Incline Treadmill Running vs Step Mill

Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?

Contents

Incline Treadmill Running and Step Mill are close in use — 16,351 vs 9,988 sessions logged. What separates them is Cardio loading and form.

Compare the benefits of Incline Treadmill Running and Step Mill and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.

Incline Treadmill Running 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 9,988 for Incline Treadmill Running.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Incline Treadmill Running 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 Incline Treadmill Running and Step Mill Differ

What differsIncline Treadmill RunningStep Mill
Difficulty1 of 51 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users9,988 sessions16,351 sessions

Related comparisons

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How to Do Incline Treadmill Running

Incline Treadmill Running demo video

Incline Treadmill Running Muscles Worked: Cardio

Form

  1. 1. Set the treadmill incline and stand on the belt.
  2. 2. Jog lightly while swinging your arms naturally.
  3. 3. Run at a steady pace while using your knees and ankles properly.

Coach's Tips

  1. Be careful not to lean your body backward when increasing the incline.

For a full Incline Treadmill Running guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Treadmill Running exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Incline Treadmill Running?Exercise Guide

How to Do Step Mill

Step Mill demo video

Step Mill Muscles Worked: Cardio

Form

  1. 1. Place your foot on the stairs and hold onto the handrail.
  2. 2. Move your feet as if you are climbing the stairs, one foot at a time.
  3. 3. Proceed with a steady rhythm each time you fully step down.

Coach's Tips

  1. 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.

Want to learn more about Step Mill?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Cardio, Incline Treadmill Running or Step Mill?

Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Cardio, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

What equipment do Incline Treadmill Running and Step Mill need?

Incline Treadmill Running needs a machine, and Step Mill needs a machine.

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