetooth Cardio Stair Stepper with Adjustable Resistance Bands and with MyCloudFitness App, Black
    $169.00
    -
    -
    Buy on Amazon
    OMMO
    OMMO Mini Steppers for Exercise, Adjustable Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands and LCD Display, Portable Climber Stair Stepping Fitness Machine (Black)
    $45.07
    -
    -
    Buy on Amazon
    L NOW
    L NOW Mini Stair Stepper for Exercise Equipment Stair Stepper Machine with Resistance Bands and LCD Monitor,Mini Stepper for Indoor Workout S2
    Price not available
    -
    101 Reviews
    Buy on Amazon
    Doufit Stepper for Exercise Machine
    Stepper for Exercise Machine, Doufit ST-01 Foldable Stair Step Machine Exerciser for Home Use with Resistance Bands and Handle Bar, 220 Lbs Capacity (Unadjustable Resistance) (Upgraded)
    $89.99
    -
    -
    -
    Buy on Amazon

    Stair Stepper Benefits

    • It is a very efficient machine when it comes to burning calories. On average, you can burn anywhere between 180 and 260 calories for a 30-minute workout on the best stair stepper. However, depending on your current weight and training intensity, you can burn more.
    • It is designed for aerobic training, which is efficient for boosting cardiovascular health. It also improves lung functions and increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the body.
    • Because you have to maintain balance while climbing, it also strengthens your core muscles. If your core is strong, you will have better posture and consequently less lower back pain.

    Drawbacks

    As a low-impact exercise machine, it is generally safe. However, if you have a problem with your knees, you can experience some pain or discomfort while using it.

    best video

    Elliptical Machine Overview

    The elliptical trainer is one of the gym-goers favorites. It is stationary equipment, designed to mimic running, walking, and stair climbing. However, exercising on this machine doesn’t put a strain on the joints, so there is a minimal risk of injury, as long as you’re careful. It is a very versatile machine that allows you to do high-intensity interval training and standard cardio exercises.

    Sunny Health & Fitness
    Bowflex
    Stamina
    Schwinn
    LifePro
    Sunny Health & Fitness Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer - SF-E320002, Black
    Bowflex M3 Max Trainer, Black
    Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
    Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine, Black
    LifePro Under Desk Elliptical Trainer for Home & Office - Calf Leg Foot Pedal Exerciser - Seated Compact Elliptical Bike Machine - Core Fitness Low Impact Exercise Equipment w/Adjustable Resistance
    $442.96
    $999.00
    $119.99
    $999.00
    $159.99
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    -
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    Buy on Amazon
    Buy on Amazon
    Buy on Amazon
    Buy on Amazon
    Buy on Amazon
    Sunny Health & Fitness
    Sunny Health & Fitness Pre-Programmed Elliptical Trainer - SF-E320002, Black
    $442.96
    -
    -
    Buy on Amazon
    Bowflex
    Bowflex M3 Max Trainer, Black
    $999.00
    -
    -
    Buy on Amazon
    Stamina
    Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
    $119.99
    -
    -
    Buy on Amazon
    Schwinn
    Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine, Black
    $999.00
    -
    -
    Buy on Amazon
    LifePro
    LifePro Under Desk Elliptical Trainer for Home & Office - Calf Leg Foot Pedal Exerciser - Seated Compact Elliptical Bike Machine - Core Fitness Low Impact Exercise Equipment w/Adjustable Resistance
    $159.99
    -
    -
    Buy on Amazon

    Elliptical Machine Benefits

    • Working on this trainer improves the capacity of your cardiovascular system. When you do this type of cardio workout, your lungs and heart work more. As a result, they pump more oxygen into your bloodstream.
    • It is also very efficient for weight loss. Working on the elliptical for only half an hour will burn on average 270 – 400 calories.
    • The studies show that exercising on the elliptical puts significantly less stress on joints than running or jogging.
    • This machine provides an upper body workout as well since it comes with handlebars we can move.

    Drawbacks

    • The movements are a bit different from those we make while running and jogging, which means that the muscles are working differently. It takes some time for the body to get used to this, and sometimes injuries can occur.
    • As it is low impact exercise, the bone density will not improve as much as it would with running, however with this machine you will see the results a lot faster.
    best video

    Elliptical vs. Stair Stepper: In-depth Comparison

    Muscle Used/Effect

    If you use it correctly, the elliptical works on hamstrings, gluteal muscles, quads, biceps, triceps, and abs. Using the stepper, you work hamstrings, glutes, calves, and quadriceps. So if you compare elliptical vs stepper, it is clear that the former works the upper body and latter us great for the lower body.

    Calorie Burning

    Calorie Burning

    When comparing calorie burning with stair stepper vs elliptical, we have to consider that the latter allows us to perform high-intensity interval training. It is important because this type of workout burns more calories. The average person will burn between 180 and 260 calories on stepper while burning between 270 and 400 calories on the elliptical for the same amount of time.

    Joints Impact

    When you make a comparison stepper vs elliptical, you see that they are both low impact machines. It means that whichever you choose, the impact on knees, ankles, or hips will be negligible compared to high-impact activities such as running. However, according to a lot of stair stepper reviews, this machine creates a stronger impact on the joints than elliptical.

    Perceived Exertion

    Perceived Exertion

    Perceived exertion indicates how hard you are working during your training. Generally, both of these machines are designed for lower intensity training. However, when considering whether to buy a stair stepper or elliptical, keep in mind that elliptical allows for a more intense workout.

    Aerobic and Cardiovascular Fitness

    Looking at these pieces of home exercise equipment for weight loss, it is evident they have similar cardiovascular benefits. On the elliptical, you will burn more calories. However, when it comes to cardio exercises, judging by how fast you start panting, we can say that stepper does a bit more.

    Overall Comparison

    Stair Stepper Elliptical
    Upper body workout It is not beneficial It is beneficial for arm and upper back muscles
    Lower body workout It is efficient for toning glutes, quads, legs It is also beneficial for lower body muscles
    Cardio workouts It is very efficient for cardio exercises because it quickly regulates blood flow The effect on cardiovascular health depends on the intensity
    Calorie burning The maximum average calorie burn is 223 for 30 minutes The maximum average for 30 minutes is 335 calories burned
    Overall benefits The speed depends on the user; legs generate the power Excellent for hamstrings and quads; useful for overweight and obese people
    Overall disadvantages Lack of upper body training; doesn’t burn a lot of calories It can be complicated to use; higher risk of injuries

    Verdict and Our Recommendation

    And that’s about it for our stepper machine vs elliptical comparison. Although similar, some differences can help you determine which one suits your needs. So overall, if you have enough space and you want to lose weight and work on the entire body, you should go for the elliptical. However, if you are on a tight budget and want to focus on cardiovascular strength, the stepper is your choice. So how about it – which machine caught your attention and why? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, we would love to hear from you!

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Table of Contents
Stair Stepper Overview
Stair Stepper OverviewStair Stepper BenefitsElliptical Machine OverviewElliptical Machine BenefitsElliptical vs. Stair Stepper: In-depth ComparisonMuscle Used/EffectCalorie BurningJoints ImpactPerceived ExertionAerobic and Cardiovascular FitnessOverall Comparison Verdict and Our Recommendation
Elliptical Machine Overview
Elliptical vs. Stair Stepper: In-depth Comparison
Verdict and Our Recommendation