Exercise is required for us to maintain a healthy weight and keep our bodies active and young looking. Two of the most popular machines at the gym are the stepmill (aka StairMaster) and treadmill. They are quickly recognizable because of their popularity, but if you are looking at gym equipment for sale, you might not know which option is right for you. Here is a look at the differences between the two machines and when you would choose one over the other.
Treadmills work by the user walking on a moving walkway. The speed and incline can generally be altered, depending on experience level. StairMasters offer a similar moving walkway but in the form of steps that you must constantly climb. The intensity of the workout can also be altered.
These two machines tone different areas of the body, so you want to get the one designed to help you accomplish your personal health goals.
A treadmill mainly targets your hamstrings, quads, shins, and calves. They also target your glutes, but much less. You can increase the amount of progress you will see in your gluts by turning up the speed and increasing the incline.
Stepmills focus on your glutes, iliopsoas, hamstrings, quads, calves, and spine.
Sometimes when people overexert themselves during a cardio exercise or when they have a preexisting condition, the user can hurt themselves.
Treadmills require a greater amount of impact on your joints, causing significant soreness and even shin splints. Stepmills put pressure on your knees, so you might want to stay away if you have knee or hip problems.
To avoid problems, tell your sales associate about any health concerns, particularly if they affect your joints. Start slow and build up to higher intensities gradually. Failing to do so can lead to injury or dangerously high heart rates. If you experience any injuries or pain during or after your exercise routine, go to the doctor as soon as possible.
The fact is that the amount of calories you burn depends on how often you use your machine and the intensity of your workouts. It varies greatly from person to person. It’s also important to note that the treadmill has a much greater range of use. However, here are some of the estimates for a woman weighing 160 pounds. On a treadmill, you can burn 204 calories in an hour walking 2 mph, 314 calories in an hour at a pace of 3.5 mph, and 606 calories running 5 mph. On average, the same person will burn 657 calories.
To increase the number of calories you burn, work out more and harder!
It’s important to note that the results you see may vary based on how you use your machine considering the multiple different ways to use them. Talk to a sales associate or a trainer about your goals. You can create a workout regime together that works best for you!