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Elliptical trainers and steppers are both great exercise machines for engaging in a low-impact cardio workout.

However, both of these cardio machines provide their own set of unique benefits and disadvantages. So which one of these machines is the right one for you?

This is why we at Akfit are here to help! Since 1989, Akfit has operated as a Canadian specialty fitness store in Sudbury, Ontario. We sell a large inventory of fitness equipment and fitness related products and we work closely with our clients in northern Ontario, the rest of Canada, and beyond. 

One of the many topics our clients want to know more about is the differences between ellipticals and steppers. Ultimately, the machine that is right for you depends on your fitness goals, budget, and your health. However, we at Akfit offer professional fitness advice to help you narrow down your purchasing decisions. 

At Akfit we sell a large inventory of elliptical machines and steppers. In this article, we are going to explore the differences between these machines and the unique benefits they provide. 

In this article:

1. What is a Traditional Elliptical?
2. Benefits of Using a Traditional Elliptical
3. Cons of Elliptical Trainers
4. Cost of Ellipticals at Akfit
5. What is a Stepper?
6. Benefits of Using a Stepper
7. Cons of Steppers
8. Cost of Steppers at Akfit
9. Reach Out to Akfit

What is a Traditional Elliptical?

A traditional elliptical trainer is usually what most people think of when you mention “elliptical.” They are common cardio machines that allow the user to emulate the motion of running or walking but in an elongated cycle. 

On a traditional elliptical, you place your feet on two different pedals and move at a speed at a speed you feel comfortable with. With your feet placed firmly on the pedals, you can move in either forwards or backward motion. 

Traditional elliptical trainers also have arm handles attached to the pedals. With this, the arms moves in unison with the legs to create a push and pull motion. Utilizing the handles provides an upper-body workout along with a lower-body workout. 

Traditional elliptical trainers commonly feature a variety of incline and resistance levels so you can raise the intensity of your cardio workout. The incline and intensity you choose should match your comfort level while aligning with your fitness goals.

Pros of Traditional Elliptical Trainers

With any type of fitness equipment, there are some pros and cons to consider. Traditional elliptical trainers are no exception. 

Here are some of the benefits they present. 

1) Ellipticals Provide a Low-Impact Workout

While the motion of an elliptical trainer presents a bigger learning curve than using a treadmill or an exercise bike, traditional ellipticals are still a relatively ideal cardio machine for beginners. 

Traditional ellipticals will also utilize a lot of momentum generated by your workout to keep your elongated movement going, especially when you use the arms on the side. This can provide you with a very easy-to-perform full-body workout. 

2) Provide a Full-Body Workouts 

As previously mentioned, traditional ellipticals provide users with a full-body workout. While utilizing the arm handles on the side in unison with your lower-body movements, you can work out your chest, shoulders, and chest. 

3) Traditional Ellipticals Can Rotate Backwards

While moving forward on an elliptical may be more common, utilizing the backward motion has many benefits as well. 

When you move backward on an elliptical, you can actually work out your hamstring and calve muscles as well.

Cons of Traditional Elliptical Trainers

In contrast, traditional ellipticals also provide a few downsides in comparison to steppers. 

1) An Elliptical Does A Lot of the Work for You

As previously mentioned, ellipticals utilize the momentum of your movements  making them a beginner-friendly machine. While this may be considered a pro to some, it can also be considered a con to others. 

Relying too heavily on the momentum created from the elongated cycle movement can result in less muscle development than you are seeking. 

This doesn’t mean that you can’t perform a high-intensity workout on an elliptical machine, but if you have an advanced fitness level and are looking for a challenge, the elliptical may fall short. 

Further, you may also find yourself falling into a rhythm of low-resistance workouts if you become too comfortable with the elliptical momentum.

2) Elliptical Trainers Require A Lot of Floor Space

While these machines are common in many commercial facilities, if you are looking to save on some floor space in your home, an elliptical might not be practical in terms of size. In contrast, a stepper may be the way to go. 

With that being said, this doesn’t mean steppers aren’t big machines either. It is always important to measure your workout area before purchasing any fitness equipment. 

3) The Learning Curve

Even though we mentioned elliptical trainers are good machines for beginners, there is still a bigger learning curve to overcome with an elliptical compared to using a stepper. 

The elongated motion of an elliptical is more foreign compared to the continuous action of stepping upstairs. If you are unable to adjust to the motion of an elliptical machine, you may struggle to target the muscle groups your want to develop. 

Cost of an Elliptical at Akfit

At Akfit, we sell a variety of elliptical machines and they range in cost from $1,198 to $3,048.

What is a Stepper Machine?

A stepper machine (also known as a stair stepper or cardio climber), is another type of fitness equipment that can provide a quality low-impact cardiovascular workout.

Depending on the style of stepper you purchase, these machines require the user to move their legs on either two separate platforms or on a moving staircase at a speed that is comfortable for the user.

Utilizing a stepper machine forces the user to move their lower body on a strict incline during their cardio workout, ultimately resulting in a step aerobic style workout. 

Many of these machines also feature handles to help support you on your climb, but they don’t move in an elongated cycle like the arms on an elliptical would. 

Benefits of Using a Stepper Machine

In comparison to using and owning an elliptical, utilizing a stepper has some of its own unique advantages. 

1) Stepper Machines Work Your Lower-Body Harder

If your cardio goals aren’t just related to burning calories and body fat, you may find more benefit from using a stair stepper. 

Steppers require more effort in your lower body, and thus, build more strength in lower body muscle groups such as quadriceps, glutes, calves, and hamstrings. 

In contrast, when using an elliptical, you really need to up the resistance to match the intensity a stepper would put on your lower body.

2) Steppers Take up Less Floor Space

If you are looking to maximize your floor space in a home-gym environment, while also seeking a strong cardiovascular workout, then a stepper may be the choice for you.

Cardio steppers often require less floor space in comparison to an elliptical machine. This is because these machines are designed for more vertical movement compared to the elongated cycle of an elliptical trainer.

3) Steppers Also Provide a Quality Low-Impact Workout

Utilizing a stepper can also be very suitable for your joints on top of strengthening your lower body. 

While using a stepper, you won’t have to put as much strain on your bones and joints in comparison to a machine that involves a high-impact workout. 

Just like ellipticals, this means a stepper machine is also a quality machine you can use while recovering from an injury. 

Cons of Stepper Machines

While the stepper is a machine that will develop your lower-body muscle and endurance more than utilizing an elliptical, this doesn't mean they don’t have their downsides as well. 

1) Steppers Only Target Your Lower-Body

If you are regularly using stepper as your main source of cardio exercise, you could be missing out on engaging your upper body. 

On an elliptical, the movement of the legs in unison with the arm handles provides a full-body workout. While it may not be as intense of a workout as stepper may provide, a stepper will not target your upper body. 

2) Steppers Can Require A Lot of Vertical Space

While there are many steppers that are the same height as traditional ellipticals, and there are even mini steppers on the market, some may require a lot of vertical space. 

A climb mill or stair climber, for example, tend to be significantly taller machines than ellipticals. 

With this, it’s important to consider which machine is right for you and your workout goals and to also measure your workout area. 

3) You May Not Burn as Many Calories on a Stepper

If burning calories is one of your main objectives in your fitness routines, elliptical machines and stepper machines are both a great choice. 

However, utilizing a stepper machine may not burn as many calories as using an elliptical. 

It is important to note that the amount of calories you burn depends highly on the intensity of your workout and how much effort you want to put in. Compared to an elliptical, burning calories on a stepper relies heavily on the use of your lower body at the expense of your upper body. The same level of intensity on a stepper compared to your elliptical workout may result in less calories burned. 

Cost of A Stepper at Akfit

At Akfit, we sell a variety of steppers, and they range in cost from $1,398 to $4,848.

Reach Out to Akfit

When it comes to finding the proper fitness equipment, it can be difficult to know what to invest in. This is why we are here to help!

Since 1989, Akfit has operated as a Canadian fitness specialty store located in Sudbury, Ontario. We serve our local communities in northern Ontario, the rest of Canada, and beyond. 

At Akfit, we would love to help you find the cardio machine that is the perfect fit, whether you are looking for a stepper, an elliptical, or even an exercise bike or a treadmill.

To get started, check out our Best Selling Cardio Equipment at Akfit.

You can always visit us in-store at our Sudbury location, or you can book a virtual consultation with us to discuss your questions about our fitness equipment selection. 

Our fitness professionals pride themselves on helping you find the right equipment to reach your fitness goals. 

We don’t just serve residential clients either! If you operate a commercial fitness facility and need help finding the proper fitness equipment, you can always check out our commercial gym services. 

If you have already decided on the fitness equipment you wish to purchase, you can also request a delivery and installation here. We also offer equipment servicing and preventative maintenance plans designed to increase the longevity of your fitness equipment. 

Whatever your fitness-related goals may be, we are always happy to help you achieve them