Elliptical Machine vs Step Machine
Maximizing Your Cardio Workout Plan
Contents
Elliptical Machine burns more per minute than Step Machine — MET 8 vs 7. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Customize Your Cardio Workout: Explore the Benefits of Elliptical Machine and Step Machine for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Elliptical Machine vs Step Machine : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Elliptical Machine more often — 1,438 sessions compared to 642 for Step Machine.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Elliptical Machine and Step Machine differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Elliptical Machine and Step Machine Differ
| What differs | Elliptical Machine | Step Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps | quads, hamstrings, and glutes |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,438 sessions | 642 sessions |
How to Elliptical Machine
Elliptical Machine muscles worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Face forward and keep your waist and head straight.
- 2. Keep your shoulders back, chest out, and lightly grip the handle.
- 3. Be careful not to let your knees go past your toes.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your waist.
- 2. Please be careful not to lean your body to one side.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Elliptical Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Elliptical Machine Guide page of our blog!
How to Step Machine
Step Machine muscles worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Place your foot on the pedal and hold the handlebar while standing.
- 2. Press down on the pedal with one foot at a time to take steps.
- 3. Move in a steady rhythm and do not bend your knees too much.
Coach's Comment
- Be careful not to let your knees go past your toes, and lift your feet completely.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Step Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Step Machine Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Elliptical Machine or Step Machine?
Planfit users log Elliptical Machine more often — 1,438 sessions against 642 for Step Machine. Both train Cardio, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Elliptical Machine and Step Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Elliptical Machine loads quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps, and Step Machine loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
What equipment do Elliptical Machine and Step Machine need?
Elliptical Machine needs a machine, and Step Machine needs a machine.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

