Anyone who has exercised for any period of time has either used or heard of the stair master, and it goes without saying that everyone understands what running is. Though which of these exercises is more effective when it comes to overall fitness and weight loss? Although the definitive answer may be that it does not matter and if you work hard they are both effective, I think we can be a bit more creative than that. I will be referring to the air climber throughout this review, simply because that is the stepper I use in my home.
For starter it is important to look at the effects on your body that both exercises have. I have not talking about the health effects, I am talking about the toll that it takes. You see running is a pounding on your knees and lower body joints, which can make it painful and offer health problems down the road. Stepping on the other hand is a much more fluid and low impact type of workout, considering that you are either stepping at your own pace on a traditional machine or simply stepping on air with something like the air climber aerobic stepper. Thus I would recommend the air climber if you are looking to save your joints.
Moving past the join discussion, its important to point out the effects each device has on weight loss. Although I do not have any scientific data, I for one believe that using a stair master at a high intensity is far more beneficial than running. Obviously if you are running 5+ miles per day however, you are getting a great workout and assuming your knees are holding up, their is no need to change. For the average gym goer however I would personally recommend the stair master.
Like I said in the beginning however, its important that regardless of what device you ultimately choose that you are working hard, and doing so as often as possible. Whichever you choose, Good Luck and Happy Exercising!
