When it comes to enhancing fitness, two cardio machines dominate gym floors: the StairMaster and the treadmill. If you’re deciding between these two options, it’s essential to understand their distinct benefits and drawbacks.
The StairMaster mimics the action of climbing stairs with its rotating steps, while the treadmill features a flat, circular belt for walking, jogging, or running, along with a variety of incline settings. As Corey Brueckner, a certified personal trainer at Life Time, explains, each machine offers unique advantages depending on your fitness goals.
Meet the Experts: Corey Brueckner, C.P.T., certified personal trainer at Life Time; and Mike Poirier, C.S.C.S., Vice President of Fitness for The Edge Fitness Clubs.
If you’re honing your cardio routine, the choice between a StairMaster and a treadmill may feel daunting. According to Mike Poirier, “Most people might find the StairMaster to be a bit more challenging, making it better for those with some experience.” However, both machines are suitable for any fitness level, ensuring everyone can find their fit.
Benefits of the StairMaster
While the StairMaster is an effective cardio tool that elevates heart health, it also focuses on strengthening key lower-body muscles, including glutes and quadriceps, as noted by Brueckner. Its design encourages full foot placement, making it a powerhouse for engaging hamstrings, calves, and hip stabilization muscles as well.
This machine offers excellent calorie-burning potential, with estimates ranging from 200 to 425 calories burned in a vigorous 30-minute session, influenced by pace and the use of support rails. The StairMaster promotes greater joint mobility with more flexion and extension during use. Additionally, it provides low-impact training, which is easier on the joints due to alternating weight distribution—this can alleviate stress during workouts.
Another advantage is its ability to build leg endurance effectively, delivering an intense workout similar to climbing real stairs.
Drawbacks of the StairMaster
One notable downside is the limited variety in workouts compared to incline treadmills. Those unfamiliar with the mechanics of the StairMaster might find it challenging to master coordination at first.
Furthermore, if you have any existing joint issues, consult with a fitness expert or your doctor before using this equipment.
Benefits of the Treadmill
The treadmill also provides an effective cardio workout, helping to boost heart health. If you find monotony a hurdle, you’ll appreciate the flexibility a treadmill offers with options to walk, run, jog, or hike at various incline settings. This adaptability keeps workouts interesting and engaging.
One popular workout is the 12-3-30 workout, which involves setting the treadmill to a speed of three, increasing the incline to 12%, and sustaining that pace for 30 minutes. This routine not only targets lower body muscles but also engages your core and helps improve posture.
Calorie burn on a treadmill varies based on settings and workout duration. For instance, a session at an incline of 8-10% at a speed of 3 can burn approximately 200-250 calories, while faster speeds and steeper inclines can significantly increase this number.
Drawbacks of the Treadmill
The major disadvantage of the treadmill is the higher impact on joints, especially during running. Additionally, treadmills tend to engage muscles less intensely at the same effort level compared to the StairMaster.
Which is Better for Weight Loss?
Research indicates that incline walking generally burns more calories compared to walking on flat terrain, making both machines effective for weight loss. However, Brueckner notes that the StairMaster might burn slightly more calories in shorter sessions, making it a favorable option for those focused on weight management. Remember, both diet and exercise complement each other in any weight loss strategy.
How is the StairMaster Effective?
The StairMaster’s design allows users to effectively climb an endless set of stairs while manipulating speed to adjust workout intensity. Many machines include pre-set programs that vary speed during workouts, catering to individual fitness goals while enhancing engagement.
StairMaster vs. Treadmill: Which is Better?
Brueckner embraces the idea that all forms of exercise are beneficial. The best choice between the StairMaster and treadmill often depends on your specific fitness goals or, quite simply, which machine you enjoy using more.
For targeting cardio along with muscular endurance, she favors the StairMaster, especially for those who want to maximize fat loss and seek lower-impact cardio sessions. It’s particularly effective for short, high-intensity workouts.
Conversely, for individuals with sport-specific goals, such as training for races, the treadmill is highly recommended. It offers the flexibility for long steady-state sessions and varied workouts, proving helpful for those focusing on rehabilitation towards outdoor running.
Conclusion
Both the StairMaster and treadmill present unique benefits and can seamlessly complement each other in your fitness routine. The decision ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and fitness objectives. Engaging with a certified personal trainer can provide additional insights tailored to your needs, making either machine a worthwhile choice for a robust workout.
