Many folks want to know what the difference in workout is between the Stairmaster stepmill a and treadmill.
To be honest before I was asked this question I was always a treadmill guy, I didn't even know what a stepmill was until I looked more into this exercise machine.
First a treadmill brings tradition, most people know of or have worked out on a treadmill. This is an advantage for companies selling this fitness machine.
That's where I believe the advantages end for the treadmill vs the stepmill.
If given the chance I believe the Stairmaster stepmill rivals or beats traditional treadmills in all categories if you are looking for a low impact, good cardio vascular workout.
Folks who find running or walking on the treadmills will also enjoy using the stepmill because you are climbing stairs not pounding your feet on a treadmill belt.
Both give you fantastic cardio workouts though I believe the stepmill gives more of a workout to all the major muscles of the legs.
Both machines can be used by either average gym goers or high level athletes.
Both provide a number of digital information facts about your workout on the LCD display such as speed and calories burned.
The treadmill may appear easier to use because you are more familiar with the look and feel of the treadmill but the stepmill is as easy to use.
Using the stepmill you just get on the virtual staircase and hit the quick start button and choose your speed, anywhere from 24 to 162 steps a minute.
Both give you preprogrammed workouts as well as manual workout ability as well.
So really the difference between a Stairmaster Stepmill and a treadmill will ultimately come down to personal choice. I tended to lean towards the stepmill because I had some old knee injuries and the treadmill often causes my lower back and knees to be sore after an extensive workout.
I didn't experience that with the stepmill, both gave me fantastic cardio workouts, and overall I would alternate usage by going with the stepmill 3 to 4 times a week and the treadmill maybe once a week.
