Which exercise machine is better: stepper or elliptical trainer?

To keep your figure in shape and constantly be in good shape, you don’t have to go for long runs or walk for many kilometers. This can be done at the gym or even at home. All you need to do is buy and use a suitable trainer. Exercises on it help normalize metabolic processes in the body, strengthen the heart, lungs, and joints. Some of the most popular home exercise machines are steppers and ellipsoids. To figure out which one is better, let's look at both types in more detail.

Which is better, a stepper or an elliptical trainer?

The stepper and the elliptical trainer belong to the same type - cardio equipment.

Working on a stepper simulates climbing stairs. This is a device with pedals and an elliptical range of rotation. A convenient, compact mobile exercise machine is designed to strengthen the buttocks and calf muscles.

An elliptical trainer (elliptical, orbitrack) combines a stepper, a treadmill, an exercise bike, and a rider. The movements on it are reminiscent of skiing and pedaling a bicycle. It is designed for cardio and strength training. In addition, it has additional functions. Performing exercises on it increases the body's aerobic capacity - the amount of oxygen consumed per minute during physical activity.

Both simulators increase endurance, strengthen muscles, and correct the figure. They promote weight loss by actively enriching muscles with oxygen. By reacting with glucose, it breaks down fat located under the skin.

Using an ellipsoid helps you burn 500-800 calories per hour. It involves all muscle groups of the back, body, legs, and arms. It is safer to work on an ellipsoid due to the fact that they are equipped with handles. There is a lower chance of injury and joint pain. It makes less noise due to good insulation. There is a reverse function.

What tasks do they perform?

Or in other words: why do we use them at all?

1. Promoting health and preventing diseases that may arise in the future. This includes training the heart and lungs, which means improving the functioning of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, increasing endurance, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and the formation of pathologies associated with heart failure.
2. Our desired weight loss (and preferably due to intensive burning of fat deposits without loss of muscle mass and exhausting diets).
3. A daily boost of energy and a good mood from the results obtained.

Read more: Cardio: when and why?

Stepper

There are several types of steppers. Based on their operating principle, they are divided into mechanical and electromagnetic.

• Mechanical ones use hydraulics. When the foot presses the pedal, the slave cylinder is compressed, and when the other foot begins to work, the weight is transferred to the other pedal. The working cylinder is released. Their advantages are silent operation and the ability to use without connecting to a power source. More suitable for training at home
• Electromagnetic ones use the magnetic resistance of the pedals. The load can be adjusted via the console. Advantages – many additional functions and training programs. There are sensors. recording physical indicators. The device is often used in fitness centers

There are several types of steppers that differ in form and functionality:

• Professional – designed for gyms. They are strong, reliable, and can be used almost without interruption.
• Autonomous ones do not work from the mains, but on a generator or batteries
• Folding ones are compact in size, but not very reliable and durable.

Which muscle group does the stepper work?

Stepper training can develop different muscle groups. It depends on the type of device according to the type of movement:

• The classic ones most accurately imitate walking on steps. They strengthen the muscles of the buttocks and thighs.
• Balancing exercises help develop coordination. The movable platform shifts the center of gravity of the body, which allows you to increase the load on the muscles of the back, arms and legs.
• Rotating ones allow you to turn your body to the sides during training. This increases the load on all muscles, especially the back. Therefore, it is recommended to be used by women with the problem “breeches area”

Top 3 models for home and hall

Each model of elliptical cardio equipment has its own characteristics, pros and cons. In addition, the sports equipment market is constantly updated with improved new products. So what do they have in common and how are they different? We offer an introduction to several popular options.

Cardio Hit PFEVEL71216

The hybrid elliptical trainer and stepper of the American brand Pro-Form (ICON) is famous for its compactness, stylish design and silent operation. Pros and advantages:

• magnetic 24-level loading system;
• 32 training programs;
• built-in audio system;
• iFit technology (personal online trainer);
• touch sensors located in the handles;
• PC with LCD screen (pulse reading, speed, time, distance, intensity, calories);
• wheels for moving;
• water bottle and phone holders;
• fan.

The maximum user weight is 115 kg, the simulator itself weighs 74 kg.

Cost – 99,000 rubles. The downside is the high price.

Step Metalsport S600

Professional elliptical stepper from Italy. It has:

• 25 programs;
• 16 load levels;
• PC and console display made of aluminum (heart rate, speed, distance, calories, watts);
• wide tilt steering wheel with sensors;
• anti-corrosion protection of parts, frame steel – 4 mm;
• Self voltage generation system (does not require connection to the power grid).

The weight of the simulator is 65 kg, maximum user weight is 180 kg. The cost is above 100,000 rubles.

The main disadvantage is the high cost and rather large dimensions (100x107 cm with a height of 180 cm).

Hop-Sport HS-025C Cruze

The machine of the Hop-Sport brand (Germany) is equipped with a magnetic loading system - maximum benefit with relatively little effort.

The model also has:

• 8 load adjustment options;
• frame made of durable steel, built-in heart rate sensor on the steering wheel;
• PC with parameters of distance, speed, calories burned, heart rate, training time;
• works quietly and smoothly, stride length – 36 cm;
• stylish design and relative compactness (50x100 cm, height – 142 cm).

The ellipse weighs 23 kg and can withstand a load of 120 kg. Cost - about 14,000 rubles.

The best option for practicing at home

Which exercise machine is best to buy for your home depends on several factors. This is the amount of money you can spend on a purchase. If the amount is small, it is better to buy a stepper. To do this you will need from 3.5 thousand rubles. If your budget is not limited, it is better to choose an elliptical trainer. It will help to better work out all muscle groups in the complex.

But first you need to decide where it can be installed, because the ellipsoid requires more space. The stepper is easier to move to another place.

What is more effective and better for losing weight?

So, Broad Bone is ready to determine what is better and more effective for your weight loss: an ellipse or a path?

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness published the results of an interesting study by Irish scientists. It focused on the bottom-line results that the vast majority of people who exercise care most about: getting fit and losing weight. Three experimental groups, each of which included 8 women, were engaged in fitness for 12 weeks according to a special program using various types of exercise equipment: an ellipsoid, a treadmill and a stair stepper.

As a result, participants in all three groups showed equal improvements in their cardiovascular health and decreased body fat. So for fat burning there are no fundamental differences between the mentioned exercise machines.

The most effective thing is to move and eat less