StairMaster vs Elliptical: Best Muscle Building Machine

Key Takeaways

• The StairMaster focuses on lower body muscles.
• Ellipticals engage arms, chest, shoulders, and legs for balanced muscle development.
• Ellipticals are gentler on knees, hips, and ankles, which is especially suitable for those with joint issues.
• Both the StairMaster and the elliptical raise the heart rate and improve cardio health.

StairMaster vs Elliptical: Which One is Better to Build Muscles?

The StairMaster and elliptical are popular cardio machines. They each build muscles in different ways.

The StairMaster generally offers a more targeted and intense workout for the lower body. It simulates the action of climbing stairs, which requires you to lift your body weight with each step, directly engaging and strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. This repeated motion under resistance is particularly effective for building muscle mass and tone in these areas.

On the other hand, the elliptical provides a lower-impact workout that engages both the upper and lower body but with less intensity when it comes to muscle building. It works the legs, glutes, and some upper body muscles.

At SOLE Fitness, we’re proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes. Featured Products SOLE Ellipticals: Priced from $1,199.99, SOLE ellipticals are known for their ergonomic design, durability, and affordability. They provide a quiet, smooth workout with intuitive consoles, adjustable stride lengths, incline options, and heart rate monitoring, ensuring a comprehensive exercise experience.

Note: The prices mentioned above are based on the information provided at the time of writing and are subject to change over time and across different locations.

StairMaster vs Elliptical: Muscles Targeted

Muscle Group	StairMaster	Elliptical
Quads	Pushed hard as you climb each step, helping to extend your knee.	Get a workout as you push the pedals forward.
Glutes	Engaged each time you step up, working to extend and stabilize your hips.	Engaged as you extend your hips with each stride.
Hamstrings	Worked during the climb, helping with knee flexion and hip extension.	Activated when you pull the pedals back.
Calves	Engaged as you push off each step, important for lifting your body weight.	Help with the push-off phase of the elliptical motion.
Biceps & Triceps	N/A	Get a good workout as you push and pull the handles.
Pectorals (Chest muscles)	N/A	Join the action when you push the handles.
Deltoids (Shoulder muscles)	N/A	Worked during the arm movements.

Benefits of StairMaster

• Improves Lower Body Strength: Regular use helps with leg muscle strength and endurance.
• Cardiovascular Health: Raises your heart rate, improving cardiovascular fitness.
• Calorie Burning: Climbing stairs is a good way to burn calories.

Benefits of Elliptical

• Full-Body Workout: Engages both upper and lower body muscles for balanced muscle development.
• Low Impact: The smooth, gliding motion reduces strain on your joints—perfect for people with injuries or arthritis.
• Cardiovascular Health: Raises your heart rate, boosting cardiovascular fitness.
• Calorie Burning: A full-body workout burns more calories, helping with muscle definition.
• Variety of Programs: Many ellipticals come with preset programs to keep your workouts varied and interesting.

StairMaster vs Elliptical: Muscle Building

StairMaster: This machine is good for building lower body strength, targeting quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. If you’re focused on toning and strengthening your legs, this is the way to go.

Elliptical: This machine offers a balanced workout by engaging both upper and lower body muscles, excellent for overall muscle development and cardiovascular fitness. Its low-impact design is gentle on your joints.

StairMaster vs Elliptical: Which Machine Fits Your Goals?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of how the StairMaster and elliptical stack up:

Feature	StairMaster	Elliptical
Muscles Targeted	Lower Body (Quads, Glutes, Hamstrings, Calves)	Full Body (Quads, Glutes, Hamstrings, Calves, Biceps, Triceps, Pectorals, Deltoids)
Impact on Joints	High	Low
Cardiovascular Benefits	High	High
Calorie Burning	High. A 155-pound person burns 216 calories in 30 minutes.	High. A 155-pound person burns 324 calories in 30 minutes.
Workout Variety	Moderate	High (Preset programs)

Which Machine is Best for Beginners?

The elliptical is often the better choice for beginners. It provides a low-impact workout that’s easier on the joints and is simpler to use. The machine’s smooth, gliding motion reduces the risk of injury. Just starting your fitness journey? We recommend the SOLE E25.

SOLE Ellipticals: Your Go-To for Muscle-Building Cardio

While the StairMaster is good for lower body strength, the elliptical is your best bet for a low-impact, full-body workout.

Whether you’re looking to sculpt your body with the E25 or E35 series, or experience the top-tier features of our E95, E95S, and E98 models, we’ve got your back. Our machines offer customizable resistance, whisper-quiet motion, and advanced technology to ensure a smooth, engaging workout every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Machine Is Better to Build Muscle?
Both machines are effective for muscle building, but they target different muscle groups. For a balanced, full-body workout, go with the elliptical.

Is the Elliptical Better for Joint Health?
Yes, the elliptical is better for joint health. Its low-impact design is gentler on the knees, hips, and ankles, making it a good option if you have joint issues or are recovering from injuries.

How Many Calories Can I Burn on a StairMaster vs an Elliptical?
The elliptical burns more calories than the StairMaster. For example, a 155-pound person can burn around 324 calories in 30 minutes on an elliptical, compared to 216 calories on a StairMaster.

What Makes the Elliptical the Better Choice for Beginners?
The elliptical is recommended for beginners because it is simple to use. Its smooth, gliding motion reduces the risk of injury, making it perfect for those new to exercise.

Why Should I Choose a SOLE Elliptical?
SOLE ellipticals are designed for both comfort and performance, offering customizable resistance, whisper-quiet operation, and advanced technology for an engaging workout.