Elliptical Machine vs Step Mill
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Step Mill burns more per minute than Elliptical Machine — MET 10 vs 8. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Elliptical Machine and Step Mill and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Elliptical Machine vs Step Mill: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Step Mill more often — 16,351 sessions compared to 1,438 for Elliptical Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Elliptical Machine and Step Mill differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Elliptical Machine and Step Mill Differ
| What differs | Elliptical Machine | Step Mill |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps | quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,438 sessions | 16,351 sessions |
How to Do 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 Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your waist.
- 2. Please be careful not to lean your body to one side.
For a full Elliptical Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Elliptical Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Step Mill
Step Mill Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Place your foot on the stairs and hold onto the handrail.
- 2. Move your feet as if you are climbing the stairs, one foot at a time.
- 3. Proceed with a steady rhythm each time you fully step down.
Coach's Tips
- Step fully and be careful not to strain your knees.
For a full Step Mill guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Step Mill exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Elliptical Machine or Step Mill?
Planfit users log Step Mill more often — 16,351 sessions against 1,438 for Elliptical 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 Mill work the same muscles?
Not quite. Elliptical Machine loads quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps, and Step Mill loads quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves.
What equipment do Elliptical Machine and Step Mill need?
Elliptical Machine needs a machine, and Step Mill needs a machine.
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