StairMaster vs. Treadmill

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Published on Tuesday, 11 March 2014 22:51

Written by Kelsey Joyce

StairMaster vs. Treadmill 

So, we can all attest to the fact that just about any amount of activity done on the StairMaster (rolling stairs) is substantially more difficult than that of any activity done on the treadmill (even sprints in some cases).  While intensities could be simulated from one to the other we are not concerned with this aspect of the comparison.  For the purpose of this article we want to look at how the treadmill and StairMaster differ in terms of the energy requirements needed to use them.  This will be relevant and applicable to any weight loss program.

So, why does one feel that one is inherently more difficult than the other?  The importance here, is to look at how, mathematically, work is calculated.  Work being defined as “effort expended to accomplish something; in terms of physics, force times distance” (Williamson, Anderson & Rawson, 2013, pg 646).  By calculating work, one can indirectly figure caloric expenditure.  

Essentially, more work, equals more calories burned.  Work is equal to force multiplied by distance, more specifically vertical distance.  This is a very important factor in relation to our comparison between the treadmill and the StairMaster.  To calculate the specific work done by a person, say going up the stairs, we must know the weight of that person and the vertical distance through which they have moved.  

For example, a person weighing 121 lbs. or 55kg multiplied by the vertical distance traveled, say 17 meters, this would equal 935kgm or 129.32 foot-pounds (935kgm/7.23) or 95.41 joules (935kgm/9.8).  Joules and foot-pounds are simply different units to express work.  

For the purpose of this article, the units and translation of the units into a specific number of calories is irrelevant; however, the two main points here are to simply understand that more work is equal to more calories burned and work can be increased by increasing the vertical distance traveled.  Therefore, by default a treadmill, having no vertical incline or vertical distance traveled, the StairMaster automatically “takes the cake” in amount of work done per the same weight person and time period.

It could then be argued that the incline that a treadmill can be subjected to could be a substitute for the vertical distance of the stairs.  However, it is important to note here that the virtual vertical distance traveled on a treadmill on an incline is still less than the virtual vertical distance achieved by the StairMaster, thus less work is ultimately done, translating into less calories burned in the same time period on a treadmill as opposed to a StairMaster.  

Not to mention most people are hanging on for dear life at any incline of the treadmill, let alone a full grade incline, allowing less work to actually be carried out by the larger muscle groups, also translating into less of a caloric burn.  It is also important to notice the difference between displacement and distance.  The term “virtual distance” in place of actual vertical distance is used here because the person has achieved no vertical distance; however, the work can technically still be calculated.  Displacement, not to be confused with distance, is a term more likely used when referring to horizontal measures of travel and is also more concerned with the ending position related to the starting position of an object.  

While it is often left up to you as to your preference as to which cardio equipment to use, maybe next time you will consider this article when you make your choice.  If you normally use the treadmill, maybe try switching it up and giving the StairMaster a shot.  If your time is limited you can potentially burn more calories in the same time frame than your typical “run of the mill” treadmill bout of exercise.  

Sources and Photo Credits

Williams, M. H., Anderson, D. E., & Rawson, E. S. (2013). Nutrition for health, fitness & sport. (Tenth Edition ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2010/03/10/the-physics-of-an-inclined-tre/

http://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2013/03/18/content-marketing-versus-public-relations

http://chocolate-cheese-and-wine.com/2012/02/19/workout-stair-master-challenge/

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