StairMaster vs. Treadmill

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science Alexander Rothstein, Ed.D., is one of several experts quoted in a Men’s Journal article comparing the stairclimbing machine (StairMaster) to the treadmill. While stairclimbing machines challenge the body to perform both horizontal and vertical displacement, as each step requires the body to overcome gravity, using the treadmill with an incline setting can be more beneficial to those with joint issues.

“Using the treadmill on an incline [also] reduces the amount of impact force you experience when your foot strikes the ground, so you can get a challenging workout while reducing overall musculoskeletal stress,” said Rothstein.

Ultimately, he recommends gymgoers use the option they most enjoy, which will increase their motivation to continue exercising, but challenge the body from time to time by adding in the other machine as a form of cross-training.