StairMaster or treadmill? Which cardio machine is best for you? Both offer several benefits, allowing you to burn a significant number of calories, boost your cardiovascular fitness and elevate your overall endurance. But when deciding which one is better, it comes down to your specific goal and workout preference. Let’s go over some of the pros and cons of each machine so you can make the decision that’s best for you!
StairMaster
This machine can kick your butt! It offers several pros:
- Greater resistance workout for your legs, especially the glutes and quadriceps
- Challenging cardiovascular workout
- Awesome cross-training tool
- Non-impact option, especially for users with knee or other similar joint issues
There are a few cons:
- Can be difficult for beginners because the additional resistance/“climbing” leads to exhaustion more quickly
- Easy to cheat by leaning on handrails
- Less variety when compared with treadmill workouts
Treadmill
This is a gym staple and cardio favorite for many. Here are some of the pros:
- Good resistance workout for leg muscles, especially if the incline function is used
- Lots of variety
- Challenging cardiovascular workout
- Easier for beginners; safer progression
- Great option for those who want to improve their running ability
Here are some of the cons when using a treadmill:
- Usually more impact on the knee joint, especially when jogging or sprinting
- Higher probability for injury especially when jogging or sprinting