A stepper machine essentially is a never ending, rotating staircase. The user simply climbs the stairs for as long as their workout lasts. Handles are provided for balance. Most individuals have come across stairs before so using this type of machine comes naturally.

Steppers provide a good workout without putting too much pressure on your joints and bones. It is a great way to exercise by lifting your body weight rhythmically using a single leg at a time, and works to tone legs and buttocks as well as improving lung fitness.

The stepper mainly works the muscles in your legs. Main muscles used are the thigh muscles but calves, hip muscles and gluts also get worked out. Within about a month of regular use you should notice thighs and legs becoming more toned.

An elliptical trainer typically uses footpads that travel elliptically under operator pressure and poles that are operated by the arms and shoulders. The poles and footpads are operated in sync with each other to provide a full body workout. The margins of difference will be minimal but generally elliptical trainers demand upper and lower body co-ordination while steppers only demand lower body only, and are easier to use.

In terms of muscle workout, elliptical tend to work out the same muscles as steppers and more. Given that there is the additional upper body movement, the elliptical machines will exercise calves, thighs, hips and gluts as well as arms, shoulders and upper chest.