Are you confused about choosing between walking and using the Stairmaster at the gym? The Stairmaster is a machine that mimics climbing stairs, so the movement feels just like going up a staircase.
Both walking and the Stairmaster count as cardio, so which one burns fat? Addressing this confusion, which Atlanta-based fitness trainer Bobby gets a lot, he shared that it actually depends on both people having very different reactions to how their body responds to it.
He clarified an important misconception. Fat loss does not come from choosing which is the ‘harder-looking’ workout, but rather knowing how it impacts your heart rate, stress levels and recovery. He said, “Both help with fat loss, but they affect your body very differently.”
Stairmaster
Stairmaster is often seen as a ‘rapid fat loss’ machine because of the intensity that many people underestimate. Coach Bobby revealed it may not be best for everyday use or for everyone.
He explained, “The stairmaster is intense; your heart rate jumps fast, and it’s a little harder on your joints. And for a lot of busy, stressed adults, they could spike your cortisol and have you drained for the rest of the day.” So for people who are already overwhelmed, this level of intensity may do more harm than good. They are left feeling sore and fatigued.
Walking
But the coach gave points to walking because of its simplicity, sustainability and the way it supports long-term fat loss.
“Walking is the opposite: lower heart rate, lower stress, and easy on the joints, and most people can do it every day without feeling beat up. Fat loss comes from consistency, not punishment,” he explained. Further coach also shed light on walking’s impact on emotional wellbeing, lowering anxiety and clearing the head.
Walking is gentle and most importantly repeatable, the kind you can stick to day after day, as you are not left sore. That consistency is essential for fat loss. “When you are juggling kids, work, stress, life. The best cardio isn’t that one that kills you. It’s the one that keeps your mood steady and your joints feeling good and keeps you showing up tomorrow and day after that,” the coach added.
So fat loss is also about showing up regularly and choosing movements that help you stay consistent with your workouts and your diet. When your routine feels manageable instead of overwhelming, it becomes easy, and you actually see progress.