Treadmill Running vs Step Mill
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Step Mill burns more per minute than Treadmill Running — MET 10 vs 9. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Treadmill Running and Step Mill and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Treadmill Running vs Step Mill: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Treadmill Running more often — 52,244 sessions compared to 16,351 for Step Mill.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. 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 Treadmill Running and Step Mill Differ
| What differs | Treadmill Running | Step Mill |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves | quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 52,244 sessions | 16,351 sessions |
How to Do Treadmill Running
Treadmill Running Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Adjust the speed and incline on the treadmill, hold onto the handles, and start slowly.
- 2. Once you reach your desired speed, run while swinging your arms naturally.
- 3. At the end of your workout, reduce the speed, and get off once the treadmill has completely stopped.
Coach's Tips
- If your knees are not good, do not raise the angle, hold onto the handrail, and walk slowly.
For a full Treadmill Running guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Treadmill Running 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, Treadmill Running or Step Mill?
Planfit users log Treadmill Running more often — 52,244 sessions against 16,351 for Step Mill. Both train Cardio, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Treadmill Running and Step Mill work the same muscles?
Not quite. Treadmill Running loads quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves, and Step Mill loads quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves.
What equipment do Treadmill Running and Step Mill need?
Treadmill Running needs a machine, and Step Mill needs a machine.
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