Stepper Vs. Treadmill

Treadmills and steppers provide aerobic workouts. But they have differences that can make one machine a better choice for your needs.

  1. Determine Your Goals

    • If you are using the machine to lose weight, treadmills are more effective, but if you want to build muscle in your legs and glutes, a stepper will be more beneficial.

    Exercise Versatility

    • Although you can vary speeds and programs on both machines, treadmills enable you to walk, run or jog, while the basic motion of the stepper is always the same.

    Space Confinements

    • You can find a space saving or foldable treadmill, but steppers are usually not collapsible.

    Injury Concerns

    • Using a treadmill provides greater impact on your knees and your ankle is more likely to twist unnaturally from the motion than using a stepper.

    Safety Features

    • Both machines have safety handles, but motorized treadmills have a safety feature, which requires you to connect a corded piece to your clothing while the other end remains on the machine. If you fall off the treadmill, the piece will slide off and immediately stop the machine.