Treadmills and stair climbers are popular cardio machines in homes and at gyms. Each machine has its benefits and drawbacks. In general, the stair climber provides a more challenging workout, especially if you are new to exercise. However, the treadmill offers more options for adjusting the intensity of your workout.
Function
A treadmill allows you to walk or run inside on a cushioned treadbelt. Features vary among models, but in general, you can adjust the speed and incline. Stair climbers simulate walking up a flight of stairs. Two pedals move up and down as you step. Most models offer varying levels of pedal resistance. The higher you set the resistance, the more difficult it is to move the pedals.
Treadmill Benefits
A study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" compared the rate of energy expenditure, measured by oxygen consumption, at a given level of perceived exertion among six indoor exercise machines. The treadmill elicited higher levels of energy expenditure than the stair stepper, for the same level of perceived exertion. In other words, the participants were burning more energy on the treadmill, even though they felt they were working the same as they did on the stair stepper.
Stair Climber Benefits
A stair climber workout strengthens the muscles of your legs and hips, as well as providing you with a cardio workout. The American Council on Exercise reports that a stair climber workout is more demanding so you will need to build up your endurance over time. It is easy to set a treadmill at the lowest incline and a slow walking speed and glide through your workout with very little effort. But even at the lowest settings, a stair stepper provides you with a relatively intense cardio workout.
Considerations
If you suffer knee or other joint problems, you might want to avoid the stair climber and the treadmill. You don't have the constant pounding on a stair climber like you do on a treadmill, but the repetitive stepping motion can be hard on the knees, especially if you've had a previous injury.
The best machine to work out on is the one that will motivate you the most for any given workout.
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